Term 1 Topics
1. Introduction to science
Here we first familiarised ourselves with the lab and learnt several scientific priciples to bear in mind like safety first, have an inquisitive mind,etc.
2. Scientific Tools
We learnt about laboratory equipment and their functions. It was very confusing, getting all the flask and beaker names mixed up!
3. Bunsen Burner
Caution! Hot! This subject was truly suitable for a mad scientist! Dealing with flames was at first challenging, but gradually turned from easy to easier and to easiest! Muahahahaha!
4. Graph Plotting
5. Physical Quantities and Measurement
I really disliked these two subject because it was EXTREMELY TEDIOUS and "annoying" having to know all the requirements...sigh...
Term 2 Topics
1. Density
It definitely does not have to do with stupidity ("dense"... Get it?), but this tested me. Working with the formula was just the tip of the iceberg. having to answer word questions with multiple-decimal numbers was truly tough!
2. Kinetic Particle Theory
Haha I like this one! The particles are trapped within a box and cannot help but to feel squashed and to bounce around, bumping each other. Apparently, the tighter the space is, the denser it is! That is the case for the different forms of matter. Solid, with a fixed volume and shape, has the highest density, followed by the liquid, which lacks volume and finally air a.k.a. gas that has neither volume nor shape.
3. Elements, Compounds and Mixtures
4. Separation Techniques
These topics was interesting, playing around with the dynamic periodic table. (Shiny colours! :D) But seriously, it was fun, being accompanied by the Periodic Tales (refer to Random Thoughts). Trying out the separation methods of mixtures, using evaporation specifically, was very cool!
Term 3 Topics
1. Osmosis and Diffusion
I remember watching a kids' cartoon called "Osmosis Jones". but that had nothing to do with the topic. We learnt about how reverse osmosis is only done on saltwater and how Visking tubings displayed these functions!
2. Cells, Tissues, Organs and Systems
Here, we learnt:
1. The parts of the cell
2. Multiple types of cells
3. Certain cells form tissues, tissues form organs, organs form systems and systems form us!
3. Photosynthesis
This subject took us deeper than the brief explanation from primary school. We scrutinized the process, ran through the chemical process (Check it out below!) and realised that that is the basic building block of the food chain!
4.Respiration and breathing
This is subject is cool. Very cool. How cool is it to walk up to a bunch of friend and surprising them by telling them the two processes are actually different?Breathing is when you consistently breathe in and out. It is the process of taking in oxygen and expelling carbon dioxide (gas exchange). Respiration is a process where the body absorbs oxygen from what is inhaled and utilizes oxygen in every cell to produce energy. Respiration includes aerobic (using oxygen) respiration and anaerobic (not using oxygen) respiration in an energy production process.
Photo of the chemical process of photosynthesis:
