Prime-time quize makes learning science fun
By Sri Ramadani
JAKARTA (JP): Learn physics, chemistry and biology and have fun! That's the idea behind the Indosat Galileo Quiz (SCTV, Sunday, 8:30 p.m.)
The quiz informs the audience about various theories; such as the those behind movement, kinetics, pressure, weights, the characteristics of chemical elements, energy catalysts, animal behavior etc. It sounds boring, but the show can also be entertaining as all theory is presented with demonstrations, which are sometimes amazing and sometimes... not.
Question: There are three bottles of water. If we want to pour out the water, how could we do it in the fastest way? Choose: a) just turn the bottle upside down; b) shake the bottle first and then turn it upside down; c) shake it while turning it upside down.
Answer: c. The circulation of the air in the bottle becomes "perfect" because, by shaking it in an upside down position, there will be more air coming into the bottle. In other words, the water which comes out of the bottle equals the air which comes into the water.
Last Sunday, a child came to the stage, riding a tricycle. As he pushed the pedal downward, the tricycle moved forward. But when he pushed the lower pedal upward, it moved backward.
If the child was replaced with a rope which was tied to the pedals, what would happen? When the rope which was attached to the pedal in the above position was pulled, again the tricycle moved forward. But when the rope attached to the pedal on the lower position was pulled.. the tricycle still moved forward!
Why?
The quiz, hosted by singer Rony Waluyo and model Susan Bachtiar, is divided into four segments. The first three segments feature experiments in physics or chemistry, while the last one features a presentation on animal behavior.
In the last episode, a worm was seen fixing its nest with its saliva. It made use of paper, plastic and wood waste. Which material can't be used to fix the nest?
The answer is: plastic.
Unfortunately, the quiz show gave no further elaboration.
The 30-minute quiz was first aired on May 2, 1999. It is quite popular and usually receives a warm response from the audience. This week is the 63rd episode.
It is sponsored by Indosat and produced jointly by the Marketing and Creative Services Department of SCTV and Yasawirya Tama Cipta production house.
The show is named after the famous scientist, Galileo Galilee, who was born in Italy on Feb. 15, 1564, and invented the thermometer in 1593.
The mascot of Indosat Galileo is a cute bird clad in graduation robes.
If you miss the show, you could go to the Museum of the Center for the Demonstration of Science and Technology at Taman Mini Indonesia Indah, East Jakarta, where you can watch all of the demonstrations as seen on TV.
Why is water held in a kendi (earthenware pitcher) cool? You'll know the fascinating answer next Sunday (July 16).
If you want to take part in the contest or the show, you may contact the Sales Department of SCTV, Wisma Indovision, Fl. 15, Jl. Raya Panjang Blok Z/III, Green Garden, West Jakarta. Phone 582-5858.