Journey to the Cutting Edge of Science: Students Explore Nuclear Science at CERN

Earlier this month, twelve Year 12 students had the incredible opportunity to visit Switzerland as part of their Science collaboration project. This trip allowed them to explore CERN, a leading institution in the field of physics, and offered our Science students a remarkable opportunity to witness firsthand the practical applications of the knowledge they've learned at DCB. While understanding theories is undoubtedly important, seeing how people put that into action through groundbreaking ways,  such as the deeper application of physics, surpassed our imaginations and left a lasting impact on all of us - teachers included!

Students’ experiences:

The journey was packed with amazing experiences, leaving the students with unforgettable memories. It was heartening to see students demonstrate independence and form bonds with peers they might not usually interact with.

Here are a few highlights shared by the students:

Robin P:

“(It) was a whirlwind of fun and fascinating experiences. The journey began with a walking tour around the city of Geneva, learning the history Geneva and important sites. Next, we explored the marvels of science at CERN. The guided tour around CERN included visit to antimatter factory, the first particle accelerator, models of the current particle accelerator and exhibitions. This tour was both educational and thrilling, sparking our curiosity about the universe’s mysteries. A visit to the Lake Geneva was absolutely refreshing. We enjoyed a boat cruise around the lake, surrounded by picturesque mountains and charming lakeside villages. The vibrant atmosphere and serene beauty of the lake set the perfect tone for our trip. For the tip to Mont Blanc, we took the cable car up to the pinnacle, where the panoramic views of the French Alps left us breathless. Even though some of the students had difficulties due to the lack of oxygen, most of the students managed to climb up to the top of the mountain. The Patek Philippe Museum was a delightful journey through the history of watchmaking. We marvelled at the intricate designs and craftsmanship of the exquisite timepieces, appreciating the art and precision involved in each creation. It was a fascinating blend of history and luxury. Every moment in this trip was filled with fun, learning, and breath-taking sights, making it a truly memorable trip. Personally, this trip felt like a reward for the first year of IB I have undergone and serves as a motivation for the remaining year of IB.”

Lana N:

“Our tour began with a guided city walk, where we learned about the rich history of Geneva. We discovered how the city's trading and religious past influenced its contemporary role as an international hub, home to the UN headquarters and the Red Cross. We visited the Patek Philippe Museum on our last evening in Geneva. Not only was I amazed by the brilliance of the Swiss watches on display and their history, but I also learned how the development of a watch is an intersection between creative art, handcrafting skills and engineering. This trip truly illustrated the connection between the past and present, blending history, science, and art in an inspiring way. In my opinion, the highlight of the trip was the visit to CERN. We saw the synchrocyclotron collider (no longer in operation) and entered the antiproton decelerator hall where many current experiments are run. Physicists working at CERN explained to us in detail the purpose and technology behind these running experiments. I was particularly intrigued by the number of things a designer of the collider must consider -- not only physics but also geographical location, costs, maintenance, and safety, etc.”

Daniel L:

“Each day we explored the different edges of the city learning about its history such as when we visited the Cathedrale St. Pierre and understood the story that resulted in Geneva being the international city it is today; or in the Patek Philip Museum where I learnt about the journey of watch-making artistry tied so strongly to the country of Switzerland. Through this week of adventure, I felt a deeper connection to the city (so much so that I didn’t want to leave but alas) and more knowledgeable as a global citizen. Of course, it would be a crime not to talk about the highlight of the trip: CERN. The facility is exactly what you’d expect: the pinnacle of scientific exploration as well as a goldmine of history. In our tour, we explored the different stages of development the faculty went through as well as a quick snippet into nuclear research. The trip was packed tight with so many great activities, and it was just a blast. Of course, the trip couldn’t have happened without Ms Crowie, Mr Were, and Ms Li who meticulously planned such an amazing trip”

Throughout the trip, the students not only engaged with new cultures and experiences but also bonded with each other, making lifelong memories. They tackled new challenges, whether trying unfamiliar foods or working with new friends to complete their science projects. We are deeply grateful to the parents for entrusting us with their children. It was a joy to witness their growth and enthusiasm. We eagerly anticipate the prospect of establishing this as an annual tradition at DCB, fostering greater collaboration among students across the sciences and encouraging their exploration within various scientific disciplines.

Once again, heartfelt thanks to our exceptional students for their outstanding conduct, ensuring a safe and enjoyable trip for all. Each of you played an important role, making this journey possible. May the memories forged in Switzerland accompany you for a lifetime, serving as inspiration for your future endeavours.