Being a science technician

May 22nd, 2009

I have just completed my third week as a science technician. At first I thought that the job would be quite boring, just putting out text books for teachers and bringing them back at the end of the lesson. I have kind of taken over the physics side of the job as my boss doesn’t really like the subject. I am actually a biologist, but have an interest in Physics. I am kind of learning on the job as I am not really sure about some of the experiments. Today I learnt about the Maltese cross experiment, its uses a cathode tube to fire electrons at a piece of metal shaped like a Maltese cross (which is where the experiment gets its name). It makes a shadow on a fluorescence screen. It shows that the electrons travel in a straight line and that they are absorbed by the metal. Unfortunately I could not use a magnet to deflect the electrons as there weren’t any magnets. I couldn’t believe it I was in a post 16 prep room and there wasn’t a single magnet in the place for me to use. At least it will give me something to do when I go back.

I have just broken up for half term and today was an experience. The year elevens “left” today. They are still supposed to be in after half term but I doubt they will. The whole day the whole of year 11 has been like wild animals. They refused to go into lesson preferring to roam the corridors writing on tee shirts, walls, people, anything they could with permanent markers. In the first 2 hours of the day they managed to destroy a stairwell. The head teacher was not pleased. I haven’t ever heard anyone shout so much. Apparently this is a yearly occurrence, but at least it’s going to be a lot quieter from now as there will be no more practical’s for year 11.

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