Issues On Science And Reflections On Topics

Issues On Topics Learnt In Term 1

Science and Technology

For this topic, we were basically taught the uses and benefits and limitations of Science and Technology. This subject was pretty easy to understand and I think that it made me realise some quite interesting facts, for example, a chef is actually very related to Science as he needs the knowledge of mixing what together will taste nice, just like a chemist.

1)Is Science really all around us?

Attitudes

For this topic, we were taught what attitudes and mindsets that scientists should possess in order to be successful, which includes not jumping to conclusions et cetera. This topic allows me to gauge whether I have the correct attitude to become a scientist and how should I improve my attitude so that I can work towards being one.

1)We were taught that the attitude of the scientists are so crucial in their success so is there any possibility that without a good one, the scientist would still be able to succeed?

Science Process Skills

For this topic, we were taught about the process skills which include(in order), Observing, Inferring, Measuring, Communicating, Classifying and Predicting. I think that they are actually very crucial in the success of scientists and overall, I think this topic was easy to learn.

1)What is the difference in inferring and predicting?

2)If any of the skills were left out, does that mean that we will not succeed?

Basic Laboratory Orientation
We were taught about the fundamental things about using a bunsen burner. This topic, I would say, focus a lot on remembering the parts of the bunsen burner and how does it work. We were also taught the different types of flame, their characteristics and strike back. This is overall a easy topic and thus, I do not think there are any issues on this topic.

Basic Skills of Plotting A Graph

We were taught about how to plot a graph and Ms Chia gave us some pointers on what we should take note while plotting one. I think that this topic was very vital as in future times to come, we would have to draw lots of graphs to express our results, even in our Projects Competition now.

1)What is so important about underlining the title of the graph?

Use of Measuring Instruments

We were taught how to use and take readings from measuring instruments which includes vernier calipers et cetera. I think that this lesson is required as in our future experiments, we need to know what results we have and most of them through using measuring instrument.

1)Are the instruments supposedly specialised for measuring only some things, for example, the micro-metre screw gauge for the outer diameter of objects?

Physical Quantities and Units
For this topic, we learnt about the appropriate units to use for length, mass, time et cetera and the prefixes. Also, we learnt about the conversion of units. In order to do well for this topic, we would need to remember the index notation of the prefixes, thus the effort that is required to put in is a great deal in order to remember all. As this topic is just memorising methods, units and prefixes, there is no issues.

Mass, Weight and Density
This topic were taught through a online learning platform, therefore, I was quite confused at first and had several questions, but there was no teacher to explain to me, in the end, through seeking help from my peers, I understood what the topic was about. This topic is mainly about the formula of density et cetera and overall, it is quite simple because it is just the calculations that was tedious.

Issues On Topics Learnt In Term 2

Classification of Matter
This topic is about the kinetic particle theory and the Brownian Motion. Basically, we just have to understand and memorise the motion of the particles, definition of diffusion et cetera, which is quite easy to understand and interesting to know. Actually, I am very interested in molecules, atoms, protons, neutrons and others, therefore, this topic was a fun experience for me.

Elements, Mixtures and Compounds
This is the most fundamental topic for Chemistry. We were taught about their differences, definitions and characteristics. Also, the uses of the different elements were also taught. I think that this topic is very enriching as it really taught me a lot. 

1)Since compounds does not possess the properties their elements' properties, then is it possible to have a compound that have both their elements' properties, or even one of it?
2)Why can pure element carbon exists in different forms? 

Solutions and Suspensions
We only went through briefly for this topic for this term, but in term 3, we went into in more deeply and I overall understand what the teacher teaches us, partly because I did a poster related to this for my Science ACE this term. I think from what the teacher teaches, it is quite straightforward, therefore, there are no issues for this topic.

Issues On Topics Learnt In Term 3

Microscope, Cells and Structures
We were taught about the parts of the microscope, functions of different parts of an animal cell or a plant one, significance of specialisation(division of labour) et cetera. I thoroughly enjoyed this topic as it is really interesting and fascinating how our cells work so that we can continue with our life. Our Science teacher was able to let us understand and have competent grasp of the topic.

1)Is a cell wall of a cell freely permeable or partially permeable? If it is partially permeable, does it work like a filter paper, only allowing small substances and particles to pass through?

Diffusion and Osmosis
This topic teaches us the definition of diffusion and osmosis, their differences and applications. This topic, I think that since we learnt part of this topic in term 2, this topic is relatively easy to handle. 

1)The partially permeable membrane for the process of osmosis is liken to cell membrane, however, a cell membrane is selectively permeable, so why is that so?

Digestion
We learnt about the process, the parts of digestive system and enzymes that they release to aid the digesting process et cetera. I feel that this topic is fun to learn but not very easy to learn as we have to memorise the enzymes, what do they help to digest and their end products et cetera.

Respiration and Photosynthesis
This topic was basically a revision for the photosynthesis part, however, we went deeper into the topic of respiration as compared to when we learnt about it in primary school. We learnt about the parts of respiratory system. their functions et cetera. Also, we were told the word equation and their similarities and differences. I overall think that this topic is quite okay to handle because there are two processes to learn.