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The second day of
learning science with Reach Cambridge began with a recap on yesterday’s
practical. The practical was basically about running diluted protein mixed with
3 solutions and one of which gave the mixture a bluish colour, depending on the
concentration of protein. We then calculated the protein by running the
coloured mixture through a spectrophometer which tells us the absorbance
thereby allowing us to measure the amount of protein present after comparing it
to a standard curve.
Mr Saroj Velamakanni praised us for an excellent attempt as we had done a Year 2 undergraduate biology practical. From there we covered a topic on Antimicrobials. We learnt various bacteriostatic and bacteriocidal agents discovered by various scientists. For example, we learnt how Sir Alexander Fleming accidentally discovered the bacteriocidal agent called penicillin.
We ended off with learning about Malaria and HIV. After a short break, we proceeded on to gene cloning which was an exceptionally interesting topic.
Mr Saroj Velamakanni praised us for an excellent attempt as we had done a Year 2 undergraduate biology practical. From there we covered a topic on Antimicrobials. We learnt various bacteriostatic and bacteriocidal agents discovered by various scientists. For example, we learnt how Sir Alexander Fleming accidentally discovered the bacteriocidal agent called penicillin.
We ended off with learning about Malaria and HIV. After a short break, we proceeded on to gene cloning which was an exceptionally interesting topic.
- Ahmad (VS)
The final lesson on
Astronomy was very intriguing. The formulas used to calculate distance of stars
and such was a bit too over whelming for me personally but interesting nonetheless.
It was even a bit exciting, not exactly the first word that comes to mind when
saying "Astro Physics". Learning about the Universe was like a
journey on its own and made us realise how insignificant we are on Earth
compared to the rest of the Universe.
On top of that, it was just beautiful- the
swirling galaxies, 'young and hot' blue stars and all. I never thought you
could calculate light intensities of stars either, or the speed at which a star
moves (220 km/s for our very own Sun!). We also learnt how galaxies could
clash together and combine into bigger galaxies. It was a short but a very
educational lesson.
On top of that, it was just beautiful- the
swirling galaxies, 'young and hot' blue stars and all. I never thought you
could calculate light intensities of stars either, or the speed at which a star
moves (220 km/s for our very own Sun!). We also learnt how galaxies could
clash together and combine into bigger galaxies. It was a short but a very
educational lesson.
The day
ended off with pizza being brought straight to us by the lovely Mr Daniel
Strange. Everyone gathered around and was able to talk outside their usual
circle of friends, with some boys talking to the girls and vice versa. After
eating the brilliant pizza from Papa Jones, Daniel went on to present our
certificates to each of us.
Everyone looked really happy to receive them but
there were some who also felt sad at the same time, knowing that this trip is
coming to an end.
Both schools ended up cheering to show how much school spirit
that we Singapore schools have. In the end, everyone was able to get along with
one another. We all managed to pull through grueling and mentally stimulating
lessons through out the past week.
Personally, I managed to make new friends along the way. Everyone widened their circle of friends as well.
I felt that
this trip was very fulfilling as I managed to open my eyes to how different the
teachings are in Cambridge compared to Singapore. I still remember the first
day that I arrived in London, walking out of the airport with much excitement,
and the sudden urge to go to the toilet when we reached our living lodge in
Cambridge. As a final note, others should really join this course and go
through this memorable and fun experience.
- Dylan
(VS)
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