Hands-on+Experiences

Reflections on Hands-on Experiences

Reflections in 2011 >
 * __Term 1 Reflection:__**
 * 1) I conducted an experiment which aim is to show the effect of acids and alkalis on indicators. It was the first experiment I conducted in this year. This experiment focused more on my observations skills, where I had to take not of the effects of different acids and alkalis on reactors such as red litmus paper, blue litmus paper, Methyl orange and Phenolphthalein. Observations include no observable change where Ethanoic acid comes into contact with Red litmus paper, Phenolphthalein remaining colourless when coming into contact with dilute hydrochloric acid. This experiment also allowed me to think critically by using the knowledge I have learnt from this experiment into daily life, such as considering which substance will neutralise a bee sting and which substance is not advisable to apply to neutralise a wasp's sting. In conclusion, this very first experiment went very smoothly and I benefitted a lot from it.
 * __Term 2 Reflection:__**
 * 1) I conducted an experiment which investigated the action of alkalis on ammonium salts. This experiment required my observation skills, such as noting the colour of gas when sodium hydroxide reacts with ammonium chloride and the effect of gas on damp red litmus paper, for example. This experiment was a good recap for me as in theory, we learn that Alkali + Ammonium Salt --> Salt + Water + Ammonia. This experiment allowed me to do obtain salt, water and ammonia hands on and this gives me a better impression of the reaction, allowing me to remember this reaction more easily. Furthermore, this experiment was also extended to real life situations. Such as suggesting a reason why farmers add slaked lime, solid calcium hydroxide in other words, to remove excess acid in soil if the pH is too low for plants to grow well. In a nutshell, this experiment allowed me to remember the abovementioned formula more effectively and allowed me to apply that formula in real life situations.


 * __Term 3 Reflection:__**
 * 1) The first practical I did this term was on Law of Reflection. This experiment, although rather simple, is a very important one as it reinforces the Law of Reflection as well as gives me the opportunity to explore how light rays are reflected from mirrors. I shone a laser unit onto a mirror at varying angles of incidence and noted down the angles of reflection. This experiment verified the Law of Reflection, showing that the Angle of Incidence = Angle of Reflection at all times. Then, instead of using a plane mirror to test the Law of Reflection, we moved on to concave and convex mirrors. Using concave and convex mirrors highlighted the point that light reflects in the same angle as it was reflected in. Overall, this simple experiment actually left a deep impression in me as firstly, it was the first ever experiment I have conducted with laser units and secondly, this experiment is a proof to verify the Law of Reflection and therefore allowing me to remember the Law of Reflection in an easier manner.

Reflections in 2010


 * __Term 1 Reflection:__**


 * 1) I conducted an experiment to investigate the differences between a luminous flame and a non-luminous flame during a lab session. It was really interesting as it was the first time I used the Bunsen burner. I had to use a lot of my observation skills as I had to take note of the colour of the flame, the steadiness of the flame and even draw the flame and colour it. The fun part came when I had the chance to hold an ice-cream stick with a pair of tongs and move it up and down in the flame about 10 times. Of course, the ice-cream stick caught fire almost immediately when it was placed in the non-luminous flame but was just slightly burnt when it came in contact with the luminous flame. In this lab session, by just using the Bunsen burner, I learnt not only how to use the Bunsen correctly but also how it functions. Also, it was somewhat a revision as I got the chance to revise the parts and the names of the anatomy of the Bunsen burner.
 * 2) I conducted an experiment which was focused on observation. I had a lot of fun in this practical as it was the first time i got to carry out an experiment using different kinds of apparatus and substances. One of the experiments needed us to pour Vinegar into a clean test tube to a depth of about 1cm. After which, I had to add a spatula of sodium bicarbonate. Then, I had to record my observation. I saw bubble of gas, the sodium bicarbonate had dissolved and also noticed that a cooling sensation was felt. With this example, I can say that despite just conducting this simple experiment, I learnt to be more observant and also learnt that while conducting an experiment, we should not lets our mind wander but concentrate on the experiment.


 * __Term 2 Reflections:__**


 * 1) I conducted an experiment using the Vernier Caliper and the Micrometer Screw Gauge. I learnt a lot from this experiment as it was the first time I saw a Vernier Caliper and a Micrometer Screw Gauge. What I always saw was a 2D diagram of a Vernier Caliper or a Micrometer Screw Gauge on worksheets. However, this hands-on activity allowed me to further understand the 2 instruments and gave me a better idea of how the 2 instruments are used. In future, when I face Vernier Caliper or Micrometer Screw Gauge questions, I would be able to refer to this experience and most probably be able to answer the question easily. Also, I also had a much better idea of the Positive Zero Error and Negative Zero Error while carrying out this experiment.


 * __Term 3 Reflections:__**


 * 1) While learning Separation Techniques this term, I did an experiment which requires us to use different apparatus to separate a mixture of salt and sand. This experiment was somewhat a recap for me as I had to apply my knowledge on Separation Techniques to conduct this experiment. Also, I learnt how to carry out filtration and distillation the correct way. Also, I carried out paper chromatography. I had to mark a black dot using a black ink on one side of a chromatography paper and place the chromatography paper into an ethanol and water mixture. I really learnt a lot from this experiment as I did not really understand paper chromatography until I carried out this experiment. Not only did I learn how this experiment is carried out, I also had a better overall idea on Separation Techniques.