Term 1 Reflection on topics learnt
Topic 1 (Attitudes of a good scientist)
Today is our very first science lesson and Ms Chia taught us about what kinds of attitudes a scientist should have in order to be successful. This lesson is interesting and I have learnt that being a good scientist is never easy. A scientist should never give up easily and must have determination in order to be successful. Also, a scientist should dream big so that he can work hard towards his/her goal. After today's lesson, Ms Chia gave us a task to do research on a famous scientist. To end of this topic, I have a quote by Albert Einstein: "Imagination is more important than knowledge."
Topic 2 (Safety rules in the lab)
Today we learnt about the Do's and the Don'ts in the science lab. After this lesson, I feel that it is very important to abide by the rules in the science lab. This is because the science lab is a very dangerous place and injuries can easily happen if people are to go against the rules. After today's lesson, we are given an ace homework to draw out a poster about the Do's and Don'ts in the lab.
Topic 3 (Science apparatus used in the lab)
In this topic, we learnt about the names of different apparatus in the lab and the uses of these apparatus. Also, we learnt how to draw these equipment. I feel that we must take special care for these apparatus as they are very fragile and we need them for science experiments and researches. Ms Chia also told us to start memorising the names, uses and drawing of these apparatus as this will be tested in our term test. After today's lesson, I learnt how to handle with different science apparatus.
Topic 4 (Bunsen burner)
Today, our class made a trip to the science lab to study on the topic of Bunsen Burner. We were taught on how to operate the Bunsen burner and the precautions we should take note of. Also, we were taught on the different types of flames. After this lesson, I have learnt how to operate a Bunsen burner during a science experiment.I feel that it is important that we must be very careful when handling the Bunsen burner or else we will get ourselves injured. My sister scald her hand when she did not operate the Bunsen burner properly, thus, I feel that today's lesson is very useful.
Topic 5 (Line graph)
Today we had our term test and after the test, we were taught on how to draw a line graph. I find this lesson very useful as for our future assignments, we were told that we need to draw line graphs. Also, Ms Chia told us that this topic will be tested for next term, thus, we should practice during the holidays. She also mentioned that we will be learning line graph for our Math, thus, I find this lesson helpful.
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Term 2 Reflection on topics learnt
Topic 1 (Physical quantities)
In this topic, we learnt about 6 base units in the SI units. We also learnt about the symbols of these 6 base units. From my point of view, I feel that these 6 base units help a lot in our calculations. For example, during worldwide meetings, they will use these 6 base units. This will allow them to make calculations easier with everyone using the same base units and everyone is able to understand the units used.
Topic 2 (Length and Volume)
In this topic, we learnt about how to measure length and volume. For example, we learnt that vernier calipers and micrometer screw gauge are used to measure diameters of objects. Of course, we also learnt how to operate them. Next, we learnt how to use a micrometer screw gauge, which measures length up to a precision of 0.01mm. Lastly, we were taught on zero error, in which I found quite confusing. After completing several worksheets, I was able to handle this topic quite well. In conclusion, I feel that vernier calipers and micrometer screw gauge are very useful in measuring diameters of objects.
Topic 3 (Density)
We were first taught on how to calculate density in this topic. It was quite easy to handle as I have learnt it before.One thing Ms Chia told us to take note of is to round off densities to 1dp. We also did some worksheets on floating and sinking, in which I also learnt what is Plimsoll line and the use of it. Lastly, I also learnt that sea water has a higher density than pure water because it contains salt and that hot water has a higher density that cold water.
Topic 4 (Classification of matters and the kinetic theory)
This is the last topic we will be learning before our term test. I find this topic difficult and challenging. In this topic, I am able to handle the arrangement and movement of particles in solid, liquid and gas as I was briefed by my teacher in primary school. The challenging part is the evidences of why particles are in a continuous motion and changes of particles when matters change state. For this topic, I asked Ms Chia for some practice worksheets in order to have a better preparation for the upcoming test.
Topic 5 (Elements)
This is the last chapter we learnt before our June holiday. I find this topic one of the most challenging topics I have learnt so far for the year. We were taught on the definition of an element, in which an element is a substance that cannot be split into 2 or more substances by chemical reactions. Ms Chia also taught us on the periodic table. We learnt what is a group and what is a period in the periodic table. Next, we learnt about the classification of elements and physical properties of metallic and non-metallic elements through videos posted by Ms Chia on the Sci Wiki. In conclusion, as I have said earlier, I find this topic challenging as there are many things to learn and memorise. I will be making good use of the upcoming June holiday to memorise the first 20 elements in the periodic table.
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Term 3 Reflection on topics learnt
Topic 1 (Compound and Mixture)
In this topic, we learnt about the characteristics of compounds and mixtures. We also learnt about the 'word equation'. What I found difficult is how to answer questions like why water is a compound and why air is a mixture. There is also a lot of memorising to do, just like the topic on elements. Below shows a table of comparison between elements, compounds and mixtures. This information is gotten from the science worksheet.
| Elements | Compounds | Mixtures |
|---|---|---|
| Made up of only one kind of atom | Different elements combined in a fixed proportion by mass | Components not mixed in any fixed proportion |
| Simplest pure substance | Chemical change occurs when compound is formed | No chemical reaction occurs Little or no heat/light taken in/given out |
| Has properties similar to those of their atoms | Has properties which are different from those of its constituent elements | Has properties of its constituent substances |
| Cannot be broken down by physical or chemical methods | Can only be broken down by chemical methods | Can be separated by physical methods |
In conclusion, this topic is challenging and I hope I can handle it well.
Topic 2 (Solution and suspension)
This topic is the last topic we will be learning before our term test 3. Like the other 2 topics, there is much memorising to do and I am starting to get worried for my test. To summarise, we learnt about what is a solvent and solute, solubility, describing solutions like dilute solution e.g., factors affecting solubility, what is a suspension, differences between solutions and suspensions, common errors, rate of dissolving and finally, factors affecting rate of dissolving. In conclusion, this topic is challenging yet enjoyable, I find that science lab lessons for this topic are very fun.
Topic 3 (Cells, tissues, organs and systems)
This topic is definitely not as easy as I thought. There was much to learn. This topic was first taught when Ms Chia brought my class to the lab. In the lab, we used the microscope to look at onion skin cells and record down the parts of the cell. It was pretty easy as I had learnt this in primary school. Ms Chia then gave us a lecture for the next science lesson. What was taught in this lecture was very complicated. We were taught on the different cell parts. There was much more to learn compared to what was taught in primary school. Later, we were taught on the differences between animal and plant cells and tissues in animals and plant cells. Organ systems were briefly taught too. In conclusion, after learning this topic, I am really worried for the EOY science exam because there is really a lot to learn. Hopefully, I can get exempted for EOY :( ...
Topic 4 (Diffusion and osmosis)
There is not a learn for this topic. To summarise, we learnt about definition of diffusion and its process, definition of osmosis and its process, types of solution, effects of solution and osmosis in living things.I quite like this topic but it is quite complex.
Topic 5 (Photosynthesis)
I feel that this topic is the easiest topic taught for this term. Basically, we are taught on what we were taught in primary school, just that the iodine test procedures taught are more complex. But I am able to handle the procedures well as we were taught during our science lab session by Mr Neo. In conclusion, I am quite confident for this topic.
Topic 6 (Respiration)
This topic is a re-cap for what we were taught in primary school. But there are much more to learn. We learnt about cellular respiration, aerobic respiration, tissue respiration and external respiration. Next, we also learnt about the human respiratory system. In conclusion, this topic is quite fun. I also built a Plasticine modal of a respiratory system and it can be found in the Personal Work Samples in this blog.
