Science

Head of Department (Science) 
Ms Kathleen Chan

Subject Head (Science) 
Ms Ho Li Yi

 Senior Teacher (Physics) 
Mr Wee Keng Yong

Mid-year Post-exam Activity for Secondary 1s (May 2019)

Our Secondary 1 students extended their classroom learning on density, which is to determine the ability of an object to float or sink. Students were then required to construct a boat using a set of materials such as ice cream sticks. Our Secondary 1s exhibited great creativity and critical thinking through the modifications made using other optional items. Once ready, it was time to “float their boat” with as many standard masses possible! The boats were judged according to the maximum amount of mass it can hold and the design of the boats.

1E1 students are discussing and forming the base of the boat.

1E4 students are engaged in forming the shape of the boat.

1T1 student doing the finishing touches to the boat.

Abbott Operation Discovery (30 May 2019)

Twenty Secondary 2 students were selected to attend ‘Abbott Operation Discovery’ where they engaged in hands-on inquiry-based lab experiences to learn science. Through interaction with Abbott scientists, they learn about chromatography, chemiluminescence, DNA and food safety. The students were also given a tour of the Abbott milk powder plant facility to see how science is applied in real life.

Students ready for Operation Discovery.

Learning from the Abbott scientists.

Experimenting with Chemiluminescence.

Carrying out the experiment safely.

Nanyang Polytechnic Science & Technology Challenge (10 Sep 2019)

Our sec 3 students participated in a day of learning and practical session of Science and Technology for different categories in the Nanyang Polytechnic Science and Technology challenge 2019.

Student troubleshooting to display the LED lights.

Student preparing the materials to build the artefact.

Students doing last minute adjustment.

Students solving problems during the Amazing Race

                                                                                You can get more photos here: https://goo.gl/photos/uB1y7RciKrBsh5gK7

On 22 May 2017, Secondary 2 students spent their post exam day by learning Science through mini games and quizzes. The activities were carried out to enthuse the students about Science that happens in their daily lives.

Science Enrichment Programme 2016

On the 14 January 2016, the Secondary 4 students attended a perfume and ice-cream making workshop at the Singapore Science Centre. Students had the opportunity to try their hands on large scale distillation apparatus as well and ice-cream making set ups. Beyond the indelible lessons gleaned through the workshops, the students went back with a deeper appreciation for the science behind everyday items, on top of their delightful sweet treat and their very own mixture of fragrances.

Our students try their hands on perfume making	Trying our different chemicals to achieve the desired fragrance
Our Secondary 4 students taking a rest from their hard work	Attempting to purify their concoction through large scale filtration

JWSS Science Week 2016

The 2016 Science Week featured competitions, booth showcases, daily quizzes, and many games such as perfume making, finger-print dusting, and the making of invisible inks. Daily sharing of science bites were conducted by teachers and students on top of a full week exhibition done up by the National Parks Board. The week ended off with a live performance and staging by the Singapore Zoo that revolved around the theme of reptilian organisms.

Students having fun writing texts using invisible inks	Invisible inks that show its colour only when heated.
Teacher demonstrating the ‘chameleon’ reaction using sucrose, sodium hydroxide, and potassium permanganate that causes a chain of colour changes during morning assembly.	Booth showcase run by students during recess time.

Zoopedition 2016

On the 24th May 2016, the Secondary 1 students took off to the Singapore Zoo for Zoopedition. The programme aims to deepen the students understanding of the social and environmental issues of animal poaching as well as to spark their interest in the field of science.Students were required to complete questions related to science and mathematics at different stations of the zoo and to present on their findings on conservation of wildlife. Many students enjoyed their interaction with their peers and also the teachers, making the trip an incredibly memorable and edifying one.

Students reading the information labels to answer questions in their booklet.	Students taking photos to gather information in preparation for their posters.
Class 1E4 after their Zoopedition

Learning Journey to Lee Kong Chian Natural History Museum

The learning journey to the Lee Kong Chian Natural History Museum was held on the 26th April 2016 as one of the post-exam enrichment programmes that JWSS organised. Attended by 85 students from the secondary 2 level, this fun-filled visit served to nurture the students’ interest in biodiversity and associated environmental issues.            

Students were enthralled by the myriad of exhibitions and collections in the 16 different thematic zones. The main attractions include sauropod dinosaur fossils, the world’s largest crab species, and also a heritage gallery. Students were assigned into small groups and explored the museum alongside knowledgeable guides who themselves are involved the research of biodiversity. Through the course of the visit, students were exposed to research methodologies, animal specimens, and also social issues on conservation. On top of that, time was set aside for photo-taking and note-taking for the students to prepare for their PowerPoint presentation.             

Students not only gained useful knowledge for the trip, but also bonded with their fellow classmates that will serve to remind them the beautiful memories that they shared.

Guide explaining the strong fin-like feet adaptation of ancient marine fish as they migrate onto land.	Students looking on at the rare sauropod dinosaur fossil that is 80% complete with real bones.
Guide explaining the how the stomach contents of a dead whale can reveal its diet.

ignITE Science & Technology Challenge 2015

Every year, Science Centre and Institute of Technical Education College East will collaborate to organise the interesting and innovative science competition for our NT and NA students through ignITE Science & Tecnology Challenge.

This year, our students participated in several categories such as “Candy-in-3D”, “Sportalicious”, “KeepKool” and “Dermarouge”.

We are proud to announce that a group of students from 3T1 won the 2nd prize for the category of “Dermarouge”. They competed against 54 teams from other schools and created realistic wounds such as burnt scar, stitches, and knife wound in a few minutes without much experience with cosmetics.

        

Science Programme for the Secondary 1 Students

The Science Programme is a collaboration project with the VIA (Values in Action) committee.

This year, the Secondary 1 students showcased science-related hands-on activities for their service-learning experience. All the Secondary 1 classes had planned and set up two science-related hands-on activities. The Science Programme served as a platform for students to showcase their projects and have their peers to try out these activities.

Concurrently, an egg-drop competition was held where students were given some materials to come up with a creative product to “protect the egg”. After which, they would drop their egg from a certain height to test its resilience. Prizes were given to groups who managed to “protect the egg”.

It was certainly a day for students to see, feel and touch science. in various forms!

Nanyang Polytechnic Science & Technology 2015

Photos of JWSS students coming up with creative prototypes for the various challenges at NYP as shown below.

           

     

Science Enrichment Programme 2015 for Secondary 2 students 

This year, a ‘Clock 9’ competition was held, where the Secondary 2 students constructed obstacles on a flat plane that allows a rolling ping pong ball to clock exactly 9.0 seconds, similar to a sand hourglass. Limited materials and time restriction posed great difficulties but many groups lived up the challenge and creatively devised methods to work their way through to achieve their goal. Prizes were given to groups who created the most accurate 9-second timer.

It was certainly an edifying morning for the students to gain technical skills, and more importantly, to learn to work as a team.