3rd Practical Lesson: 1P4 Observations and Recording Part 1

Yay!

It was yet another practical lesson that we all looked forward to. I really hope every science lesson was practical. :P Anyway, this time, we can really start doing experiments by ourselves. We started with the mixing of chemicals. We started by putting vinegar into a clean test tube to a depth of about 1cm. Next, we added a spatula of sodium bicarbonate. This resulted in.........

That was very cool and exciting. This made me even more interested to know what the rest of the lesson was about. We also did a few other experiments dealing with certain chemicals and of course we had to take note of certain precautions. We also put methylated spirits onto the back of our hands and when we blew gently across the back of our hands, the methylated spirits evaporated and my hand felt cooling. I understood that the methylated spirits evaporated quickly but were they considered a kind of alcohol? I guess I will have to find out more on that.

The creature drawn by me!(SO CUTE right?)

We did a few other experiments such as adding iodine solution to a starch suspension. Even though we know in theory that it will produce a dark blue solution, seeing it in real life makes it more REAL. ;)

Through this practical session, I have understood the importance of observation in Science. Not only do we have to observe, we also have to record the results so as to compare it with our hypothesis which we were suppose to have before the experiment.

2nd Practical Lesson: 1P2,1P3 Using the Bunsen Burner, Types of Flames

19/1/11
Today was our second practical lesson and it was also taken by Mr Ong as our LSS teacher, Mr Low will be away for 3 weeks of NS. We stepped into the lab and eagerly awaited instructions from Mr Ong on what to do for that practical lesson. We were then introduced to the Bunsen Burner. Although I have heard of it before, but I have never used 1 before. However, there were safety precautions to take note of when handling a Bunsen Burner.

Look at this video to get a brief idea on what a bunsen burner is and how to operate it. There are different parts to a bunsen burner and we have to be familiar with it to operate the bunsen burner well and fast.

We also had a chance to operate the bunsen burner at last! I followed the procedures with my partner and we managed to light the bunsen burner and we were tasked to observe the flame of the bunsen burner.We observed that with the air hole closed, there is a luminous flame, but when the air hole was open, a non-luminous flame could be seen. The luminous flame was observed to be less steady and is constantly flickering but is also visible clearly to us. The non-luminous flame though was steady and had a blue cone shaped flame.


The worksheet also wanted us to stand ten steps away from the flame and see if we still can see the flame. Even though I can clearly see both flames, the answer was meant to be that the luminous flame was visible but not the non-luminous flame. I understand the reasoning behind this but actually, I could see the non-luminous flame better than the luminous flame. :P


We were also given the opportunity to heat a test tube and we had to take note of a lot of precautions such as not pointing the mouth of the test tube at anyone when heating. It was certainly fun but I felt that to a certain extent, it would be dangerous if we abused it. For example, one of my classmates caused a strike back. XD He was not careful with using the equipment, causing that to happen. I am sure there will still be lots more exciting practicals coming up! :D

A comparison of the 2 types of flames

1st Practical Lesson: 1P1 Getting to Know the Science Laboratory

12/1/2011
Today was the first day of our science lessons and but our LSS teacher is not here as he was away for National Service. Our class was taken over by a relief teacher, Mr Ong. We were taken to the science laboratory and for me it was my 2nd time in a science lab. It was an interesting place but there were many rules to conform by and they had to be followed strictly or it will be dangerous for us. Mr Ong started off by describing the many items and places around the lab which we need to know and also went through with us some things we need to take note off when using certain items. He also briefly talked about some of the functions of the objects in the lab.


Mr Ong also introduced us to different sorts of symbols which represents hazards. Of course we had to remember these symbols as they will appear on some of the equipment in the lab. He also told us some of the things to take note of when drawing the diagrams.

This was our first Science Practical lesson and I found it fun and interesting. The lab had a smell though XD

What is Science???

Many ask, what exactly is Science? Is it simply a subject we study in school or is it much more than that? Is it the truth of the universe, the ultimate truth? I believe at least what I believe is that science is the gathering of knowledge and from this pool of knowledge we will apply the necessary knowledge to solve a problem or find a problem and then solve it.

These two videos will show what some scientists think is science and what other people think science really is.

Enjoy!! :)

Overview of what will be in my Science e-Portfolio

Hi there, 

This is my Science e-Portfolio and also my first blog so forgive me for a few technical errors if there are any. So what I will be covering in my Science e-Portfolio are my:

• Reflections on test results
• Practical lessons
• Science as a whole
• My ACE assignments
• and other objectives which I hope to achieve through this e-Portfolio

Hope you have a fun time reading my blog! :D

Look out for more updates and have FUN!! :)