1P1: Getting to know the Science Laboratory
That day, we went to the Science lab for the first time, to do our first practical. I must say I was quite impressed with our school Science lab, as I never seen one as big as this before. Anyway, that day Ms Chia gave us a worksheet each, with questions related to the features of the Science lab. We were asked to draw out the layout of the lab, using symbols to represent gas taps, sinks, fire extinguishers,rubbish bins,doors,fire blanket,power points,fume cupboard,first aid box,shower,poster on lab rules and finally, empty buckets. We were allowed to walk around the lab freely and discuss with our friends.
After that, we had to complete an "Equipment checklist". We must check whether the outline drawing of the equipment was correct. If it was, we must put a tick. If it was wrong, we must put a cross.
Even though that practical was not as interesting as i thought, I manged to learn lots of new things and I still managed to enjoy myself alot. :D
1P2: Hot stuff with flames
Today, we went down to the lab again, and we did another practical, but this time it includes the Bunsen burner! I could hardly contain my excitement. That would be the first time dealing with a Bunsen burner on my own, without the help of teachers and adults.
We were told to light the Bunsen burner to get to types of flames : Luminous flame and Non-Luminous flame. Afterwards, we must observe the difference in both the flames and complete a worksheet.
A Luminous flame can only be formed when the air holes are closed while the Non-Luminous flame can be obtained when the air holes are opened. However, the air holes cannot be opened too wide as that would cause a strike back. A strike back occurs when there is too much oxygen, and instead of burning at the mouth of the barrel, the gas burns at the jet.
1P3: Observing and Recording Part 1
Today,we did many experiments, mainly to test our observation and recording skills. In total, we did 5 experiments.
The first experiment was to observe what happens when sodium bicarbonate gets into contact with Vinegar.
The sodium bicarbonate dissolved to form a colorless solution and effervescence of a colourless and odourless gas was seen. Also, a cooling sensation was felt.
Another experiment which I found was quite cool and fun was the methylated spirits experiment. We were told to use a dropper to place one drop of methylated spirits on the back of our hand. Once it comes into contact with my hand, a cooling sensation was felt.
1P4: Observing and Recording Part 2
Today, we did another experiment, involving the use of Bunsen burner. We were instructed to heat a beaker of water under a blue flame, and then record the temperature every 10 minutes. Then, we must present our data on a line graph. As the temperature of the water increased gradually, a line graph is appropriate there.
1P5: Pendulum Predictions
Today's experiment was to determine the relationship between the period and the length of the simple pendulum. After repeating the experiment 7 times with different lengths of the pendulum, we can safely deduce that the shorter the length of the pendulum, the shorter the period. Period refers to the time taken for the pendulum to move one oscillation.
That was the first time experimenting with a pendulum and I found out that pendulums are very interesting, even though it is quite simple.
1P6: Measurement of Length
Today, we used measuring equipments, including vernier calipers and the micrometer screw gauge. As it was the first time many of us handled such equipment, the class was bursting with excitement. We were told to measure our seat from the floor, the internal and external diameters of a beaker, and the diameter of the wire and ball bearing. I was amazed that there were even such equipment in the world to measure to such small measurements.
The smallest reading the micrometer screw gauge can get is actually 0.01mm! :P
1P2: Hot stuff with flames
Today, we went down to the lab again, and we did another practical, but this time it includes the Bunsen burner! I could hardly contain my excitement. That would be the first time dealing with a Bunsen burner on my own, without the help of teachers and adults.
We were told to light the Bunsen burner to get to types of flames : Luminous flame and Non-Luminous flame. Afterwards, we must observe the difference in both the flames and complete a worksheet.
A Luminous flame can only be formed when the air holes are closed while the Non-Luminous flame can be obtained when the air holes are opened. However, the air holes cannot be opened too wide as that would cause a strike back. A strike back occurs when there is too much oxygen, and instead of burning at the mouth of the barrel, the gas burns at the jet.
As you can see, the luminous flame is orange while the non-luminous flame is blue. Also, a non-luminous flame is much hotter and steadier than a luminous flame. When Ms Chia held an ice-cream stick with a pair of thongs and moved it up and down in the fame, the ice-cream stick became charred and eventually caught fire after some time when heated in a luminous flame. However, when it was done again in a non-luminous flame, the ice-cream stick caught fire quickly.
This practical really thrilled me and it was the most interesting practical I had ever participated before.
:P
1P3: Observing and Recording Part 1
Today,we did many experiments, mainly to test our observation and recording skills. In total, we did 5 experiments.
The first experiment was to observe what happens when sodium bicarbonate gets into contact with Vinegar.
The sodium bicarbonate dissolved to form a colorless solution and effervescence of a colourless and odourless gas was seen. Also, a cooling sensation was felt.
Another experiment which I found was quite cool and fun was the methylated spirits experiment. We were told to use a dropper to place one drop of methylated spirits on the back of our hand. Once it comes into contact with my hand, a cooling sensation was felt.
1P4: Observing and Recording Part 2
Today, we did another experiment, involving the use of Bunsen burner. We were instructed to heat a beaker of water under a blue flame, and then record the temperature every 10 minutes. Then, we must present our data on a line graph. As the temperature of the water increased gradually, a line graph is appropriate there.
1P5: Pendulum Predictions
That was the first time experimenting with a pendulum and I found out that pendulums are very interesting, even though it is quite simple.
1P6: Measurement of Length
Today, we used measuring equipments, including vernier calipers and the micrometer screw gauge. As it was the first time many of us handled such equipment, the class was bursting with excitement. We were told to measure our seat from the floor, the internal and external diameters of a beaker, and the diameter of the wire and ball bearing. I was amazed that there were even such equipment in the world to measure to such small measurements.
The smallest reading the micrometer screw gauge can get is actually 0.01mm! :P
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