Participating in the Science Club was one of the most rewarding CAS experiences I’ve had. It wasn’t just about doing experiments — it was about discovering more about myself, learning to work with others, and understanding the bigger picture of science in society. Throughout this project, I connected deeply with several IB CAS learning outcomes, and I’d like to share my reflections.
LO 1. Identifying My Strengths and Areas for Personal Growth
When I first joined the Science Club, I was excited to dive into experiments, but I soon realized that leading and explaining ideas wasn’t always easy. For example, during one session, we tried to demonstrate chemical reactions using baking soda and vinegar. While I understood the science well, I noticed some club members struggled to grasp the concepts. I realized I needed to be more patient and find better ways to explain things clearly without sounding rushed or frustrated.
This made me aware that patience and effective communication are areas I could grow in. I started preparing simpler explanations and used visuals to help others understand better. This not only helped the group but also improved my confidence as a leader and communicator.
LO 2. Taking on Challenges and Developing New Skills
One of the biggest challenges was planning and executing experiments with limited resources. For example, when we wanted to test how plants respond to light, we didn’t have advanced equipment. Instead, we designed a simple setup using cardboard boxes and small LED lights to simulate different lighting conditions.
This unfamiliar task pushed me to think creatively about how to design a fair and controlled experiment. I learned to write clear hypotheses, record observations systematically, and analyze results critically. One experiment didn’t work as expected when the plants didn’t respond the way we thought — instead of giving up, I helped the group troubleshoot possible errors in setup, such as inconsistent light exposure or watering.
These experiences helped me develop scientific thinking skills, problem-solving abilities, and perseverance.
LO 3. Initiating and Planning a CAS Experience
I took an active role in organizing the Science Club activities. For example, before each meeting, I would collaborate with others to decide which experiments to try, make a list of materials needed, and delegate tasks like buying supplies or setting up the room.
One memorable project was when we planned a “Science Day” event at school to showcase simple experiments for younger students. I helped draft a timeline for the event, contacted teachers to arrange a venue, and coordinated with club members to prepare demonstrations. Keeping detailed notes on these steps was crucial for smooth execution.
Through this, I gained valuable experience in planning, communication, and teamwork — skills that are essential beyond CAS.
LO 4. Showing Commitment and Perseverance
The Science Club ran for several months, and it wasn’t always easy to keep the momentum going. For example, during exam periods or busy school weeks, attendance would drop, and some experiments had to be postponed.
Despite these challenges, I made it a priority to attend every session and encourage others to stay involved. In one case, when an experiment about water filtration kept failing due to inconsistent water sources, instead of giving up, I spent extra time researching alternative materials and methods to improve the setup. This commitment taught me that perseverance is key to success, especially in science where failure is often part of the learning process.
LO 5. Working Collaboratively and Recognizing the Benefits
Science Club was a team effort from start to finish. For example, when we conducted an experiment on the effects of different liquids on egg shells to simulate erosion, roles were shared — some members measured liquids, others recorded changes, and some took photos to document results.
Collaborating helped us catch mistakes, share ideas, and learn from each other. For instance, a teammate suggested measuring pH levels of liquids, which added a new layer of analysis to our experiment. This would not have been possible alone.
Working together not only made the experiments more thorough but also built friendships and made the experience more enjoyable. I saw firsthand how diverse perspectives can enrich scientific inquiry.
