Project Sci-nergise: Campus Science Trail 2026
Following the success of its previous Campus Science Trails (CST), Project Sci-nergise recently welcomed a vibrant group of students from Bukit View Secondary School (BVSS) and Hillgrove Secondary School (HGVSS) for its annual immersive CST 2026, held on the NTU campus. Designed to spark curiosity while also offering a firsthand glimpse into university life, this event brought science to life through a series of hands-on laboratory sessions, interactive workshops, and insightful peer mentorship.
The programme began with a visit to the Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) clinic, where the students were welcomed with a gallery tour followed by a sharing session. Participants discovered the unique properties of various herbs and zoological specimens, such as preserved scorpions, while learning about holistic health practices.
Following this, Project Sci-nergise introduced its first-ever Chemistry lab component to the CST. This segment successfully translated secondary school curriculum knowledge about experimental chemistry techniques into real life applications in the lab through a recrystallization experiment. With the guidance of undergraduate teaching assistants, each group successfully produced beautiful crystals while gaining valuable exposure to laboratory equipment, including fume hoods and melting point test apparatus.
Continuing with the success of the CST's Biology lab segment, we prepared Banana DNA Extraction and Gel Electrophoresis activities for our participants. Seeing how they could use household items and their own hands to obtain DNA from bananas was extremely encouraging for the participants. They also had the chance to try their hands on micropipettes and the loading of DNA samples. Our organisers and facilitators provided close support to our participants, ensuring everyone had a positive learning experience.
Participants also gained meaningful takeaways during the activities organised by the Asian School of the Environment. They embarked on an energetic treasure hunt that tested their teamwork, collected water samples to check pH and temperature levels, and dove into a hands-on rock identification workshop. The learning segment was then wrapped up with an engaging Mini Model United Nations debate where students pitched unique environmental solutions, prompting meaningful peer discussions that our facilitators gladly stepped in to support and encourage.
Beyond the structured modules, the students also built meaningful bonds with their seniors during the campus tours and organic peer-to-peer sharing sessions, where they eagerly asked questions about potential academic pathways and future university life.
The CST has always been more than just a science programme. It sparks an interest in science amongst our participants, and brightens university life for our facilitators as they gain a sense of purpose over the CST's 2-days. The organisers wish to thank ASE, SBS, CCEB, and TCM for their strong support as well as each and every student volunteer who helped to make the experience memorable.
