Reported by:
Jr3Z(2) Tan Ee Shieng

Photography by:
Kuen Cheng Photography Club

           On 18th November of 2024, Junior Middle Three students welcomed the start of a science-themed, three-day-program which allowed students to have a deeper understanding of the science stream through a multitude of interactive and interesting activities. This program was open to all Junior Middle Three students who chose the science stream as their preferred course, allowing them to have a brief look into next year’s syllabus.

           The program started with the Balsa Wood Bridge Competition, in which students were instructed to use a soft wood plank to construct a bridge model. During this competition, students worked in groups of four and were required to apply their knowledge of Physics during the process of designing and crafting the bridge model. At the end of the competition, most groups succeeded as their completed bridge models could withstand a certain weight without being destroyed.

           After that hands-on experience, Senior Middle Three students and teachers gave the students a short introduction on water resources and water pollution. Students worked in groups to design educational posters according to the theme they were given respectively, all of which were related to water pollution. For example, some groups designed posters on ways to prevent water pollution effectively while some based their posters on the importance of clean water. The students practised teamwork by researching their topic and designing their posters together, ensuring all group members played their part in the project.

           On the next day, Mr. William Chong, who is an expert on biology and also a science teacher, was invited to give a seminar on insects and reptiles, introducing students to the wonderful biodiversity on earth. He frequently mentioned geckos, teaching students how to identify various types of geckos by their prominent characteristics. He also introduced multiple insects, such as the hercules beetle, the forest scorpion, the tarantula, and to many students’ discomfort, even a particular species of cockroach called the blaptica dubia. As he explained in detail the correct ways to care for an insect as a pet, he passed down samples of said insects so that students could examine them up close. At the end of this captivating seminar, students were also given a chance to interact with a snake and some geckos. There were looks of fascination on everyone’s faces.

Students interacting with a gecko at the end of the seminar.

Samples of insects that were passed down for students to examine closely.

           Students from Senior Middle Three Science then provided the Junior Middle Three students a head start to next year’s science syllabus, preparing them for the increasing difficulty of different subjects. After teaching students the basics of using a scientific calculator, which is a necessary skill throughout the next three years, the Senior Middle Three students taught them the basics of next year’s Physics syllabus. They also provided help in solving the tricky questions as the Junior Middle Three students racked their brains over practice problems.

           On the last day of the program, students from Senior Middle One Science hosted many science-themed minigames, requiring students to strengthen and apply their scientific knowledge to win. One of the minigames needed students to use the reflection of light to direct the light of a razor towards a target. Another required students to use their critical thinking and problem solving skills to construct multiple hexagons out of 18 wooden sticks. Students worked together to win one minigame after another.

           At last, the program came to a close as students gave a short presentation of the educational posters they designed. They explained their thought process behind their design and their research in detail. Over the course of these three days, the Junior Middle Three students were introduced to not only the challenges in science stream, but also the fun activities that may come. These interactive activities are surely an effective way to spark interest in the hearts of students.