Tan Hoe Teck Portfolio: Artefact 3 - Investigative Skills in Science Programme

I have been the coordinator the "Investigative Skills in Science" module for Secondary 2 students in SST since 2012. This module in Secondary 2 science constitute 1/3 of the Secondary 2 science syllabus. It is conducted over a period of 10 weeks from July to September every year. Over the years, I have modified the programme and hosted the materials on the blogsite http://sst2013-iss.blogspot.sg/.

The following are some examples of the projects that I have mentored over the last two years:

The Solar House project

The Arduino board is used to sense the environment for light, temperature and rainfall so as to control the switching on and off of the light bulb, fan and window. The energy to the house is powered by solar panels and stored in a re-chargeable battery.

This prototype provides a model for future living.

This project is featured during the GreenPac official opening ceremony. The DPM, Mr Tharman listened to XiaoTao's team presenting the energy-saving concept of a futuristic house.

On 3 April, the Prime Minister visited SST and XiaoTao's project was showcased again.

The Aquaponics system

This project combines the Physics, Chemistry and Biology knowledge together to create a symbiotic and sustainable agriculture and aquaculture system.

The application of knowledge takes the following forms:
(a) Biology: Fish and plant growing techniques
(b) Chemistry: Ammonia from the fish waste is converted into nitrates, which forms the nutrients for the plants
(c) Physics: The bell siphon in the holding tank regulates the flow of water such that it discharges the holding tank at fixed interval

This prototype provides a model for urban farming.