NASA
Sunday 9 March 2008
Monday 25 February 2008
Sunday 17 February 2008
Binary Fission - Another kind of cell reproduction
The video below gives a detailed description of the cell division process. You need not remember the details and the names of the various processes. You only need to know the general idea of how a cell divides.
Saturday 16 February 2008
DNA Workshop @ Science Centre
Having experienced being a scientist extracting DNA from the E Coli bacteria, I'm sure all of you have lots to say. Think about what you have learnt, discovered and enjoyed. Write your feelings and experiences down in this blog!
3o% similar to yeast,
40% simiar to a worm,
50% similar to a banana,
60% similar to a fruitfly,
90% similar to a mouse
and
99.9% similar to an ape!
Information & picture taken at the workshop.
This the bacteria DNA which Hui Ning has extracted. Can you see it?
Here are the photographs taken at the workshop. Enjoy!
How alike are we to these living things?
Our DNA is
3o% similar to yeast,
40% simiar to a worm,
50% similar to a banana,
60% similar to a fruitfly,
90% similar to a mouse
and
99.9% similar to an ape!
Information & picture taken at the workshop.
This the bacteria DNA which Hui Ning has extracted. Can you see it?
Here are the photographs taken at the workshop. Enjoy!
Saturday 9 February 2008
Maths - The Order of Operations
Here's a game which you can play & at the same time get better with the BoDMAS Rule.
Funbrain.com's Operation Order Algebra Game
Order of Operations - Mystery Picture Game 1
Order of Operations - Mystery Picture Game 2
Order of Operations - Mystery Picture Game 3
An online worksheet for you to try: Online Order of Operations
Funbrain.com's Operation Order Algebra Game
Order of Operations - Mystery Picture Game 1
Order of Operations - Mystery Picture Game 2
Order of Operations - Mystery Picture Game 3
An online worksheet for you to try: Online Order of Operations
Saturday 2 February 2008
Other microscopic organisms
Below are videos of some microscopic organisms. Some of their pictures can be found in the Activity Book.
Daphnia - microscopic crustaceans belonging to the order Cladocera. Also known as water fleas, they populate the quiet waters of lakes and ponds throughout the world. Most species are found in freshwater habitats, but a few occur in marine environments.
Daphnia - microscopic crustaceans belonging to the order Cladocera. Also known as water fleas, they populate the quiet waters of lakes and ponds throughout the world. Most species are found in freshwater habitats, but a few occur in marine environments.
The Unit of Life - Yeast Budding
Watch the video to see how yeast, a single-cell organism, reproduce. This method of reproduction is budding.
Friday 1 February 2008
Single-celled organisms - Protozoans
These one-celled organisms belong to the Kingdom Protista, which includes algae and lower fungi. Although most species of protozoans are invisible to the naked eye, they dominate the Earth's environment, occurring everywhere and in an amazing diversity of forms and functions.
Watch these videos to see how these organisms behave which we normally cannot see just with our eyes!
Paramecium - a slipper-shaped ciliate which is commonly found in freshwater ponds around the world.
Amoeba - a primitive organism characterized by its flowing movements, extending cytoplasm outward to form pseudopodia (false feet); this type of movement is considered to be the most primitive form of animal locomotion. Pseudopodia are also used for feeding. In response to chemical stimuli from smaller organisms, pseudopodia are induced to envelop the organism, at the same time forming a vacuole (cavity). Digestive enzymes are secreted into the cavity and the nutrients diffuse from the vacuole into the cytoplasm. Undigested food and wastes are eliminated through the ectoplasm. The ectoplasm also performs respiration, absorbing oxygen from the water and eliminating carbon dioxide. Amoebas reproduce asexually by binary fission.
Another video clip of amoeba
Euglena - a member of the protozoan order Euglenida, a remarkable group of single-celled creatures, many of which exhibit characteristics of both plants and animals. Like many protozoans, it is free-living, using a whiplike flagellum to move about. Euglena is one of the euglenoid genera that contain chlorophyll, allowing them to create their own food through photosynthesis. Euglena live in a variety of aquatic habitats, both freshwater and marine.
Some species that don't have a rigid cellulose wall have a flexible pellicle (envelope) that allows them to change their shapes. Food is absorbed directly through the cell surface or produced by photosynthesis; then it is stored as a complex carbohydrate. Euglena reproduce asexually, by longitudinal cell division; they are not know to reproduce sexually. Several species produce resting cysts that can withstand drying. Euglena live in fresh and brackish water habitats rich in organic matter. Some species develop tremendous populations as green or red "blooms" in ponds or lakes. Several colorless species are used to study cell growth and metabolism at high temperatures.
Closterium - a desmid, a microscopic green algae that occurs in all types of freshwater habitats. Desmids are typically one-celled, though sometimes filamentous or colonial, and are divided symmetrically into semicells connected at a central point. Closterium is characterized by a sickle shape and sometimes contains gypsum crystals.
Frustulia - one of 16,000 species of diatoms, one of the many groups of organisms that make up the algae. Diatoms are photosynthetic, but have rigid cell walls reinforced with silicon rather than cellulose. They can be found in all aquatic environments and, although they're unicellular, often live in large colonies.
Watch these videos to see how these organisms behave which we normally cannot see just with our eyes!
Paramecium - a slipper-shaped ciliate which is commonly found in freshwater ponds around the world.
Amoeba - a primitive organism characterized by its flowing movements, extending cytoplasm outward to form pseudopodia (false feet); this type of movement is considered to be the most primitive form of animal locomotion. Pseudopodia are also used for feeding. In response to chemical stimuli from smaller organisms, pseudopodia are induced to envelop the organism, at the same time forming a vacuole (cavity). Digestive enzymes are secreted into the cavity and the nutrients diffuse from the vacuole into the cytoplasm. Undigested food and wastes are eliminated through the ectoplasm. The ectoplasm also performs respiration, absorbing oxygen from the water and eliminating carbon dioxide. Amoebas reproduce asexually by binary fission.
Another video clip of amoeba
Euglena - a member of the protozoan order Euglenida, a remarkable group of single-celled creatures, many of which exhibit characteristics of both plants and animals. Like many protozoans, it is free-living, using a whiplike flagellum to move about. Euglena is one of the euglenoid genera that contain chlorophyll, allowing them to create their own food through photosynthesis. Euglena live in a variety of aquatic habitats, both freshwater and marine.
Some species that don't have a rigid cellulose wall have a flexible pellicle (envelope) that allows them to change their shapes. Food is absorbed directly through the cell surface or produced by photosynthesis; then it is stored as a complex carbohydrate. Euglena reproduce asexually, by longitudinal cell division; they are not know to reproduce sexually. Several species produce resting cysts that can withstand drying. Euglena live in fresh and brackish water habitats rich in organic matter. Some species develop tremendous populations as green or red "blooms" in ponds or lakes. Several colorless species are used to study cell growth and metabolism at high temperatures.
Closterium - a desmid, a microscopic green algae that occurs in all types of freshwater habitats. Desmids are typically one-celled, though sometimes filamentous or colonial, and are divided symmetrically into semicells connected at a central point. Closterium is characterized by a sickle shape and sometimes contains gypsum crystals.
Frustulia - one of 16,000 species of diatoms, one of the many groups of organisms that make up the algae. Diatoms are photosynthetic, but have rigid cell walls reinforced with silicon rather than cellulose. They can be found in all aquatic environments and, although they're unicellular, often live in large colonies.
Discussion: Things made from materials that were once alive have cells too.
Do you agree with the statement above? Give evidence to support your argument. You may do some research before putting your comments.
Remember to identify yourself.
Remember to identify yourself.
Thursday 31 January 2008
Friday 25 January 2008
The Unit of Life - Observing Cells
All of you were very excited when you view your cheek cells and the onion cells under a microscope. However, when it comes to drawing the cells, it was tough, wasn't it. What you saw under the microscope was clusters of cheek cells and some were folded or overlapped with another cell. Which one to draw? The onion cells were neater but there were rows and rows of them!
Below are pictures of the cheek cells, onion cells and the elodea cells. Do they look like what you saw?
Cheek cells
Onion cells
Elodea cells
Compare the onion cells and the elodea cells. How are they the same? How are they different? Give your answers in the comment. (Remember to write your name and class in brackets as your nickname)
Below are pictures of the cheek cells, onion cells and the elodea cells. Do they look like what you saw?
Cheek cells
Onion cells
Elodea cellsCompare the onion cells and the elodea cells. How are they the same? How are they different? Give your answers in the comment. (Remember to write your name and class in brackets as your nickname)
Tuesday 22 January 2008
Rabies
5 Love,
About the question which one of you asked, the site below tells you what it is, its signs and how to prevent it. I apologies for giving the wrong information the other day. Please go to the site for more accurate information about this disease.
Rabies Just for Kids
About the question which one of you asked, the site below tells you what it is, its signs and how to prevent it. I apologies for giving the wrong information the other day. Please go to the site for more accurate information about this disease.
Rabies Just for Kids
Wednesday 16 January 2008
Lesson on The Unit of Life - How to operate a microscope
We cannot see most of the cells with our eyes. We need to magnify them under a special instrument called the microscope. A microscope is a very delicate instrument. You must handle it with care.
Before you handle a real microscope, click on the link below to watch a video on how to operate one. Pay attention to the steps mentioned in the video. (Your PC needs to be installed with Flash Player to view it.)
Introduction to Microscope
Now that you have an idea of how to operate a microscope, you may view some slides with a virtual microscope. You may want to go through a navigation guide by clicking 'Start tour' first.
Then view the following slides under the virtual scope:
a) letter "e" - draw what you see in the virtual scope in your Activity Book Pg
b) cheek smear
c) onion root tip
Compare the difference between the cells in (b) and (c).
Virtual Microscope (Click on 'The virtual scope' after this)
Before you handle a real microscope, click on the link below to watch a video on how to operate one. Pay attention to the steps mentioned in the video. (Your PC needs to be installed with Flash Player to view it.)
Introduction to Microscope
Now that you have an idea of how to operate a microscope, you may view some slides with a virtual microscope. You may want to go through a navigation guide by clicking 'Start tour' first.
Then view the following slides under the virtual scope:
a) letter "e" - draw what you see in the virtual scope in your Activity Book Pg
b) cheek smear
c) onion root tip
Compare the difference between the cells in (b) and (c).
Virtual Microscope (Click on 'The virtual scope' after this)
Tuesday 15 January 2008
Lesson on The Unit of Life - What is a cell?
You can't even see most cells, so what's the big deal? What are they anyway? Why are they so important? What do they look like? How do they work? In addition to finding cell information in your Science Book (chapter 2) and the other books you will read, visit the following sites to find out more about Cells.
Have fun and 'cell'ebrate your discoveries!
Cells are the Starting Point
Animal & Plant Cells:
Different parts of a cell have their specific role and function. Each part performs their role faithfully to ensure the functionality and survival of the whole animal or plant.
Visit the following sites to learn more about the parts and their functions. Pay special attention to 'cell membrane', 'cell wall', 'cytoplasm', 'nucleus' and 'chloroplast'.
1. Parts & their Functions
2. Summary
Have fun and 'cell'ebrate your discoveries!
Cells are the Starting Point
Animal & Plant Cells:
Different parts of a cell have their specific role and function. Each part performs their role faithfully to ensure the functionality and survival of the whole animal or plant.
Visit the following sites to learn more about the parts and their functions. Pay special attention to 'cell membrane', 'cell wall', 'cytoplasm', 'nucleus' and 'chloroplast'.
1. Parts & their Functions
2. Summary
Wednesday 9 January 2008
Vote for your Leaders!!
Hi 5 Love,
This is your chance to vote for your leaders. The links to the various polls can be found on the right. Click on the links and put a tick against the names of the classmates whom you think are suitable for the posts and then click "Vote".
Rules for polling:
1. ONLY 5 LOVE PUPILS CAN VOTE. If you are from another class, please do not
vote.
2. You are only allowed to vote for max 2 classmates for all the positions except PE monitors.
3. Vote for 4 classmates for PE monitors.
4. Vote only once for each post.
5. YOU CAN VOTE FOR YOURSELF.
6. Be truthful, the classmate you vote for must be someone whom you think is suitable for the
post. NO SABOTAGE.
The polling exercise ends this Sunday, 13 Jan, at 23 59.
This is your chance to vote for your leaders. The links to the various polls can be found on the right. Click on the links and put a tick against the names of the classmates whom you think are suitable for the posts and then click "Vote".
Rules for polling:
1. ONLY 5 LOVE PUPILS CAN VOTE. If you are from another class, please do not
vote.
2. You are only allowed to vote for max 2 classmates for all the positions except PE monitors.
3. Vote for 4 classmates for PE monitors.
4. Vote only once for each post.
5. YOU CAN VOTE FOR YOURSELF.
6. Be truthful, the classmate you vote for must be someone whom you think is suitable for the
post. NO SABOTAGE.
The polling exercise ends this Sunday, 13 Jan, at 23 59.
Sunday 6 January 2008
Lesson on The Solar System - Phases of the Moon
Do you notice that the moon changes its shape?
1. Go to Phases of the Moon website, click on play button to see the changes in the shape of the
moon.
Does it really change its shape?
Click on background information to find out why the moon changes its shape.
2. Let's go to another website to find out even more!
The Phases of the Moon
Read about Facts about the Moon and go through Animation 1.
Click on Animation 1 and then choose Activity. Then click 'play' (triangle) icon.
Now read about Why does the Moon change shape? (click on the link) and then take the
Moon Challenge.
See a diagram of the different moon phases around the Earth - Click here.
See an animation showing the different moon phases around the Earth - Click here.
3. Assignment: Make your own Lunar Calendar
You will be given a calendar of January. Starting from the day you receive the calendar, look
at the Moon every night in the sky and paste the most suitable picture of the moon on the
calendar. Hand in your calendar on 1 Feb (Fri).
Do not click on the Phases of the Moon Calendar for the answers. (School Value: Sense of
Integrity)
1. Go to Phases of the Moon website, click on play button to see the changes in the shape of the
moon.
Does it really change its shape?
Click on background information to find out why the moon changes its shape.
2. Let's go to another website to find out even more!
The Phases of the Moon
Read about Facts about the Moon and go through Animation 1.
Click on Animation 1 and then choose Activity. Then click 'play' (triangle) icon.
Now read about Why does the Moon change shape? (click on the link) and then take the
Moon Challenge.
See a diagram of the different moon phases around the Earth - Click here.
See an animation showing the different moon phases around the Earth - Click here.
3. Assignment: Make your own Lunar Calendar
You will be given a calendar of January. Starting from the day you receive the calendar, look
at the Moon every night in the sky and paste the most suitable picture of the moon on the
calendar. Hand in your calendar on 1 Feb (Fri).
Do not click on the Phases of the Moon Calendar for the answers. (School Value: Sense of
Integrity)
Lesson on The Solar System (2)
Pluto is not a planet!
Go to the following website to find out why:
Pluto demoted - no longer a Planet!
Dwarf Planets - Its difference from a Planet
What is a Planet?
Therefore, there are only 8 Planets in the Solar System, Mercury, Venus, Earth, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus and Neptune.
Our Solar System
Go to the following website to find out why:
Pluto demoted - no longer a Planet!
Dwarf Planets - Its difference from a Planet
What is a Planet?
Therefore, there are only 8 Planets in the Solar System, Mercury, Venus, Earth, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus and Neptune.
Our Solar System
Friday 4 January 2008
Some questions for you to ponder over ...
Are there such place values such as trillion and zillion?
Do some research on the internet and give me your comments. If there are such place values, what do they mean?
Do some research on the internet and give me your comments. If there are such place values, what do they mean?
Thursday 3 January 2008
Lesson on Numbers to 10 Million
Hi! You have learnt whole numbers up to 100 000 last year. Now you're going to expand your knowledge on whole numbers to 10 million! Isn't it exciting?
Here are the steps for you to do:
1. Go to a news website and do a search for news articles containing the word "millions". Browse through the articles and post your comments on the use of "millions" in the news articles. Remember to include your name at the beginning or the end of your comment.
How?
You may use Channel News Asia (url is given below) and look for the word 'search' on the left of the page, type in millions on your keyboard, press 'enter'.
Channel News Asia
2. What is the population of Singapore?
Use the Google search engine (url is given below & on the right) and type in the following into the box:
millions+population in Singapore
Google Search
Read 1 or 2 articles and post 2 or 3 sentences about what you know about the population of Singapore.
Happy reading and posting!
Here are the steps for you to do:
1. Go to a news website and do a search for news articles containing the word "millions". Browse through the articles and post your comments on the use of "millions" in the news articles. Remember to include your name at the beginning or the end of your comment.
How?
You may use Channel News Asia (url is given below) and look for the word 'search' on the left of the page, type in millions on your keyboard, press 'enter'.
Channel News Asia
2. What is the population of Singapore?
Use the Google search engine (url is given below & on the right) and type in the following into the box:
millions+population in Singapore
Google Search
Read 1 or 2 articles and post 2 or 3 sentences about what you know about the population of Singapore.
Happy reading and posting!
Wednesday 2 January 2008
Lesson on The Solar System
In this lesson, you will find out what make up the Solar System and understand the arrangement of planets and their movement round the Sun.
Singapore is in Asia and Asia is a continent on the planet Earth. The Earth is a very special planet. It is able to support life. It is known as the 'blue planet'. Why do you think the Earth is known as the 'blue planet'? Find out the answer on your own.
Let us now find out more about the other planets around us. You will be travelling on a spaceship into outer space to see the planets from another point of view. Click on the link below and launch the game. You need Macromedia Flash Player to travel.
The Astro Adventure
After you have returned to Earth, solve the crossword worksheet and try to write your own nuemonics for the arrangement of the 9 planets.
Note:
What are nuemonics?
They are phrases or sentences coined to help one remember details.
E.g. The colours of a rainbow: Red, Orange, Yellow, Green, Blue, Indigo, Violet
Its nuemonics will be 'Richard Of York Gave Battle In Vain'.
Let's further explore our Solar System.
The Solar System - Windows to the Universe
The Solar System - Our Solar System
The Solar System - The Planet 10
The Solar System - Quiz Try this only after Planet 10
Recap!
More information on the Solar System: Refer to the links on the right under Science
Singapore is in Asia and Asia is a continent on the planet Earth. The Earth is a very special planet. It is able to support life. It is known as the 'blue planet'. Why do you think the Earth is known as the 'blue planet'? Find out the answer on your own.
Let us now find out more about the other planets around us. You will be travelling on a spaceship into outer space to see the planets from another point of view. Click on the link below and launch the game. You need Macromedia Flash Player to travel.
The Astro Adventure
After you have returned to Earth, solve the crossword worksheet and try to write your own nuemonics for the arrangement of the 9 planets.
Note:
What are nuemonics?
They are phrases or sentences coined to help one remember details.
E.g. The colours of a rainbow: Red, Orange, Yellow, Green, Blue, Indigo, Violet
Its nuemonics will be 'Richard Of York Gave Battle In Vain'.
Let's further explore our Solar System.
The Solar System - Windows to the Universe
The Solar System - Our Solar System
The Solar System - The Planet 10
The Solar System - Quiz Try this only after Planet 10
Recap!
More information on the Solar System: Refer to the links on the right under Science
Tuesday 1 January 2008
Welcome to Primary Five!
Hi, GMPians. Primary 5 is an exciting year with many outings and activities. But it is also the most hectic year in your primary school life. Let's give one another support and cheer one another on ...
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