In term 3, we touched on Chemistry and Biology. I have looked forward to this day ever since I started secondary school. Chemistry is very interesting, it talks about chemicals, reaction and the elements in the world. I was amazed how some chemicals can be of so much use to us. At first, I did not know iodine can be used as an anti-septic lotion, neither did I know magnesium can be used to create distress flames.
Other than that, the experiments in this term were more fufilling. Seperation techniques is not an easy topic to master as it requires alot of memorising and the points in the text books were not easy to comprehend. But the experiments have definitely helped us understand the concepts a lot better.
In conclusion, this term was very fun and I look forward to more experiemts in Term 4.
Tuesday, September 7, 2010
Reflections for Practical 1P2 : Hot stuff
In pratical number 1P2, we finally had the chance to experiment with the bunsen burner. Before that, we were taught how to use it but never had a chance until this lesson.
I felt privileged because we had no chance to do that in primary school. May be the teachers in primary school associated bunsen burner with "playing with fire". I was all eager to try it because as children we were told to stay far far away from fire.
This practical satisfied my craving. But before we started, we had to take various safety precautions like wearing safety goggles.
Everything turned out fine so I guessed schools should start to introduce such experiments to the students in the upper primary once in a while. I believe they will benefit form it.
I felt privileged because we had no chance to do that in primary school. May be the teachers in primary school associated bunsen burner with "playing with fire". I was all eager to try it because as children we were told to stay far far away from fire.
This practical satisfied my craving. But before we started, we had to take various safety precautions like wearing safety goggles.
Everything turned out fine so I guessed schools should start to introduce such experiments to the students in the upper primary once in a while. I believe they will benefit form it.
Reflections for Practical 1P4 : Observing and Recording
Pratical no. 1P4 left a very deep impression on me.
In 1P4, we were asked to follow the steps to do 5 different chemistry experiments and to record our observations on our worksheet. I love laboratory work but this practical was the best so far. It was an eye-opening experience for me.
We did the experiments before Ms Leong taught us the topic which was good because I was more interested and learning more than mere class room lectures. I kept thinking " Why does it react this way? ".
Because I enjoyed doing experiments, I was less afraid of Chemistry now. Before that, I used to hear from the seniors that chemistry is the hardest subject and very difficult to score. The hands-on experience at the laboratory changed my whole perception. Contrary to what the seniors said, chemistry is interesting.
Where the subject is new, I think that the school should look at ways to arouse the students' interest in the subject first. I have benefited and I can't imagine how it would turn out if there was only lectures and no laboratory work for chemistry lessons.
Doing experiment is fun and help me learn better.
In 1P4, we were asked to follow the steps to do 5 different chemistry experiments and to record our observations on our worksheet. I love laboratory work but this practical was the best so far. It was an eye-opening experience for me.
We did the experiments before Ms Leong taught us the topic which was good because I was more interested and learning more than mere class room lectures. I kept thinking " Why does it react this way? ".
Because I enjoyed doing experiments, I was less afraid of Chemistry now. Before that, I used to hear from the seniors that chemistry is the hardest subject and very difficult to score. The hands-on experience at the laboratory changed my whole perception. Contrary to what the seniors said, chemistry is interesting.
Where the subject is new, I think that the school should look at ways to arouse the students' interest in the subject first. I have benefited and I can't imagine how it would turn out if there was only lectures and no laboratory work for chemistry lessons.
Doing experiment is fun and help me learn better.
Sunday, July 11, 2010
Reflections for Term 2
The lessons taught in term 2 are indeed interesting. We learnt the instruments of measurements, the vernier caliper , micrometer screw gauge and the metre rule. We also learnt the SI units and its importance. SI units were created to standardize the measurement. Before this, there was complete chaos. The Egyptians used the length from the elbow to the hand as one cubit. Anyone can spot the loop hole here. When you sell your house, just use a child's arm and you are sure to be a millionaire overnight. Therefore, the king instructed that one cubit would be marked out using his arm. The effects were almost immediate as the Egyptians built the pyramids using this standard unit.
Term 2 has made me realise that many things around me are all science's doing. Sometimes, I imagine, what if there was no SI units, no micrometer screw guage, no vernier calliper, what would the world be like?
Term 2 has made me realise that many things around me are all science's doing. Sometimes, I imagine, what if there was no SI units, no micrometer screw guage, no vernier calliper, what would the world be like?
Reflections for Term 1
In Term 1, we learnt basic science and how science is used in the real world. The topic on Science as an Enquiry is interesting and prepares us for subsequent science topics. In secondary school, we get a chance to do experiment in the Lab. In primary school, we never get to use the bunser burner, let alone experimenting with the chemicals. Before this, I used to think chemicals are fatal stuff.
I also have another discovery. In Secondary School, we do not just memorise important science concepts, we do experiment, see the outcome which help us understood the concepts better. For example, we do not just memorise how a vernier calliper works, we use it to know how it really works. Learning from experiement is a more effective way to learn Science. Now, I am able to see science unfolding infront of me, and not just plain text in textbooks that feeds me with facts after facts. Lab work is an amazing world of Science in action.
I also have another discovery. In Secondary School, we do not just memorise important science concepts, we do experiment, see the outcome which help us understood the concepts better. For example, we do not just memorise how a vernier calliper works, we use it to know how it really works. Learning from experiement is a more effective way to learn Science. Now, I am able to see science unfolding infront of me, and not just plain text in textbooks that feeds me with facts after facts. Lab work is an amazing world of Science in action.
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