Science
Our Approach
The experiential nature of science through authentic learning tasks, performance tasks, experiments and projects cannot be dissected from the learning process of the subject area. Science lessons in Meridian Secondary School are conducted to elicit students’ sense of inquiry and discovery as well as to inculcate learning using all their senses. As part of the nation-wide Personalised Digital Learning Programme (PDLP), our science tasks and activities are designed with the use of students’ personal learning devices to support their out-of-classroom Science teaching and learning experiences.
Transforming Teaching & Learning to ICT-based Lesson Packages
The Science department continues to develop lesson resources for bite-sized
learning for both the lower and upper secondary Science levels. ICT and
bite-sized checkpoints for Assessments for Learning (AfL) are conscientiously
included with the aim of positive student outcomes.
With the push for 21st Century Competencies (21CC), it is necessary to
prepare students to be able to develop:
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effective communication, sharing ideas and expressing opinions
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collaborative skillsthrough group work learning and project-based learning
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expose students to a variety of learning experiences especially the use of ICT tools since they are digital learners.
Thus, a new area of focus this year would be the application of ICT-enabled
lessons in our daily lessons, using the Design Thinking approach as well
as the structure of I Do, We Do, You Do in the
lesson to improve students’ confidence and attain achievement
Our programmes aim to give students the experience of conducting investigative
science projects and provide them with a platform for scientific exchange.
Students will be given opportunities to be engaged in Science workshops,
learning journeys and competitions at various Science institutions.
The department continues to provide opportunities for students from all
classes and streams to participate in external Science competitions.
Framework:
The Science Enrichment framework is modelled from the NE, “Head, Heart and Hands” framework.
Objective: To inculcate passion in Science and provide a progressive and holistic Science education which extends beyond the classroom and curriculum.
2024 Highlights
Sec1 miniSTEM activity – Grow Your Own Crystals!
In Term 2, our Secondary 1 students embarked on an exciting STEM journey, growing copper (II) sulfate crystals. Throughout the week-long experiment, they delved into key scientific concepts such as saturation, solute, and solvent. Students meticulously mixed solutions to the point of saturation, observing how variables affect crystal formation. This hands-on activity not only enhanced their understanding of chemical processes but also encouraged critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Their successful cultivation of vibrant blue crystals showcased the practical application of classroom knowledge, sparking curiosity and a deeper appreciation for science.
Secondary Two STEM Highlight in Term 2: Ice Box Challenge
The Secondary Two students worked in teams of 2 or 3 to construct a DIY ice box over the span of two weeks. They used various recycled materials in this STEM task, in line with the school’s push to educate students on the practices of sustainability.
The students made use of the concepts that they learnt about the processes of heat transfer to brainstorm on the design of the ice box. Using the knowledge that they gained from lessons in school and their own research, they chose appropriate materials that could insulate the ice box and keep its contents cool.
The effectiveness of the ice box was evaluated by measuring the amount of ice that melted while the ice box was placed under the Sun for some time. For each class, the team with the smallest amount of melted water was declared the winner of the challenge and given a small prize.
In their reflections submitted after the activity, most students expressed that they found the challenge interesting and fun. Through this STEM highlight, the school has made Science come alive for the students.
2022 Highlights
Meridian Science Enrichment
Science Centre Workshops
Our Sec 1 students were engaged in a Science Centre Singapore workshop
called “The Science of Making Candy” during the Term 2 Week 10 Experiential
Learning Programme. The students learned about the different types of sugar
and how they are made into candies using interfering agents.
Learning Journey to Greensproutz and Kok Fah Technology Farm
All Sec 1 students went on a learning journey to Singapore’s modern agricultural
farms as part of their Term 2 Week 10 Experiential Learning Programme.
A few classes went on a tour at Kok Fah Technology Farm and learned the
science behind hydroponics. The remaining classes went on a sustainable
journey at Greensproutz to learn how recycled items are used to make terrariums.
At the end of their learning journeys, students brought home new science
knowledge and souvenirs!
Biology AEM: ApLM Discovering Pharmacy @ Temasek Polytechnic
Our Sec 3 Biology students had the opportunity to attend Temasek Polytechnic’s
Discovering Pharmacy AEM during their March Holidays. In the 4-day course,
they learned about the different types of medications, focusing on over-the-counter
medications, principles of optimizing drug therapy as well as responsible
and proper self-medication. The AEM introduces students to the products
and services of a pharmacy and they get to know the industry through sharing
conducted by industry practitioners and lecturers.
Science External Competitions
Singapore National Crystal Growing Competition
The Singapore National Crystal Growing Competition is organised by the
National University of Singapore for all secondary schools to encourage
the learning and mastery in the art of crystal growing.
Two students represented our school in the 15th Singapore National
Crystal Growing Competition. Under the guidance of Mr Arthur Lee, they
spent weeks in the planning and optimisation of their lab procedure for
the growth of ammonium nickel (II) sulfate.
2022 Singapore National Crystal Growing Competition Team
(3E3 Otebay Atilla & Leo Yoong Yih)
STEM Playground Challenge
The STEM Playground Challenge is part of the UNTAME Festival organised
by the Singapore Science Centre and the James Dyson Foundation. Students
use their knowledge in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics
to apply into real-world situations.
All Sec 2 students participated in the STEM Playground Challenge #2: Dome
Sweet Dome, where they are tasked to build a geodesic dome using any materials.
After building their domes, students have to test the support strength
of the dome by stacking handphones! From each class, a winning entry with
the strongest structure built with sustainable or recyclable materials
was selected.
Showcase of domes built by students from 2E1 (left), 2E4 (centre) and 2A1 (right)
Meridian Science Programmes
Meridian Science Program is a series of programmes that aim to enhance students’ interest in science and stretch their learning in Science. Through various activities, students improve scientific communication by working and presenting on projects of interest. Students are exposed to extra-curricular experimental laboratory sessions in school, workshops and competitions. Through structured guidance and inquiry based exploration, we aim to nurture curiosity, intellectual perseverance and confidence in our students.
Meridian Young Scientist
The Meridian Young Scientist is a stretching programme for Sec 1 students
to stretch and apply their knowledge in science. An award card is given
to all students to encourage students to apply their learning and enjoy
learning Science through various activities.
In 2022, the Meridian Young Scientist is renewed and updated with more
exciting tasks! This time, it was organised as part of the 2022 Meridian
Science Week. Students are given a choice of being “The Creative”, “The
Erudite” or “The Explainer”, depending on the list of activities that they
have completed. From their submissions, students completed their tasks
with creativity and dedication.
Meridian Science Discovery Week
The Meridian Science Discovery Week is held in Term 3 with the objective
to enable students to see Science in everyday life through self-discovery
and inquiry.
Sec 1 Science Activities
Our Secondary 1 students completed two Science activities ‘Minus the Virus!’
and a sorbet-making workshop. For ‘Minus the Virus!’, they learnt more
about role of sanitisers in the current COVID-19 situation. Students also
had the opportunity to make their own hand sanitisers during the hands-on
segment.
In the in-house sorbet-making workshop, students learnt the properties of dry ice and how they are used to freeze fruit juice into sorbets!
Daily Science Quizzes
During the Science Discovery Week, daily online quizzes were released
over the four days. For each quiz, students who had accurate answers had
the opportunity to be randomly selected for a prize!
2021 Highlights
Science External Competitions
IgnITE Competitions IgnITE Skills Challenge is Singapore’s
first and only national competition for ‘N’ level students where students
can enjoy learning in the fun-filled and hands-on activities! All teams
that signed up for the challenges first attended a workshop to learn the
basic knowledge needed for their competition. After which, they took part
in the preliminary challenge to come up with their product within the stipulated
time frame.
Meridian Secondary School selected a total of 9 teams of Sec 3 Normal
Academic/Technical students to take part in 4 challenges: Digital Media
Story Telling, Mad Mocktail Strikes Again!, Potion Alchemy and Daedalus
Challenge.
Under Science, teams were sent for the Mad Mocktail Strikes Again! and
the Daedalus Challenge.
For Mad Mocktail Strikes Again!, students designed their own mocktails
by identifying the densities of different liquids, such as syrups and juices.
Using the concept of density, they create an attractive mocktail with different
coloured layers for their signature mocktails.
For the Daedalus Challenge, students developed skills in using computer-aided
design (CAD) software to design and assembled an aerodynamic glider that
can clear obstacles.
With their crafty glider skills, one of the teams for the Daedalus Challenge
made their way to be one of the finalist teams! 2021 ITE Skills Challenge
(Daedalus Challenge) Finalist Team – Wang Jing Kai Athvan, Muhammad Danish
Bin Muhammad Aidil and Teo Wei Ming David from class 3A2
Meridian Science Programmes
Meridian Science Program is a series of programmes that aim to enhance students’ interest in science and stretch their learning in Science. Through various activities, students improve scientific communication by working and presenting on projects of interest. Students are exposed to extra-curricular experimental laboratory sessions in school, workshops and competitions. Through structured guidance and inquiry based exploration, we aim to nurture curiosity, intellectual perseverance and confidence in our students.
Meridian Young Scientist
The Meridian Young Scientist is a stretching programme for Sec 1 students
to stretch and apply their knowledge in science. An award card is given
to all students to encourage students to apply their learning and enjoy
learning Science through various activities.
In 2021, the Meridian Young Scientist was introduced. Using the Meridian
Young Scientist Award card as a checklist, students aim to complete a main
task and various side tasks related to the different science disciplines.
Meridian Science Discovery Week
The Meridian Science Discovery Week is held in Term 3 with the objective
to enable students to see Science in everyday life through self-discovery
and inquiry.
Secondary 1 Labby Works!
Our Secondary 1 Express students completed the Science activity ‘Corona..
No more!’, where they learnt more about role of sanitisers in the current
COVID-19 situation. Students also had the opportunity to make their own
hand sanitisers during the hands-on segment.
The Secondary 1 Normal Academic and Normal Technical students completed the Science activity, ‘Ice ‘S’Cream!’, where they learnt a brief history about ice cream making and the Science behind it. After which, students get to experience making their very own delicious ice cream with salt and ice!
Secondary 2 Mocktails, Gliders and Crystals Competitions
The Secondary 2 students went through enriching Science workshops and
competitions during the Science Discovery Week! Through teacher-designed
workshops, students learned the Science behind crystal growing, glider
design and mocktails creation. After which, students participated in the
best crystals, gliders and mocktails!
Daily Science Quizzes
During the Science Discovery Week, daily online quizzes were released
based on the different subjects of Biology, Chemistry and Physics. For
each quiz, students who had accurate answers had the opportunity to be
randomly selected for a prize!
