Golden Ratio

I went and studied about the Golden Ratio as it is naturally linked to science. Well, look at the powerpoint I made as an additional source. Basically, the golden ratio is intertwined with the lovely creation of nature. Watch and enjoy :)

The golden ratio

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benedict (:

Term 3 ACE

Science ace

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Term 3 Reflections

This Term is the last term before End of year Examinations begin. This term, the curriculum includes Biology and Physics. Basically, they are : Ecology, Nutrient cycles, reflection and refraction of light, lens and colour of lights. 

I think that Ecology and Nutrient Cycles are the parts of Biology in this term, and they are fairly easy to study and know. Essentially, everything is in the notes, and a simple revision would do. If you are a person who can easily absorb, this topic would be easy for you. The logic behind it is all straightforward, and honestly, I found it relatively easy. In the test, I realised that most of the topics, or rather 60% of the questions are revolving Ecology and the Nutrient Cycle. There was one 4 mark question where we were supposed to write down the correct process in the nutrient cycle as per the diagram shows. I saw fossils and dead bodies underground for one answer, and I wrote decomposition as I recalled decomposition being part of the carbon cycle. I was almost fully sure that was correct because of the diagram and my vivid knowledge of the carbon cycle then. Little did I know it was combustion because it was the burning of fossil fuels. I realised I had made a mistake, and told myself to look at diagrams much more clearly first before ever answering them. 

In light, I struggle with it. It seems I struggle with Physics a lot, as in my P6 syllabuses I also struggle with the topic on force and effort. I do not manage to capture the foundations easily and I realise that it is very hard to apply it into questions. I thank God that light did not really come out for the test, and I will revise for it in the EOY. 

Almost the whole class got an A1, and I decided that my 34/40 was not very good. I think that somewhere, there was a misconception in some topics, and a few more careless mistakes. Overall, I agree that my weakest sub-topic in Science is Physics; I just cant get hold of the topic at all. 

benedict (;

Term 2 ACE (2)

Reflection on Science Sabbatical, Term 2 Week 9 by Benedict Chin. 2A2 (06)

The sabbatical held in Term 2, was about ecology, to explore the fauna and flora of different various habitats. Through this sabbatical I indeed learnt more on the environment, and gained extra knowledge and interest in animals! This sabbatical is different from the rest, as the rest were all activities, sports and musical. This involves hands-on interesting activities and trips, and even includes a cool presentation by the seniors! This is an alternative fun way to learn science, and is neither boring nor mundane. I became more gregarious through this sabbatical as there was a circle of friends outside the consortium and I had made more friends. There were a bountiful of notes and abundance of extra information given out; interestingly it will help out in my science test in term 3 which includes of ecology. Although I am a sporty person and prefer sports sabbaticals to informative ones, this sabbatical sparked my interest in the ecosystems, and biospheres.

My group and I had learnt a lot, from swampy and mangrove ecosystems, to prehistoric museum organisms. There are different organism relationships we had learnt : commensalisms, predation, mutualism and parasitism . In commensalisms, between two organisms or parties, one organism benefits from the other, while the other organism does not benefit, or benefits insignificantly. On such example would be the crabs and the mangrove aerial roots. In swamps, when there is a high tide, the crabs would flee to the aerial roots as shelter and cover. Similarly, from predators, the crabs run to the roots for shelter and protection. However, the aerial roots do not benefit significantly. Through this sabbatical we identified several alternative relationships, like mutualism and more. I could remember the relationship on commensalisms very clearly as it was a senior who explained it to me, and it was crystal clear!

I had a very high fever on Thursday and therefore I missed the opportunity to go to the underwater world. I felt very disappointed with myself. But I was replenished when I arrived at the museum the next day. The Raffles museum kept several, or should I say many, old prehistoric artifacts. They were all clothed in a chemical and we were warned not to touch them. I heard Miss Nada said it was arsenic. Anyway, I the museum was awesome and fantastic, albeit a short trip. The museum was enticingly interesting, with all the ancient bones and animals which were preserved over time, and found in Singapore. I actually wanted to visit a place like this before, but little had I known I would be going to it in the sabbatical. I appreciate the trip to the museum, though it was the last day of the sabbatical. I also learnt about the evolution, like how monkeys got limbs and stuff, from Miss Tan.

After the sabbatical, I feel rather empty, as the waterfall of knowledge and information was gone. I became more and more interested in animals, and studied the way the moved, and adapt to the different environments. This sabbatical has taught me many, and changed my mindset on science. I hope my friends have enjoyed this sabbatical as much as I had; there were many memories formed through this sabbatical as well! 

Term 2 ACE

Ecosystem

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Term 2 Reflections

Term 2 was very hectic as all the competitions were in, and we had minimal time for revision. Though the first semester had gone by this quickly, I feel that I had not done as well, but would love to improve. I managed my time poorly and could do better without all the gaming distractions. 

Term 2 we focused on Chemistry and Biology. The topics are : Acid and Bases, Chemical Equation, Sexual Reproduction, Sexually transmitted Diseases, Conception. 

I think my biggest challenge in this term was Acid and Bases. Probably because we had to remember so many things and yet juggle with Biology. We had to know to differentiate an Acid from a Base, how does an acid feel, how does an alkali feel. We have to know the general Ph, and also the different indicators, and their responses to the levels of acidity. For example, phenolphthalein is colourless when acidic or neutral but pinkish/fuchsia when in contact with alkali/base. We need to know the formation of acid and carbonate, acid and bases, and their end products. There were diversified topics this term, and it was a struggle for me. 

There were pretty many misconceptions between the acids and bases, and my studying time had to be well planned. I realised that all of these work could not even be fully comprehended within a week. For Acids and Bases, a lot of memory work was needed, unlike biology where logic can be used once in a while. Once again, I played too much computer this term, and I think I could have done better for my revision. Though the topics are diversified and rather difficult, it was an exciting obstacle to overcome. The day before the test I was pretty much assured with acids and bases. For Biology, I had a deep understanding of the topic. Nonetheless, we took the test.

I was rather disappointed with myself when I received the tests results, which were an A2. I expected an A1 because I put in a lot of effort in my revision. When I looked back, I realised I had made tons of careless mistakes which costed me approximately 3 marks, which would pull my to an A1 immediately. I then reviewed all my mistakes and tried my best not to make the same mistake twice. Similarly, I must not play too much and manage my time properly. I expected better, but I can always do better for the next term. Overall, this term was satisfying. 

benedict (:

Term 1 Reflections

In Term 1, out of the three sciences : Physics, Chemistry and Biology, we were taught Chemistry first. The term's curriculum was the Periodic Table, Chemical Bonding, and Atomic Structure. We all learn that atoms are the smallest particle, and it sub divides into neutrons, protons, and electrons. Definitely, as we were taught all our necessary foundation, we were more or less secured for our test.

Judging the three topics, my favourite topic was the Periodic Table. The Table is very systematic, very organised. It is arranged very perfectly with groups and periods; elements of the same group have similar chemical properties. The periodic table is linked to the Atomic Structure, which is linked to Chemical Bonding. Everything is interlocked and for us to do well, we HAVE to master the topic, and like the topic. I will not go into detail what the textbook writes, but I think personally that the Periodic Table is a useful platform to organise all the elements. When I was learning it, I found it easy and enjoyable, as memorising the first 20 elements was not really a big feat.

However, though the periodic table was easy and I fully understood it, I still had some doubts and confusions on the Chemical Bonding; which includes covalent and ionic bonding. I took a long time trying to understand this topic, and even researched and viewed videos more than once. When all the topics are linked and interlocked, it is difficult to score well when you are weak in one. It would also be difficult to understand. I think that this term has been an exciting term, and a fresh beginning for my science journey in Secondary 2.

I think I did pretty well for the test, and I managed to clarify my doubts. I become more aware of the intertwined topics and to be more wary of them. I aim to do better for my test in term 2, and strive higher. My parents were rather satisfied, as I am. I hope to do much better, and understand the topics in the next term.

benedict (: