1 Today, i had my first science lesson at the lab for this semester. Today’s experiment is an average one. We were just needed to pour six different reagents into a “6” wells strip and dip different objects into the 6 reagents. These six different reagents include Ethanoic acid, dilute hydrochloric acid, and dilute sulphuric acid, aqueous ammonia, dilute sodium hydroxide and de-ionised water. The different objects also include a red litmus paper, a blue litmus paper, a drop of methyl orange and a drop of phenolphthalein. Then, we only need to observe the different results and record them in the practical file. There is nothing challenging in this practical just that we may see the amazing colour change when we see the different effects of reagents on different objects. For some reasons, we were not allowed to taste acid nor feel the alkali….so nothing special still about this practical. This is basically what we all did for this lab lesson and it was rather boring. We did not come in touch with a lot of equipment but just some chemicals. I really hope that the next lab lesson can be better with an experiment requiring more steps instead of just staring at the reagents, waiting for the effects to surface.
2 Today, I had my second experiment which was to investigate the strength of acids and alkalis using electrical conductivity and pH values. Firstly, we were told to use electrical conductivity test if there is electricity in the vitamin C tablet, de-ionised water or in the mixture of both de-ionised water and vitamin C tablet. I got the results that vitamin C tablet and de-ionised water did not light up the LED but the mixture of both of them did amazing light up all of them. This was something that I did not really expect to see. Puzzled by the effect, I expected the teacher to tell us the reason behind this and we were given the answer later on. It was because of the fact that acids and alkalis can conduct electricity. Next, we were told to test these 3 different objects with blue and red litmus paper. We got what we were expecting and we just stated them on the practical file…nothing surprising yet. Then, for part b, we were needed to test if electricity is conducted through the Ethanoic acid, dilute hydrochloric acid and 3 other chemicals. I also stated what I saw onto the practical file. The way this part works is most probably also because of the concept that acid and alkalis can conduct electricity. For the third part, I was needed to use pH colour to test the 5 different chemical’s effects on different colour and state down their pH value. For this lab lesson, though it was a little bit more interesting that the previous lab lesson, it was still not very entertaining yet as we had not yet came across new equipment except for the electrical conductivity tester. Another thing that ‘destroys’ this lab lesson is that at the end of the day when we check the results, it was disappointing to see that I have actually made a lot of wrong observations. SICKENING! What went wrong actually….
3 Today, we did a new experiment which was to investigate the action of dilute acids on metals. For this experiment, I was needed to pour dilute hydrochloric acid into a clean test tube to a depth of 3 cm. Then, I was needed to drop a piece of magnesium ribbon/iron filing/zinc powder/copper turnings into the test tube of dilute acid and quickly close the mouth of the test tube with my thumb for a few minutes. I need to be very quick and careful at this step to prevent any air from escaping from the test tube. Then, I was needed to light a wooden splint and hold it at the mouth of the test tube, place a piece of damp red and blue litmus paper over the mouth of the test-tube. Then, I only need to sit down there and wait for the results. This experiment is not very challenging either as I only need to follow the instruction and just note down my observations. The only thing I think I should be aware of for this experiment is that I am needed to follow the steps correctly, especially the covering of the mouth of the test tube part, so as to make sure no air escapes from inside. Other than that, this experiment is an rather easy one. However, I think that I should pay notice to the results and memorize them if possible as they might easily come out for exam!!!
4 Today’s experiment is to investigate the action of dilute acids on carbonates. I was firstly needed to put 1 -2cm of limewater into a clean test-tube and place the delivery tube into the limewater. Then, I was needed to pour dilute hydrochloric acid into another clean test tube to a depth of 3cm and then I was to add a flat spatula of calcium carbonate into the acid and quickly close the mouth of the test tube with a stopper carrying a delivery tube. Lastly, I was to observe what happens next before removing the stopper carrying the delivery tube and test the gas with damp litmus papers. For this experiment, there was nothing much to do and nothing much to observe. The only few observations I need to make is to see whan happens when carbonate is added to acid, effects of gas on limewater and damp litmus paper. For this lab lesson, it was rather slack and after completing the experiment, though it was against the rules, we spent the rest of the time playing a little and trying out what is observed when different chemicals are mixed together using the steps given just that we used different chemicals. I feel that this should be the real way that we do the experiments as experiments should be the attempt to test out new things instead of repeating some old formula but at our current stage, we still need to repeat these proven old formula as they are still ‘new’ to us.
5 Today’s experiment is to investigate the action of an acid on an alkali. Firstly, I need to use a measuring cylinder to pour 10ml of dilute hydrochloric acid into an evaporating dish. Then, I dip a piece of red litmus paper into the acid by the side of the dish. Next, using a dropper, I add about 10ml of dilute sodium hydroxide solution drop by drop to the acid until the red litmus paper just turns blue. Next, I stir the mixture with a glass rod as I add the alkali before removing the litmus paper. Followed by that, I evaporate the mixture to dryness over a Bunsen flame and lastly, I allow the evaporating dish to cool before observing the colour and taste of the solid left in the dish. It was the first time this semester was we allowed using the Bunsen burner. How I missed it. Though it was only a small part of the experiment, it was still nice. This experiment was one with lots of steps but with only one result which makes me feel rather not worth it though. This was especially the case when even though after we had done the experiment for one hour, I am still unable to see the salt that should be appearing. It makes this experiment even disappointing. Maybe next time, I think the teacher should allow us to turn the flame higher so as to speed up the job. It would be rather useless to do an experiment and yet be unable to see the results.
6 Today’s experiment is to investigate the action of alkalis on ammonium salts. This experiment has about the same motive as the previous experiment. Firstly, I need to pour dilute sodium hydroxide into a clean test tube t o a depth of 3 cm before adding a spatula of ammonium chloride into the test tube of alkali. Next, I would need to hold both pieces of damp red and blue litmus papers over the mouth of the test tube and warm the mixture gently over a Bunsen flame followed by observing the change in colour and odour for the litmus papers and gas. This experiment is also simple but we need to be exact on the values of powder etc. that we add into the test tube so as to prevent errors in the results. Other than that, the experiment is fairly easy and boring since we are almost finding the same few results with the red and blue litmus papers.
7 Today's lesson is nice! The aim of today’s experiment is to prepare the copper (II) sulphate from the reaction between a dilute acid and an insoluble base and also to prepare lead (II) sulphate from a precipitation reaction between aqueous lead (II) nitrate and aqueous copper (II) sulphate where we first pour 20 cm cube of dilute sulphuric acid into a beaker and warm it with a Bunsen burner before adding copper (II) oxide powder to the acid one spatula at a time with constant stirring until no more will dissolve. I am supposed to do this until all the acids are used up and there is an excess of copper (II) oxide. Followed by that, I need to filter to remove the excess copper (II) oxide and collect the filtrate in a clean evaporating dish. Next, I need to heat the filtrate to evaporate away most of the water to obtain a hot saturated solution before again allowing the solution to cool and crystals of copper (II) sulphate to appear. Lastly, I need to filter the mixture to obtain the copper (II) sulphate crystals and dry them by pressing them between pieces of filter paper. Finally, an experiment different from the others! For this experiment, I am not needed to observe but instead, just prepare soluble and insoluble salts through a number of steps. This makes the experiment more interesting as I can feel more sense of accomplishment if I produce an end product instead of just making a few correct observations. Also, for this experiment, it is a test of patience. Firstly, I need to patiently dissolve all of the copper (II) oxide powder and then, I still need to warm the dilute sulphuric acid in the first step and also to heat the filtrate in the later stage to remove all the water and to obtain a hot saturated solution. However, this is worth it as by the end of the day, I got the end product that I was looking for. I really hope that other experiments would work the same way as these and I can get solid end products which I can maybe bring home to show my little sister: D
8 Finally, no more chemicals for experiments as we change to doing reflection experiments. For this experiment, our aim is to explore how light rays are reflected from mirrors and to understand and verify the Law of Reflection. This is a busy first experiment as there is 3 parts for this experiment, For the first part, I first set up the laser unit in the laser bench then I lay the trace sheet on the board that is propped up with a door wedge inside the bench. Then, I position the front of the mirror along line AB and rotate the setup such that the laser path is in line. Followed by that, I used the card to help trace the laser path away from the mirror and mark out two points far apart along the path before removing the mirror and draw a straight line passing through the two points and the mid-point of AB. Finally, I measure the angle of reflection and recorded it in the practical file. For this experiment, it is actually not as easy as expected. There are a few troubles that make the experiment tedious and they include measuring the angles correctly and making sure that the mirror and the light source are at the correct position. What makes it more troublesome was that the light was not very bright and thus, It was very hard to spot the line of light, let alone measure it. That was for part a and for part b, I was needed to repeat the same process with a concave and a convex mirror. It was actually about the same as the plane mirror just that the starting angle is different and everything needed to be re-measured. For this experiment, though there were a lot of things to be done between this one hour session, it was very enriching. It was, in the least, better than staring at the chemical and waiting for the colour or smell to change. Also, this experiment also let me see a lot of amazing stuff about light and let me learnt pretty lot of stuff.
9 Today’s experiment is about mirror images where the aim is to observe the image of an object in mirrors and list its characteristics. Firstly, I drew a straight line on the centre of a graph paper and label it AB and followed by that, I place a soft board under the graph paper. Then, I place the mirror upright on the line AB before sticking a pin 4cm in front of the mirror before positioning my eye at the same level as the pin. At this point, I was asked a few questions regarding my observations and I used what I learnt during class to answers them as they were simple observation questions regarding mirror image. Up till now, everything was successful as I was able to see the desired result. Then next, I moved the pin 2 cm further away from the mirror to see if there is any change and as expected, there was change due to the law of reflection. Lastly, I replace the pin with a cardboard with the letter ‘L’ and I was to see the result of the word through the mirror and again, as expected, the word was laterally inverted due to the law of reflection. Aw…. For this experiment, we are back again looking for observations but at least, these observations requires no waiting as lights is the fastest thing on earth (LOL!). Nevertheless, this was boring as all I needed to do was just to follow the steps provided and it requires no critical thinking. There should be something more challenging…
10 For today’s experiment, the topic is refraction of light and the aim of this experiment is to explore how light ray are refracted through the plastic block. Firstly, I was needed to turn the screw on the central module of the laser unit and place the trace sheet on the board that is propped up with a door wedge inside the laser bench. Then, I position the plastic block on the trace sheet and rotate the setup such that the path is in line. Next, I used the card to help me trace the emergent laser path as I mark out two points far apart along this path before removing the plastic block and drawing a straight line passing through two points until it touches the line CD at point Q. Followed by that, I drew a straight line to join point P and Q and measured the angle of refraction and the angle of emergence and recorded it in the table. For this experiment, it was not very easy either. Not only is there loads of steps, I also need to make sure the angle are correct or else everything would be screwed up. This experiment was also made more difficult as I was still not very good with this topic yet and was unable to understand the key concepts yet. Luckily, there is our kind teacher who came and offered to demonstrate how to do it for us so as to let us know the topic better. As he demonstrated, I got even amazed as I have not really come into contact with refraction before except in the books and it was an eye opening to see it with my true eyes. I feel that this should be what a true experiment should be like.
11 For today’s experiment, we were needed to measure critical angle and investigate total internal reflection and also observe an optical fibre so as to understand how light travels through it. Firstly, I turn the screw on the central module of the laser unit before placing the trace sheet on the board that is propped up with a door wedge in the laser bench and I positioned the semi-circular block on the trace sheet and rotate the whole setup to the left of the normal. Then, starting from a small angle of incidence, I gradually increase the angle of incidence until the refracted ray emerges along the straight edge. Next, I used the card to help trace the incident laser path by marking out two points far apart along this path and I removed the semi-circular block before drawing a straight line through the two points until it touches ‘O’. Followed by that, I measured and recorded the angle of incidence obtained and continued to rotate the semi-circular block until no light passes through and the light reflected within the plastic block. Lastly, I traced the incident and reflected laser path before eventually measured the new angle of incidence and the angle of reflection. For this experiment, I got to know more about refraction already and it was easier to draw the things this time round. Though it was still tedious to measure the angles, it was at least easier to visualise. I think that the teacher should most probably teach us the topic better first before we are allowed to do the experiments and they can maybe break the experiment into even lesser parts to make it easier but not too easy at the same time.
MacRitchie Ecological Trail: For this trip, I was expecting to see and learn a lot of things but the afternoon rain destroyed everything. Due to the rain, we were unable to go into the reservoir to observe anything at all. We were only allowed to stay in shelter and do some exercises. It was sad to see our one and only field trip go to waste. Under the shelter as we waited for the bus to return, we were required to do a few worksheets. We were to draw out a simple map of the MacRitchie reservoir and also to answer a few questions that involve the planning of the land use in MacRitchie reservoir. They were rather simple questions but require lots of brainstorming for ideal answers. However, with the whole of our team thinking, it was no longer than fifteen minutes before we came out with an efficient way to make MacRitchie a better and more attractive place, especially to solve the rain problem. Other than this discussion, there was nothing else we could do as we waited for another one hour before the bus arrived to pick us back to school. What a horrible trip…
Today, i had my first science lesson at the lab for this semester. Today’s experiment is an average one. We were just needed to pour six different reagents into a “6” wells strip and dip different objects into the 6 reagents. These six different reagents include Ethanoic acid, dilute hydrochloric acid, and dilute sulphuric acid, aqueous ammonia, dilute sodium hydroxide and de-ionised water. The different objects also include a red litmus paper, a blue litmus paper, a drop of methyl orange and a drop of phenolphthalein. Then, we only need to observe the different results and record them in the practical file. There is nothing challenging in this practical just that we may see the amazing colour change when we see the different effects of reagents on different objects. For some reasons, we were not allowed to taste acid nor feel the alkali….so nothing special still about this practical. This is basically what we all did for this lab lesson and it was rather boring. We did not come in touch with a lot of equipment but just some chemicals. I really hope that the next lab lesson can be better with an experiment requiring more steps instead of just staring at the reagents, waiting for the effects to surface.
2
Today, I had my second experiment which was to investigate the strength of acids and alkalis using electrical conductivity and pH values. Firstly, we were told to use electrical conductivity test if there is electricity in the vitamin C tablet, de-ionised water or in the mixture of both de-ionised water and vitamin C tablet. I got the results that vitamin C tablet and de-ionised water did not light up the LED but the mixture of both of them did amazing light up all of them. This was something that I did not really expect to see. Puzzled by the effect, I expected the teacher to tell us the reason behind this and we were given the answer later on. It was because of the fact that acids and alkalis can conduct electricity. Next, we were told to test these 3 different objects with blue and red litmus paper. We got what we were expecting and we just stated them on the practical file…nothing surprising yet. Then, for part b, we were needed to test if electricity is conducted through the Ethanoic acid, dilute hydrochloric acid and 3 other chemicals. I also stated what I saw onto the practical file. The way this part works is most probably also because of the concept that acid and alkalis can conduct electricity. For the third part, I was needed to use pH colour to test the 5 different chemical’s effects on different colour and state down their pH value. For this lab lesson, though it was a little bit more interesting that the previous lab lesson, it was still not very entertaining yet as we had not yet came across new equipment except for the electrical conductivity tester. Another thing that ‘destroys’ this lab lesson is that at the end of the day when we check the results, it was disappointing to see that I have actually made a lot of wrong observations. SICKENING! What went wrong actually….
3
Today, we did a new experiment which was to investigate the action of dilute acids on metals. For this experiment, I was needed to pour dilute hydrochloric acid into a clean test tube to a depth of 3 cm. Then, I was needed to drop a piece of magnesium ribbon/iron filing/zinc powder/copper turnings into the test tube of dilute acid and quickly close the mouth of the test tube with my thumb for a few minutes. I need to be very quick and careful at this step to prevent any air from escaping from the test tube. Then, I was needed to light a wooden splint and hold it at the mouth of the test tube, place a piece of damp red and blue litmus paper over the mouth of the test-tube. Then, I only need to sit down there and wait for the results. This experiment is not very challenging either as I only need to follow the instruction and just note down my observations. The only thing I think I should be aware of for this experiment is that I am needed to follow the steps correctly, especially the covering of the mouth of the test tube part, so as to make sure no air escapes from inside. Other than that, this experiment is an rather easy one. However, I think that I should pay notice to the results and memorize them if possible as they might easily come out for exam!!!
4
Today’s experiment is to investigate the action of dilute acids on carbonates. I was firstly needed to put 1 -2cm of limewater into a clean test-tube and place the delivery tube into the limewater. Then, I was needed to pour dilute hydrochloric acid into another clean test tube to a depth of 3cm and then I was to add a flat spatula of calcium carbonate into the acid and quickly close the mouth of the test tube with a stopper carrying a delivery tube. Lastly, I was to observe what happens next before removing the stopper carrying the delivery tube and test the gas with damp litmus papers. For this experiment, there was nothing much to do and nothing much to observe. The only few observations I need to make is to see whan happens when carbonate is added to acid, effects of gas on limewater and damp litmus paper. For this lab lesson, it was rather slack and after completing the experiment, though it was against the rules, we spent the rest of the time playing a little and trying out what is observed when different chemicals are mixed together using the steps given just that we used different chemicals. I feel that this should be the real way that we do the experiments as experiments should be the attempt to test out new things instead of repeating some old formula but at our current stage, we still need to repeat these proven old formula as they are still ‘new’ to us.
5
Today’s experiment is to investigate the action of an acid on an alkali. Firstly, I need to use a measuring cylinder to pour 10ml of dilute hydrochloric acid into an evaporating dish. Then, I dip a piece of red litmus paper into the acid by the side of the dish. Next, using a dropper, I add about 10ml of dilute sodium hydroxide solution drop by drop to the acid until the red litmus paper just turns blue. Next, I stir the mixture with a glass rod as I add the alkali before removing the litmus paper. Followed by that, I evaporate the mixture to dryness over a Bunsen flame and lastly, I allow the evaporating dish to cool before observing the colour and taste of the solid left in the dish. It was the first time this semester was we allowed using the Bunsen burner. How I missed it. Though it was only a small part of the experiment, it was still nice. This experiment was one with lots of steps but with only one result which makes me feel rather not worth it though. This was especially the case when even though after we had done the experiment for one hour, I am still unable to see the salt that should be appearing. It makes this experiment even disappointing. Maybe next time, I think the teacher should allow us to turn the flame higher so as to speed up the job. It would be rather useless to do an experiment and yet be unable to see the results.
6
Today’s experiment is to investigate the action of alkalis on ammonium salts. This experiment has about the same motive as the previous experiment. Firstly, I need to pour dilute sodium hydroxide into a clean test tube t o a depth of 3 cm before adding a spatula of ammonium chloride into the test tube of alkali. Next, I would need to hold both pieces of damp red and blue litmus papers over the mouth of the test tube and warm the mixture gently over a Bunsen flame followed by observing the change in colour and odour for the litmus papers and gas. This experiment is also simple but we need to be exact on the values of powder etc. that we add into the test tube so as to prevent errors in the results. Other than that, the experiment is fairly easy and boring since we are almost finding the same few results with the red and blue litmus papers.
7
Today's lesson is nice! The aim of today’s experiment is to prepare the copper (II) sulphate from the reaction between a dilute acid and an insoluble base and also to prepare lead (II) sulphate from a precipitation reaction between aqueous lead (II) nitrate and aqueous copper (II) sulphate where we first pour 20 cm cube of dilute sulphuric acid into a beaker and warm it with a Bunsen burner before adding copper (II) oxide powder to the acid one spatula at a time with constant stirring until no more will dissolve. I am supposed to do this until all the acids are used up and there is an excess of copper (II) oxide. Followed by that, I need to filter to remove the excess copper (II) oxide and collect the filtrate in a clean evaporating dish. Next, I need to heat the filtrate to evaporate away most of the water to obtain a hot saturated solution before again allowing the solution to cool and crystals of copper (II) sulphate to appear. Lastly, I need to filter the mixture to obtain the copper (II) sulphate crystals and dry them by pressing them between pieces of filter paper. Finally, an experiment different from the others! For this experiment, I am not needed to observe but instead, just prepare soluble and insoluble salts through a number of steps. This makes the experiment more interesting as I can feel more sense of accomplishment if I produce an end product instead of just making a few correct observations. Also, for this experiment, it is a test of patience. Firstly, I need to patiently dissolve all of the copper (II) oxide powder and then, I still need to warm the dilute sulphuric acid in the first step and also to heat the filtrate in the later stage to remove all the water and to obtain a hot saturated solution. However, this is worth it as by the end of the day, I got the end product that I was looking for. I really hope that other experiments would work the same way as these and I can get solid end products which I can maybe bring home to show my little sister: D
8
Finally, no more chemicals for experiments as we change to doing reflection experiments. For this experiment, our aim is to explore how light rays are reflected from mirrors and to understand and verify the Law of Reflection. This is a busy first experiment as there is 3 parts for this experiment, For the first part, I first set up the laser unit in the laser bench then I lay the trace sheet on the board that is propped up with a door wedge inside the bench. Then, I position the front of the mirror along line AB and rotate the setup such that the laser path is in line. Followed by that, I used the card to help trace the laser path away from the mirror and mark out two points far apart along the path before removing the mirror and draw a straight line passing through the two points and the mid-point of AB. Finally, I measure the angle of reflection and recorded it in the practical file. For this experiment, it is actually not as easy as expected. There are a few troubles that make the experiment tedious and they include measuring the angles correctly and making sure that the mirror and the light source are at the correct position. What makes it more troublesome was that the light was not very bright and thus, It was very hard to spot the line of light, let alone measure it. That was for part a and for part b, I was needed to repeat the same process with a concave and a convex mirror. It was actually about the same as the plane mirror just that the starting angle is different and everything needed to be re-measured. For this experiment, though there were a lot of things to be done between this one hour session, it was very enriching. It was, in the least, better than staring at the chemical and waiting for the colour or smell to change. Also, this experiment also let me see a lot of amazing stuff about light and let me learnt pretty lot of stuff.
9
Today’s experiment is about mirror images where the aim is to observe the image of an object in mirrors and list its characteristics. Firstly, I drew a straight line on the centre of a graph paper and label it AB and followed by that, I place a soft board under the graph paper. Then, I place the mirror upright on the line AB before sticking a pin 4cm in front of the mirror before positioning my eye at the same level as the pin. At this point, I was asked a few questions regarding my observations and I used what I learnt during class to answers them as they were simple observation questions regarding mirror image. Up till now, everything was successful as I was able to see the desired result. Then next, I moved the pin 2 cm further away from the mirror to see if there is any change and as expected, there was change due to the law of reflection. Lastly, I replace the pin with a cardboard with the letter ‘L’ and I was to see the result of the word through the mirror and again, as expected, the word was laterally inverted due to the law of reflection. Aw…. For this experiment, we are back again looking for observations but at least, these observations requires no waiting as lights is the fastest thing on earth (LOL!). Nevertheless, this was boring as all I needed to do was just to follow the steps provided and it requires no critical thinking. There should be something more challenging…
10
For today’s experiment, the topic is refraction of light and the aim of this experiment is to explore how light ray are refracted through the plastic block. Firstly, I was needed to turn the screw on the central module of the laser unit and place the trace sheet on the board that is propped up with a door wedge inside the laser bench. Then, I position the plastic block on the trace sheet and rotate the setup such that the path is in line. Next, I used the card to help me trace the emergent laser path as I mark out two points far apart along this path before removing the plastic block and drawing a straight line passing through two points until it touches the line CD at point Q. Followed by that, I drew a straight line to join point P and Q and measured the angle of refraction and the angle of emergence and recorded it in the table. For this experiment, it was not very easy either. Not only is there loads of steps, I also need to make sure the angle are correct or else everything would be screwed up. This experiment was also made more difficult as I was still not very good with this topic yet and was unable to understand the key concepts yet. Luckily, there is our kind teacher who came and offered to demonstrate how to do it for us so as to let us know the topic better. As he demonstrated, I got even amazed as I have not really come into contact with refraction before except in the books and it was an eye opening to see it with my true eyes. I feel that this should be what a true experiment should be like.
11
For today’s experiment, we were needed to measure critical angle and investigate total internal reflection and also observe an optical fibre so as to understand how light travels through it. Firstly, I turn the screw on the central module of the laser unit before placing the trace sheet on the board that is propped up with a door wedge in the laser bench and I positioned the semi-circular block on the trace sheet and rotate the whole setup to the left of the normal. Then, starting from a small angle of incidence, I gradually increase the angle of incidence until the refracted ray emerges along the straight edge. Next, I used the card to help trace the incident laser path by marking out two points far apart along this path and I removed the semi-circular block before drawing a straight line through the two points until it touches ‘O’. Followed by that, I measured and recorded the angle of incidence obtained and continued to rotate the semi-circular block until no light passes through and the light reflected within the plastic block. Lastly, I traced the incident and reflected laser path before eventually measured the new angle of incidence and the angle of reflection. For this experiment, I got to know more about refraction already and it was easier to draw the things this time round. Though it was still tedious to measure the angles, it was at least easier to visualise. I think that the teacher should most probably teach us the topic better first before we are allowed to do the experiments and they can maybe break the experiment into even lesser parts to make it easier but not too easy at the same time.
MacRitchie Ecological Trail:
For this trip, I was expecting to see and learn a lot of things but the afternoon rain destroyed everything. Due to the rain, we were unable to go into the reservoir to observe anything at all. We were only allowed to stay in shelter and do some exercises. It was sad to see our one and only field trip go to waste. Under the shelter as we waited for the bus to return, we were required to do a few worksheets. We were to draw out a simple map of the MacRitchie reservoir and also to answer a few questions that involve the planning of the land use in MacRitchie reservoir. They were rather simple questions but require lots of brainstorming for ideal answers. However, with the whole of our team thinking, it was no longer than fifteen minutes before we came out with an efficient way to make MacRitchie a better and more attractive place, especially to solve the rain problem. Other than this discussion, there was nothing else we could do as we waited for another one hour before the bus arrived to pick us back to school. What a horrible trip…