I was most able to appreciate the topic of Units and Density the most.
I felt that they were most probably the most "practical" in my opinion.
Units were a very important. By sort of learning ahead in Science, my Math has been improved. I feel more comfortable with Standard form and notation. Additionally, with the learning of conversion in Math, I felt that I was very secure with that topic.
Density, was a much more extensive topic. Density is, and will be heavily applied in life. Finding the density of a metal, density of liquids and density of gases. It is just so important and is expected as a standard information in order to analyse something. I am grateful to the teachings, greatly.
Sunday, September 26, 2010
Term 3 Reflection
Term 3 felt like a comeback. The trend was going upwards. I felt that this time it was mainly owed to the fact that I have spent time revising and going through notes, especially regarding the Kinetic Particle Theory. I was able to correctly identify the differences in the matter carefully. I felt satisfied as my hard work has paid off. Part of the success could also be due to the fact that the topics covered were less technical. I realize that in term 3, the topics covered were more of Biology and Chemistry as compared to Physics. As such, I understand my weakness to be physics. I was personally more interested in Biology and this could have partly improved my results. Hence, I shall investigate more about Biology, and possible reinforce my Physics skills.
Wednesday, September 8, 2010
Term 2 Reflections
In term 2, we focused more on Chemistry. We learnt about the 3 states of matter, Kinetic particle theory of matter, elements, compounds, mixtures, solutions and suspensions and lastly separation techniques.
Term 2 was a rather huge bulk. We learnt quite a lot of things, but they are from the same family. In other words, we learnt about a big topic, and that is Matter.
When I was learning about the 3 states of matter, I found it easy as it was basically a revision. This topic was already taught in primary school and hence I found it simpler to learn. However, the more difficult part came as we learnt about elements, compounds and mixtures. They were more advanced and required more time and effort in order to master them. I, fortunately, was able to tackle it well and without too many difficulties.
Solutions and suspensions and separation techniques was more of a challenge to me. I was initially very confused. I had to spend time drawing table to understand more easily. With the help of the tables, I was able to visualise the differences. In the end, I was able to master it more firmly than I was initially. The practicals were great help was it was best to visualise and understand how the concepts work, LIVE.
Term 2 was quite a challenging term as it really strains and requires much effort. It was a good lesson learnt and I appreciate it.
Term 2 was a rather huge bulk. We learnt quite a lot of things, but they are from the same family. In other words, we learnt about a big topic, and that is Matter.
When I was learning about the 3 states of matter, I found it easy as it was basically a revision. This topic was already taught in primary school and hence I found it simpler to learn. However, the more difficult part came as we learnt about elements, compounds and mixtures. They were more advanced and required more time and effort in order to master them. I, fortunately, was able to tackle it well and without too many difficulties.
Solutions and suspensions and separation techniques was more of a challenge to me. I was initially very confused. I had to spend time drawing table to understand more easily. With the help of the tables, I was able to visualise the differences. In the end, I was able to master it more firmly than I was initially. The practicals were great help was it was best to visualise and understand how the concepts work, LIVE.
Term 2 was quite a challenging term as it really strains and requires much effort. It was a good lesson learnt and I appreciate it.
Term 1 Reflection
Term 1 was a very technical term. The topics learnt in class were mainly the physics. We learnt about measurements, density, and the protocol of the labs and its apparatus. I felt that the first term was a very important stage. The first term established most of our technical skills and foundation.
The learning of measurements helped me to tackle topics in term 2 and 3. The learning of measurements also helped me in Math. The apparatus helped me a lot in labatory lessons. I am now able to measure objects more accurately.
Density was also a very important topic. Density helps me in my life in many ways. I am now able to draw how an object can float. I can now understand what the scientists mean by the density of a planet and apply this to understanding general knowledge.
I appreciated term 1 as a foundational term. It was very important as our technical aspects are all set then.
The learning of measurements helped me to tackle topics in term 2 and 3. The learning of measurements also helped me in Math. The apparatus helped me a lot in labatory lessons. I am now able to measure objects more accurately.
Density was also a very important topic. Density helps me in my life in many ways. I am now able to draw how an object can float. I can now understand what the scientists mean by the density of a planet and apply this to understanding general knowledge.
I appreciated term 1 as a foundational term. It was very important as our technical aspects are all set then.
Monday, September 6, 2010
Solutions and Suspensions
Solutions and Suspensions
Solutions and suspensions are mixtures. They are made up of two or more elements or mixtures or compounds. These elements are not chemically combined. They are given heat/ light or electrical energy, and hence are not mixtures. Solutions and suspensions can be separated via non-chemical methods like filtration and distillation.
Solutions and suspensions are frequently confused. It is clear that solutions and suspensions are NOT the same. Solutions and suspensions have different characteristics.
Solutions
Solutions are a type of mixture that contain two or more substances. Solutions compose of a solvent and one or more solutes. Solutions are homogeneous. This means that the substances in the solution is equally spread out between the whole solution. The particles of the solutes are equally divided in the solvent, in which case, it's particles are also equally spread out. With the characteristic of being homogeneous, the solute will not settle to the bottom of the container of beaker it is in when the solute and solution is left untouched by itself.
There are different types of solutions. There can be solutions of gases, liquids, liquids in solids, gases in solids, or solid in solid. A very common example of a solution of gases can be air.
Solution of:
Gases in gases: Air
Gases in Liquid: Oxygen and water
Liquid in Liquid: Alcoholic beverages
Solid in Liquid: Sucrose in water
Gases in Solid: Hydrogen and metals, palladium
Liquid in Solid: Mercury in gold, parrafin wax
Solid in Solid: Alloys, Steel
Suspensions
Suspensions are not to be confused with solutions. Suspensions are unique, in that the solute is not even spread out in the solvent. It is not homogeneous. A suspension is heterogeneous. A suspension is a fluid containing solid particles that are rather large. The solid particles are not spread out evenly in the fluid, and they will descend to the bottom of the container or beaker they are in when left to settle. The suspended particles are visible under the microscope.
Some common examples include:
-Muddy water
-Chalk in water
-Paint
-Flour in water
Reflection
This was a very interesting topic for me. I had always known of the two words, but I had never known its difference. This learning experience was very fruitful for me. I decided to provide more information about it and extend my learning.
I did some research on the topic and I found out some common examples. I am now clearer with this topic as this write-up and revision help to clarify my thoughts and learning points.
Solutions and suspensions are mixtures. They are made up of two or more elements or mixtures or compounds. These elements are not chemically combined. They are given heat/ light or electrical energy, and hence are not mixtures. Solutions and suspensions can be separated via non-chemical methods like filtration and distillation.
Solutions and suspensions are frequently confused. It is clear that solutions and suspensions are NOT the same. Solutions and suspensions have different characteristics.
Solutions
Solutions are a type of mixture that contain two or more substances. Solutions compose of a solvent and one or more solutes. Solutions are homogeneous. This means that the substances in the solution is equally spread out between the whole solution. The particles of the solutes are equally divided in the solvent, in which case, it's particles are also equally spread out. With the characteristic of being homogeneous, the solute will not settle to the bottom of the container of beaker it is in when the solute and solution is left untouched by itself.
There are different types of solutions. There can be solutions of gases, liquids, liquids in solids, gases in solids, or solid in solid. A very common example of a solution of gases can be air.
Solution of:
Gases in gases: Air
Gases in Liquid: Oxygen and water
Liquid in Liquid: Alcoholic beverages
Solid in Liquid: Sucrose in water
Gases in Solid: Hydrogen and metals, palladium
Liquid in Solid: Mercury in gold, parrafin wax
Solid in Solid: Alloys, Steel
Suspensions
Suspensions are not to be confused with solutions. Suspensions are unique, in that the solute is not even spread out in the solvent. It is not homogeneous. A suspension is heterogeneous. A suspension is a fluid containing solid particles that are rather large. The solid particles are not spread out evenly in the fluid, and they will descend to the bottom of the container or beaker they are in when left to settle. The suspended particles are visible under the microscope.
Some common examples include:
-Muddy water
-Chalk in water
-Paint
-Flour in water
Reflection
This was a very interesting topic for me. I had always known of the two words, but I had never known its difference. This learning experience was very fruitful for me. I decided to provide more information about it and extend my learning.
I did some research on the topic and I found out some common examples. I am now clearer with this topic as this write-up and revision help to clarify my thoughts and learning points.
Saturday, September 4, 2010
Cells: Plant Cells vs Animal Cells
Animal Cells vs. Plant Cells
Cells are the basic building blocks of life. They form tissues that form organs, that form systems, that eventually form our body itself. Hence, they are very important to our lives and bodies. Living things all have cells. Animals, plants, fungi and bacteria all have cells/a cell.
I will be mainly, in this post, discussing about plant cells and animal cells.
Animal cells and plant cells both have a common area in which they will both form tissues that form organs. However, the cell parts, organelles, have a significant difference. For an instance, animal cells to do not have the cell wall. The two different types of cells do have some common organelles though.
Animal cells and plant cells both have common organelles. These include the nucleus, the cell membrane, the cytoplasm and the vacuole. The nuclues functions as the 'brain'of the cell and controls cellular activities. The nucleus also contains the chromosomes. The cell membrane functions as the 'gate' of the cell; it controls movement of substances coming in and going out of the cell. The cytoplasm is the substance in which the organelles and substances move in. The cytoplasm acts like a medium for movement and reactions to take place.
The vacuole, however, is rather subjective. In animal cells, the vacuole might sometimes not be present. The vacuole of the animal cell, if present, is small compared to the vacuole of the plant cell. The vacuole of the plant cell is always present. The vacuole of the plant cell is also large and takes up a lot of space in the cell. The main function of the vacuole is to store water, waste and food substances inside the cell.
The plant cell is significantly different from the animal cell. The plant cell has chhloroplasts, a cell wall. The plant cell has the cell wall in order to keep its shape and also, to prevent over-expansion of the cell when water enters the cell. The cell wall also supports the cell.
The plant cell also has the chloroplast that contains chlorophyll. These chloroplast help to capture light energy and store free energy. The chloroplast is very important in the process of photosynthesis in which the plant makes food.
In conclusion, the animal cell and plant cell are different in their organelles. The vacuole is different in animal cells and plant cells. Plants have different organelles like the Cell Wall and the Chloroplast.
Reflection
I chose to do upon this topic as we have learnt about this in class. It is topic we have learnt in primary school and in secondary 1, we learn more about this and extend our knowledge about cells.
Cells are the basic building blocks of matter. The are the simplest living things in our body. Hence they hold a lot of importance, and also a lot of knowledge to be drawn from them.
I did upon this topic to keep track and revise on the things I have learnt in class. This will also serve as a review of what I have learnt. This way I can check and examine my learning progress, and at the same time, do a revision.
Cells are the basic building blocks of life. They form tissues that form organs, that form systems, that eventually form our body itself. Hence, they are very important to our lives and bodies. Living things all have cells. Animals, plants, fungi and bacteria all have cells/a cell.
I will be mainly, in this post, discussing about plant cells and animal cells.
Animal cells and plant cells both have a common area in which they will both form tissues that form organs. However, the cell parts, organelles, have a significant difference. For an instance, animal cells to do not have the cell wall. The two different types of cells do have some common organelles though.
Animal cells and plant cells both have common organelles. These include the nucleus, the cell membrane, the cytoplasm and the vacuole. The nuclues functions as the 'brain'of the cell and controls cellular activities. The nucleus also contains the chromosomes. The cell membrane functions as the 'gate' of the cell; it controls movement of substances coming in and going out of the cell. The cytoplasm is the substance in which the organelles and substances move in. The cytoplasm acts like a medium for movement and reactions to take place.
The vacuole, however, is rather subjective. In animal cells, the vacuole might sometimes not be present. The vacuole of the animal cell, if present, is small compared to the vacuole of the plant cell. The vacuole of the plant cell is always present. The vacuole of the plant cell is also large and takes up a lot of space in the cell. The main function of the vacuole is to store water, waste and food substances inside the cell.
The plant cell is significantly different from the animal cell. The plant cell has chhloroplasts, a cell wall. The plant cell has the cell wall in order to keep its shape and also, to prevent over-expansion of the cell when water enters the cell. The cell wall also supports the cell.
The plant cell also has the chloroplast that contains chlorophyll. These chloroplast help to capture light energy and store free energy. The chloroplast is very important in the process of photosynthesis in which the plant makes food.
In conclusion, the animal cell and plant cell are different in their organelles. The vacuole is different in animal cells and plant cells. Plants have different organelles like the Cell Wall and the Chloroplast.
Reflection
I chose to do upon this topic as we have learnt about this in class. It is topic we have learnt in primary school and in secondary 1, we learn more about this and extend our knowledge about cells.
Cells are the basic building blocks of matter. The are the simplest living things in our body. Hence they hold a lot of importance, and also a lot of knowledge to be drawn from them.
I did upon this topic to keep track and revise on the things I have learnt in class. This will also serve as a review of what I have learnt. This way I can check and examine my learning progress, and at the same time, do a revision.
Friday, September 3, 2010
Global Warming- Greenhouse gases
Global Warming- Greenhouse Gases
Global has been defined by Wikipedia.org as ‘the increase in the average temperature of the Earth’s near-surface air and oceans since the mid-20th century and its projected continuation. Indeed it is obvious that we have been informed or know about this topic. The topic has been such a controversy in the contemporary world that it has sparked many global projects to stop the supposed ‘End of the Earth’.
The temperature increase had been greatly credited to the increasing concentration of greenhouse gases. These are all because of human activities like burning of fossil fuels and deforestation. These activities have been increasing since the Industrial Revolution, and are becoming more of a concern during the 21th century.
Today I will be discussing more about greenhouse gases and their impact on global warming.
Greenhouse gases are gases are gases in an atmosphere that absorb and emit radiation within the thermal infrared range. This means the greenhouse gases will take in the heat and emit the heat around a certain range. The greenhouse gases can be important to Earth, as without them, the temperature of the Earth’s surface would be about 33 degrees Celsius lower. These gases in our Earth’s atmosphere include water vapour, carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide and ozone. The gas carbon dioxide has increased significantly since the Industrial Revolution and burning of fossil fuels.
With the presence of these gases, the Greenhouse Effect is subsequently created. The radiation of sun will first approach Earth. Most of the radiation passes through the atmosphere and is absorbed by the Earth surface, and some is reflected by the Atmosphere and Earth’s surface. Upon reaching Earth, the radiation is converted into heat energy, causing the emission of infrared radiation back to the atmosphere. Some of the infrared radiation is then absorbed by the greenhouse gases and re-emitted into the atmosphere.
This is when the increase of Greenhouse Gases takes a big stand. When the amount of Greenhouse Gases increase, more radiation, or heat, simply, the amount of heat trapped and retained will be higher. The increase can pose harm to Earth. For example, the melting of the Glaciers that increase sea level.
Reflection
I chose to do this topic as I felt it was very important and crucial for people to understand what greenhouse gases were. As the controversy of global warming continues, it is important that we know what greenhouse gases are so that we humans can find the appropriate solution to put a stop to global warming.
In the end it is still our own lives that are affected by the greenhouse gases, and hence there is a strong neccesity to address this topic. I also want people to understand the concept of greenhouse effect and understand that their actions could well have grave consequences on their own lives.
Global has been defined by Wikipedia.org as ‘the increase in the average temperature of the Earth’s near-surface air and oceans since the mid-20th century and its projected continuation. Indeed it is obvious that we have been informed or know about this topic. The topic has been such a controversy in the contemporary world that it has sparked many global projects to stop the supposed ‘End of the Earth’.
The temperature increase had been greatly credited to the increasing concentration of greenhouse gases. These are all because of human activities like burning of fossil fuels and deforestation. These activities have been increasing since the Industrial Revolution, and are becoming more of a concern during the 21th century.
Today I will be discussing more about greenhouse gases and their impact on global warming.
Greenhouse gases are gases are gases in an atmosphere that absorb and emit radiation within the thermal infrared range. This means the greenhouse gases will take in the heat and emit the heat around a certain range. The greenhouse gases can be important to Earth, as without them, the temperature of the Earth’s surface would be about 33 degrees Celsius lower. These gases in our Earth’s atmosphere include water vapour, carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide and ozone. The gas carbon dioxide has increased significantly since the Industrial Revolution and burning of fossil fuels.
With the presence of these gases, the Greenhouse Effect is subsequently created. The radiation of sun will first approach Earth. Most of the radiation passes through the atmosphere and is absorbed by the Earth surface, and some is reflected by the Atmosphere and Earth’s surface. Upon reaching Earth, the radiation is converted into heat energy, causing the emission of infrared radiation back to the atmosphere. Some of the infrared radiation is then absorbed by the greenhouse gases and re-emitted into the atmosphere.
This is when the increase of Greenhouse Gases takes a big stand. When the amount of Greenhouse Gases increase, more radiation, or heat, simply, the amount of heat trapped and retained will be higher. The increase can pose harm to Earth. For example, the melting of the Glaciers that increase sea level.
Reflection
I chose to do this topic as I felt it was very important and crucial for people to understand what greenhouse gases were. As the controversy of global warming continues, it is important that we know what greenhouse gases are so that we humans can find the appropriate solution to put a stop to global warming.
In the end it is still our own lives that are affected by the greenhouse gases, and hence there is a strong neccesity to address this topic. I also want people to understand the concept of greenhouse effect and understand that their actions could well have grave consequences on their own lives.
Stem Cells
Stem Cells
Stem cells are a specific type of cells found only in multi-cellular organisms. They are specially classified through their ability to renew themselves into other different cell types through cell division. The earliest records of the term were in 1908 when the term “stem cells” was proposed for scientific use by Russian scientist Alexander Maksimov. Later in the 1960s scientists Joseph Altman and Gopal Das presented scientific evidence of ongoing stem cell activity in the brain. Stem cells are very important as they serve as a repair agent of the human body. They develop to serve a specific function.
There are currently two broad types of stem cells, the embryonic stem cells and adult stem cells.
Embryonic
Embryonic stem cells are obtained from embryos of about four to five days old in humans. The cell count will range from approximately 50-150. These cells are able to develop organs which are derivatives of the three primary germ layers: ectoderm, endoderm and mesoderm. The ectoderm layer will develop into the skin cells, the neurons and the pigment cells. The endoderm layer develops into the lung cells, the internal layer (thyroid cells) and the pancreatic cell. The mesoderm forms the cardiac muscle cells and the skeletal muscle cells, red blood cells and kidney cells. The stem cells hence are very useful and can develop into any of the types of cells of the adult body under certain conditions and stimulations. Despite the research, no official treatments using embryonic of stem cells has been attempted till date. International Standards are questioning the use of embryonic stem cells as degrading of human rights and has yet to reach a conclusion.
Adult
The adult stem cell is classified by the three conditions: the ability to divide and create another cell like itself, divide and create a cell more differentiated than itself and originates from a fully developed organism. They can also be found in children, as well as adults. These types of stem cells are rather rare in the body but can be found in certain tissues. The potential of these types of stem cells are also different. These types of stem cells cannot develop into all types of cells, and are more commonly referred to by their broad derivatives. However, these adult stem cells are more commonly used in treatment. They are not as controversial compared to embryonic cells, and do not involve destroying an embryo- a sign of life. The stem cells are sometimes also acquired from donors and hence are more valid to be used for treatment.
Cell Stimulation
The embryonic stem cell will remain unchanged given the appropriate conditions. When cultured in suspension, they form embryonic bodies. At this stage the cells will start to develop into the derivatives of the 3 germ layers, but however this is not an efficient way of developing cells of a specific and designated function. Hence, in order to generate specific cultures of differentiated cells, the culture medium can be altered chemically, or the surface of the culture dish can be altered, or by inserting specific genes into the cells. Through time the standard protocol for different types of cell generation would be established.
Treatment
Stem cells have proved to be very useful for humanity. Stem cells are commonly given to premature babies in order repair the organs and tissues. Stem cells offer a large scope and variety of help. Some examples include the following: Wound Healing, Blindness, Deafness, Missing tooth, Brain injury and Spinal cord injury. One sole concern of treatment is that after transplant of stem cells, tumors may form and become cancerous if the division of cells is uncontrolled.
Reflection
The reason why I chose this topic was because stem cells were a very contemporary topic. Only in the recent years have we come to understand more about stem cells. This discovery is a milestone in human history as stem cells hold incredible ability to heal and save a person's life.
Stem cells being a very new research area, hence attracts my attention and I would like to inform more about stem cells about their purpose and history.
After the research I have done and the report I have written, I gained more knowledge about stem cells and have gone one step further.
Stem cells are a specific type of cells found only in multi-cellular organisms. They are specially classified through their ability to renew themselves into other different cell types through cell division. The earliest records of the term were in 1908 when the term “stem cells” was proposed for scientific use by Russian scientist Alexander Maksimov. Later in the 1960s scientists Joseph Altman and Gopal Das presented scientific evidence of ongoing stem cell activity in the brain. Stem cells are very important as they serve as a repair agent of the human body. They develop to serve a specific function.
There are currently two broad types of stem cells, the embryonic stem cells and adult stem cells.
Embryonic
Embryonic stem cells are obtained from embryos of about four to five days old in humans. The cell count will range from approximately 50-150. These cells are able to develop organs which are derivatives of the three primary germ layers: ectoderm, endoderm and mesoderm. The ectoderm layer will develop into the skin cells, the neurons and the pigment cells. The endoderm layer develops into the lung cells, the internal layer (thyroid cells) and the pancreatic cell. The mesoderm forms the cardiac muscle cells and the skeletal muscle cells, red blood cells and kidney cells. The stem cells hence are very useful and can develop into any of the types of cells of the adult body under certain conditions and stimulations. Despite the research, no official treatments using embryonic of stem cells has been attempted till date. International Standards are questioning the use of embryonic stem cells as degrading of human rights and has yet to reach a conclusion.
Adult
The adult stem cell is classified by the three conditions: the ability to divide and create another cell like itself, divide and create a cell more differentiated than itself and originates from a fully developed organism. They can also be found in children, as well as adults. These types of stem cells are rather rare in the body but can be found in certain tissues. The potential of these types of stem cells are also different. These types of stem cells cannot develop into all types of cells, and are more commonly referred to by their broad derivatives. However, these adult stem cells are more commonly used in treatment. They are not as controversial compared to embryonic cells, and do not involve destroying an embryo- a sign of life. The stem cells are sometimes also acquired from donors and hence are more valid to be used for treatment.
Cell Stimulation
The embryonic stem cell will remain unchanged given the appropriate conditions. When cultured in suspension, they form embryonic bodies. At this stage the cells will start to develop into the derivatives of the 3 germ layers, but however this is not an efficient way of developing cells of a specific and designated function. Hence, in order to generate specific cultures of differentiated cells, the culture medium can be altered chemically, or the surface of the culture dish can be altered, or by inserting specific genes into the cells. Through time the standard protocol for different types of cell generation would be established.
Treatment
Stem cells have proved to be very useful for humanity. Stem cells are commonly given to premature babies in order repair the organs and tissues. Stem cells offer a large scope and variety of help. Some examples include the following: Wound Healing, Blindness, Deafness, Missing tooth, Brain injury and Spinal cord injury. One sole concern of treatment is that after transplant of stem cells, tumors may form and become cancerous if the division of cells is uncontrolled.
Reflection
The reason why I chose this topic was because stem cells were a very contemporary topic. Only in the recent years have we come to understand more about stem cells. This discovery is a milestone in human history as stem cells hold incredible ability to heal and save a person's life.
Stem cells being a very new research area, hence attracts my attention and I would like to inform more about stem cells about their purpose and history.
After the research I have done and the report I have written, I gained more knowledge about stem cells and have gone one step further.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)