Tuesday, October 26, 2010
Monday, September 13, 2010
Microbiology workshop and Speaking with impact workshop
Micro biology and Speaking with impact workshop
During the September holidays, the school arranged a two-day programme with Ngee Ann which took place on 6th and 7th August.
For my class, we did the the micro biology workshop on the first day. Upon arrival, we gathered in the lecture hall for a one hour talk on Microbiology before moving up to the labs for the practicals. We did a total of four practicals.
First, we were given a sample of pond water and were asked to look
at it under a microscope to observe the cells of the living organisms in the pond water. Most of the cells I saw were the cells of Algae. They were green and rectangular, although there were a few cells that were circular.
The rectangular and circular cells in the pond water.
The second practical was to observe the bread mould. Before we did anything , we had to first stain the mould so that it could be seen through the microscope. The ideal structure ( of the bread mould ) we were supposed to see through the microscope was a flower shape. Unfortunately, some of us did not get it. I was one of the unfortunate ones but luckily, Michelle , who was sitting beside me got the structure so I got to see how the bread
mould looked like through her microscope.
Stained bread mould
For the next experiment , we got to wear gloves as we had to completely st
ain the slide with a crystal violet stain. It was such a messy job! No wonder we had to wear gloves!
Before we proceed on with the last experiment, we did something a little less serious. We scrapped the insides of our noses and put the sample on a blood-agar petri dish. This was to test for the presence of Staphylococcus aureus , a harmless virus in which 30 % of the human population are carriers. We were told
to proceed to the lab preparation room the next day to check out our samples. Luckily, I did not have the virus.
Finally it was our last experiment. For this experiment, we had to observe bacteria move under the microscope. Many of the students did not get moving bacteria on their slides but one or two students did managed to get it and of course, all the other students crowded around to see the moving bacteria.
The moving bacteria is in the 'donut'. However, quite a few students
pushed the lens too closely on the cover slideand broke it.
The ' moving bacteria ' that could be seen through the microscope.
After lunch break , the nine of us from my class had to attend the speaking with impact workshop. What I initially thought would be a series of lectures turned out to be a series of fun and game
s programmed to enhanced our learning. In total, there were five stations, each focusing on a different area of learning. Due to the time constraint, I only got to visit three stations.
The first station was station four, ‘ The slick salesman ‘ . Here, we were taught on how to be a perfect salesman. The lesson also provided us with a chance to practise what we learnt as each group sent out a representative to promote on the product we were assigned to.
Next was station five. The session there was full of laughs as there was a very free-style way of learning and the lesson was based on what the students said. In other words, it seemed more like a chit chat session rather than a proper lesson. After that we had a short break.
Then it was time for our last station, station one, ‘ Finding our communication styles’ . At this station , the facilitator introduced to us the four communication styles, namely , director, socializer, thinker and relator. We also did a test to find out which communication styles we belonged to. The facilitator also shared with us the importance of knowing someone’s communication style through a case study. Finally, we split into groups and did role plays of the different communication styles and had others guess who we were after we had finished acting.
After all that, it was time to go home.
Written by
Emily Wu
S1-07
Wednesday, September 8, 2010
Our Science Frontier & Speak with Impact Photos & Videos
Visit this url to take a look at some of the pictures from the Science Frontier Experience & Speak with Impact workshops:
http://picasaweb.google.com/110139014423411548840/ScienceFrontiersExperienceSpeakingWithImpact#
Photos by: Cherin
Videos
http://picasaweb.google.com/110139014423411548840/ScienceFrontiersExperienceSpeakingWithImpact#
Photos by: Cherin
Videos
Tuesday, September 7, 2010
Applied Physics Workshop @ Ngee Ann
Applied Physics Workshop
For this workshop,we had to convert gravitational potential energy to kinetic energy and let the specimen,ping pong ball, roll down in the slowest timing.We had to use the only the items provided by them to make a structure which can slow the ball for the longest timing.We also had seen some of the people from S.O.E (school of engineering) presenting their structure and some of us had learn or gain a few tips from them.Our goal was to have the longest time to reach the base of the structure without the ball stopping.
The materials given were
1. Blue tack
2. 2 rolls of thin masking tape
3. 20 straws
4. 60 satay sticks
5. 2 boards
6. vanguard sheet
We had two hours or so to do the structure.During the time everybody was busily building the structure,all were trying to figure out a way to slow down the ball, cutting strips of straws and satay sticks,making the structure filled with 'bumps' and making it as tall as possible.While after that,we went back to do our trail run.Everybody was rushing for time as they prepared their structure and made last minute changes.Finally it was time to compete.Everyone looked and waited for the result.And finally,the results were out.In first place for the first day,the winning group was group 19.
Thursday, September 2, 2010
Teacher's Day celebration
eacDuring the few days before teacher’s day, HTD FM, run by Mayur, Harsh, Shamus & Shakti was played on the radio during Lunch every day, providing a platform for students to be able to dedicate songs and messages to teachers. Also, students were putting in all their effort while preparing the performance items to showcase to the teachers during the Teacher’s Day celebration itself.
On 31 August 2010, we celebrated our first ever Teacher’s Day celebration in SST. Our Teacher’s Day celebration started off with our principal, Mr Chua giving us the Teacher’s Day message,
followed by Preston, from S1-09 giving an appreciation message to the teachers on behalf of the students .
Mr Chua giving the Teacher's Day message.
S1-01 kick-started the student’s own performances with Zi Ying, Sher Li and Shamus dressed up as angels to sing ‘听老师的话’ (Listen to your teacher’s words) a remix to ‘听妈妈的话’ (Listen to your mother’s words).
1-01's performance where they dressed up as angels to sing.
Then S1-02 danced and sang their way through hip-hop music --‘Somebody to love’ by Justin Bieber as well as a surprise act done by Abilash and Hao En to present a message and a rose to their Form Teacher, Ms Seah Yen Sin.
S1-03 then showcased a video -- a literal trailer. For those who would like to view the trailer again. Enjoy!
After the trailer, S1-04 showcased a compilation of video messages written by students from various classes to the teachers.
After that, S1-07 presented a simple dance performance item while dedicating a song, ‘Stand by me’.
S1-08 continued by showcasing a video drama re-enacting the worst of what a teacher goes through--students bad behavior along with a photo montage of the teachers.
S1-08's video drama
This was followed by S1-09 performing a Radio DJ skit, making the crowd burst out laughing half-way through the skit.
Hardy & Yu Chong--the stars of the S1-09's Radio DJ skit
Last but not least, ending off the students performances for the teachers, S1-06 showcased a dedication video to the teachers followed by a group of 4 singers sang ‘You raise me up’ as a dedication to the teachers.
The students standing up to sing Wings Beneath My Wings to the teachers.
The students presenting the teachers their gifts.
Students were then invited to give their gifts and thanks to the teachers, leaving the teachers more than a handful of gifts to carry back to the staffroom. Parents for SST has also created a Teacher's Survival Kit for the Teachers which was given later at the Staff Appreciation Dinner. The Teacher's Survival Kit consist of the following items.
1. Aspirin: When all else fails, take two and have a timeout.
2. Band-Aid: For when things get rough
3. Paper clip: For when you need help holding things together
4. Peanuts: To remind you to be a little nutty sometimes.
5. Hershey kisses: For when you need hugs and kisses
6. Crayons: To colour everyday bright and cheery
7. Puzzle: Because you are a big piece of out child's life
8. Marbles: To replace those you lose from time to time
9. Rubber bands: To remind you to be flexible
10. Mint: You are worth a mint!
After all the performances are over, there was a bonding session where students challenged the teachers to a game of Captain’s ball. Each game, lasting 5 minutes, had 7 people from each class playing against 5 teachers. But this game, has a twist, when a female player scores the team get 2 points instead of the usual 1 point per score.
Surprisingly, the teams did not have many girls playing.
Some students "hanging out" to get a better view of the action.
The match started off with S1-01 playing against the teachers, beating the teachers with a score of 10:8, which was quite a close match with Mr Chua, Mrs Chiew and Mr Soh playing in that round. But tables turned when S1-02 was playing against the teachers, bringing the total score to 4: 24, especially when the teachers had Mr Glenn Wong as their best catcher.
Sprits weren't lifted as the students still have not managed to beat the teachers in the subsequent matches with S1-03 and S1-04 playing, but at the end of the match with S1-05 playing, with the total score being 51:67, the teachers decided to be kindhearted enough to allow 2 points when every boy scores and 3 points when every girl scores.
This turned the tables around for the students.
So the game went on with 10:5 for the match with S1-06 playing, until the total scores were almost tied at 76:77 after the match with S1-07 playing. A slight disappointment was seen when the teachers bounce back during the match with S1-08 playing bringing the total score to 85:87. It was up to S1-09 to decide who will win the match.
The students from S1-09 and teachers playing a friendly handball match.
S1-09 did not disappoint as they wowed the crowd with their amazing tactics and won the whole round with a total score of 113:97, therefore the students won the challenge of Captain’s Ball, but it was all in a name of good fun.
The teachers definitely have such good tactics and skill, some students even stayed back after dismissal at 10:30am to play another round against the teachers.
Teachers and students alike were definitely enjoying their teacher’s day celebration. The first ever teachers day certainly impressed the teachers.
To all the teachers, Happy Teacher’s Day!
The whole Teacher's Day celebration
Text by Cherin
Edited by Ms Seah
Teachers Day--the photos
These are the highlights of the Teacher's Day celebration. Enjoy the photos! :)
Photos taken by Reuven
Mr Chua giving the Teacher's Day message.
The teachers watching the Teacher's Day performances.
1-08 performance which showed a previously filmed video.
Hardy and Yu Chong doing a humorous talk show.
The students standing up to sing Wings Beneath My Wings to the teachers
The students presenting the teachers their gifts.
The students and teachers playing a friendly handball match.
Some students "hanging out" to get a better view of the action.
Mr Chua giving the Teacher's Day message.
The teachers watching the Teacher's Day performances.
1-01 Performance where they dressed up as angels to sing.
1-08 performance which showed a previously filmed video.
Hardy and Yu Chong doing a humorous talk show.
The students standing up to sing Wings Beneath My Wings to the teachers
The students presenting the teachers their gifts.
The students and teachers playing a friendly handball match.
Some students "hanging out" to get a better view of the action.
Friday, August 13, 2010
Tuesday, August 10, 2010
SST National Day Celebration
The 5th and 6th of Aug were some exciting days.
On the 5th, it was the day before the BIG DAY. We had a small assembly about National Day. There were video clips being played that had meanings related to National Day in Singapore. There were videos that were very humorous and those that were very inspirational. Our Vice-principal read a speech for National Day too. It told us of all our accomplishments as a country and our future dreams and how we’ll all stick together to accomplish them.
Moving on to the 6th of Aug, it was truly a day to enjoy and relax and enjoy the happy occasion. The day was set on truly understanding what “Live our Dreams, Fly our flag” meant. From the stage, a sea of red could be seen. Almost all of the students had worn a red shirt to school today. We watched a short video clip on our past and how our fore fathers helped us to progress to where we are today.
In conjunction with National Day, SST held her finals for the “ SST’s GOT talent” competition. We had a great time! First, we watched Kaichek WOW the crowd with his expert Yo-Yo tricks. Then, Shamemi dazzled the crowd with a song by Miley Cyrus. Following the singing act, came another by Pasakorn who gave his heart and soul in a Thai Love Song. Another spectacular, young ‘ Adam Lambert’ or should we say, Abu who sang Mad World. A stunning display of musical talent by Jia Le who played the piano. A song followed by three ‘ rappers’ singing ‘ Never say never’. Abilash and Hao En then did a breakdance...the cool way.
Mohit and Mirza went flying on the stage with their Jump-style performance. There was also a small team where two guitarist played a tune with a lone singer at the front. This was then finished off by a final effort from ‘ Classroom Music’ where the boys drummed their way from their classroom to the Principal’s office. A stunning display of talent and courage from our SST students.
Immediately after the competition ended, another competition began. It was the "Don't forget the lyrics" Competition! The songs were all National Day Songs and a few people went up on stage to try to win prizes. As they sang, the audience merrily sang along with them. It was not before long when this competition ended and the results for "SST's got Talent" was released. Everyone was waiting in suspense as the Emcees revealed the winners one by one. Each participant that qualified for the finals got a prize. A merry applause followed as each recipient received an envelope containing their prize in it from the vice-principal, Mr. Soh. These are the names of the award recipients:
Individual Category Consolation
S1-02's Nur Shamemi
S1-04's Pasakorn
2nd runner up
S1-01's Ng Kai Chek
1st runner up
S1-06's Abu
Champion
S1-09's Chio Jia Le
Group Category Consolation
S101's Grace, Mayur and Shamus Rap and Sing Never Say Never by Justin Bieber and Jaden Smith
S105's Abigail, Matthew and Catherine plays the Guitar and Sing Fifteen by Taylor Swift
2nd Runner Up
S102's Abilash and Hao En: Break Dance
1st Runner Up
S105's Mohit and Mirza: Jump Style
Champion
S106 STOMP performed by: Matthias Lee, Chen Yu, Izzat, Daniel, Ming Yong and Heo Yub
These memorable 2 days have been fun and exciting for the students of SST and hopefully, the next National Day Celebration will be much more fun!
Done by: Hardy Shein Nyein Chan and Lee YuChong
On the 5th, it was the day before the BIG DAY. We had a small assembly about National Day. There were video clips being played that had meanings related to National Day in Singapore. There were videos that were very humorous and those that were very inspirational. Our Vice-principal read a speech for National Day too. It told us of all our accomplishments as a country and our future dreams and how we’ll all stick together to accomplish them.
Moving on to the 6th of Aug, it was truly a day to enjoy and relax and enjoy the happy occasion. The day was set on truly understanding what “Live our Dreams, Fly our flag” meant. From the stage, a sea of red could be seen. Almost all of the students had worn a red shirt to school today. We watched a short video clip on our past and how our fore fathers helped us to progress to where we are today.
In conjunction with National Day, SST held her finals for the “ SST’s GOT talent” competition. We had a great time! First, we watched Kaichek WOW the crowd with his expert Yo-Yo tricks. Then, Shamemi dazzled the crowd with a song by Miley Cyrus. Following the singing act, came another by Pasakorn who gave his heart and soul in a Thai Love Song. Another spectacular, young ‘ Adam Lambert’ or should we say, Abu who sang Mad World. A stunning display of musical talent by Jia Le who played the piano. A song followed by three ‘ rappers’ singing ‘ Never say never’. Abilash and Hao En then did a breakdance...the cool way.
Mohit and Mirza went flying on the stage with their Jump-style performance. There was also a small team where two guitarist played a tune with a lone singer at the front. This was then finished off by a final effort from ‘ Classroom Music’ where the boys drummed their way from their classroom to the Principal’s office. A stunning display of talent and courage from our SST students.
Immediately after the competition ended, another competition began. It was the "Don't forget the lyrics" Competition! The songs were all National Day Songs and a few people went up on stage to try to win prizes. As they sang, the audience merrily sang along with them. It was not before long when this competition ended and the results for "SST's got Talent" was released. Everyone was waiting in suspense as the Emcees revealed the winners one by one. Each participant that qualified for the finals got a prize. A merry applause followed as each recipient received an envelope containing their prize in it from the vice-principal, Mr. Soh. These are the names of the award recipients:
Individual Category Consolation
S1-02's Nur Shamemi
S1-04's Pasakorn
2nd runner up
S1-01's Ng Kai Chek
1st runner up
S1-06's Abu
Champion
S1-09's Chio Jia Le
Group Category Consolation
S101's Grace, Mayur and Shamus Rap and Sing Never Say Never by Justin Bieber and Jaden Smith
S105's Abigail, Matthew and Catherine plays the Guitar and Sing Fifteen by Taylor Swift
2nd Runner Up
S102's Abilash and Hao En: Break Dance
1st Runner Up
S105's Mohit and Mirza: Jump Style
Champion
S106 STOMP performed by: Matthias Lee, Chen Yu, Izzat, Daniel, Ming Yong and Heo Yub
These memorable 2 days have been fun and exciting for the students of SST and hopefully, the next National Day Celebration will be much more fun!
Done by: Hardy Shein Nyein Chan and Lee YuChong