NASA's Kepler Discovery Confirms First Planet Orbiting Two Stars
This news was rather shocking to me, because it seems totally impossible. However, it is possible, and the more shocking fact is that how did NASA even know about this?
This marks an advancement in our science technology. Now that science technology is advancing so fast, it may be possible for humans to live in another planet. However, this planet orbiting two stars may be even an tourist attraction in the future, where tourists get to experience two sunsets. This no doubt is shocking news.
I feel that this planet is rather cool, because it is like the planet in Star Wars. It is even possible that weapons as advanced as light sabers may even be invented in the future, all we have to do is keep advancing.
Sunday, September 18, 2011
Self initiated Research - STD Video
This was a compulsory assignment for everyone and from it I learned alot. We could choose on whether to put in effort and I chose to. I learned many things about the 3 main sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) and it is like a warning to us; to show how much we would suffer just because of one mistake.
Obviously, sexually transmitted diseases are transmitted through sexual intercourse. However, what shocked me is that it also can be transmitted through oral and anal sex. This is also another warning to us.
Overall, I feel that I have learned a lot about sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) and I will be more careful about what I do in the future.
This is the video:
Obviously, sexually transmitted diseases are transmitted through sexual intercourse. However, what shocked me is that it also can be transmitted through oral and anal sex. This is also another warning to us.
Overall, I feel that I have learned a lot about sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) and I will be more careful about what I do in the future.
This is the video:
Field trip - MacRitchie Reservoir
My class and I went to MacRitchie Reservoir on the 9th of May 2011 for an ecology trip and it was quite fun. Even though there was not much animals, the nature trail and the insects could be seen on the water surface was definitely something that cannot be seen inside a classroom.
Even though many people complained when we were told that we were going to a reservoir, I felt that it was a trip that was worth it. It helped open my eyes to the beauty of nature. Even though there was alot of pests there, the flowers were very beautiful and it was quite a scenery.
Overall, I feel that this was a great trip and the conditions of the habitats there were quite interesting.
Even though many people complained when we were told that we were going to a reservoir, I felt that it was a trip that was worth it. It helped open my eyes to the beauty of nature. Even though there was alot of pests there, the flowers were very beautiful and it was quite a scenery.
Overall, I feel that this was a great trip and the conditions of the habitats there were quite interesting.
Term 3 Reflection for Test
For the term 3 test, I got 91%, which is 36.5/40. I was quite happy with this result because I had topped the class. However, my choice of words during this test could have been more accurate and precise. Even though I knew the answer to all the questions, I did not know how to phrase the answer, resulting in the lost of marks. Furthermore, I was complacent and did not study for ecology, and I ended up losing 0.5 marks at the ecology section of the paper.
After this test, I have learned how to phrase my answers to ensure that my answer reflects what I am thinking. I also learned from my friend's mistake, he did not phrase his answers correctly, and even though I knew from his answers what he was talking about, he got penalized marks because of the wrong word choices.
I will continue to work harder for the End of Year Exams and I sincerely wish that I will be exempted for science.
After this test, I have learned how to phrase my answers to ensure that my answer reflects what I am thinking. I also learned from my friend's mistake, he did not phrase his answers correctly, and even though I knew from his answers what he was talking about, he got penalized marks because of the wrong word choices.
I will continue to work harder for the End of Year Exams and I sincerely wish that I will be exempted for science.
Term 3 Topic - Refraction
Refraction is rather complex, yet simple at the same time. Refraction is the "bending" of light, where light moves at a slower/faster speed in different mediums, hence causing an "illusion".
Firstly, if a light ray is travelling from an optically denser medium to an optically less dense medium, it will bend towards the normal. Secondly, if a light ray is travelling form an optically less dense medium to a optically denser medium, it will bend away from the normal.
This causes optical illusions, where a swimming pool looks shallower then it really is. Even though it may not seem very practical in real life, it is actually very related with our lives because we see things differently from what others see because of refraction
This is basically all you need to know about refraction, and it is basically all I learned about it. :)
Firstly, if a light ray is travelling from an optically denser medium to an optically less dense medium, it will bend towards the normal. Secondly, if a light ray is travelling form an optically less dense medium to a optically denser medium, it will bend away from the normal.
This causes optical illusions, where a swimming pool looks shallower then it really is. Even though it may not seem very practical in real life, it is actually very related with our lives because we see things differently from what others see because of refraction
This is basically all you need to know about refraction, and it is basically all I learned about it. :)
Term 3 Topic - Reflection
The last subject for science, Physics. Physics, in my opinion, is the easiest subject of all the science subjects, because physics is about understanding concepts and applying formulas, one which I am quite good at because of my good math skills. The topics are reflection, refraction and lens.
For reflection, there is one main law. "The angle of incidence is equal to the angle of reflection." Following this law, we can easily find out how to draw a light ray and can predict where a light ray will end up at when reflected on a plane mirror.
However, reflection on a convex/concave mirror is not so simple. To calculate the angle of the reflection, a tangent must be drawn to the curve of the mirror and then the tangent can be treated like a plane mirror. This will allow one to be able to calculate the angle of reflection for light rays that are reflected by convex/concave mirrors.
Lastly, total internal reflection. This happens when light is travelling from an optically denser medium to a optically less dense medium, and when the angle of incidence of the light ray is greater than the critical angle. This reflection is just like the mirrors mentioned before.
For reflection, there is one main law. "The angle of incidence is equal to the angle of reflection." Following this law, we can easily find out how to draw a light ray and can predict where a light ray will end up at when reflected on a plane mirror.
However, reflection on a convex/concave mirror is not so simple. To calculate the angle of the reflection, a tangent must be drawn to the curve of the mirror and then the tangent can be treated like a plane mirror. This will allow one to be able to calculate the angle of reflection for light rays that are reflected by convex/concave mirrors.
Lastly, total internal reflection. This happens when light is travelling from an optically denser medium to a optically less dense medium, and when the angle of incidence of the light ray is greater than the critical angle. This reflection is just like the mirrors mentioned before.
Term 2 Reflection on Test
For term 2, I had 29.5/35 for the test, getting 84% for the term. Even though I am quite happy, at the moment I received my results, I was quite disappointed because at that time it was still 29.5/40, which was not an A1.
This test was rather easy because I could understand the concepts of the menstruation cycle and fetal development quite easily. However, I lost alot of marks on the Chemistry part of the test, because it was rather difficult and I was the weakest in my Chemistry.
I plan to work harder to do even better for the third exam, and try and aim for my exemption. :)
This test was rather easy because I could understand the concepts of the menstruation cycle and fetal development quite easily. However, I lost alot of marks on the Chemistry part of the test, because it was rather difficult and I was the weakest in my Chemistry.
I plan to work harder to do even better for the third exam, and try and aim for my exemption. :)
Term 2 Topic - Fetal development (Membranes)
In this post, I will be talking about fetal development and the fetal membranes that are formed. There are four membranes:
1. Amnion
- Enclosed amniotic fluid
- Surrounds the developing foetus for 9 months
>Amniotic Sac cushions fetus before birth
>Absorbs shock
>Fetus can move freely
>Lubricates vagina during delivery
>Not compressible this prevent physical injury
2. Chorion
- Placenta development
>Placenta used to draw a continued supply of food, water and nutrients
- Folds up into folds to form chorionic villi (finger-like projections)
>Placenta formed
• Exchange of nutrients, oxygen and waste between fetal and maternal blood.
• Allows diffusion of protective antibodies
• Produces progesterone which maintains the uterine lining.
>The chorionic villi increase surface area for absorption.
• Capillary networks inside the villi carry material away, maintain concentration gradients to facilitate diffusion of materials.
3. Allantois
- Placenta development (Later Stages)
4. Yolk Sac
- Contains yolk
- Provide nutrients
- Yolk Sac will be exhausted, around the time when the Placenta is formed.
1. Amnion
- Enclosed amniotic fluid
- Surrounds the developing foetus for 9 months
>Amniotic Sac cushions fetus before birth
>Absorbs shock
>Fetus can move freely
>Lubricates vagina during delivery
>Not compressible this prevent physical injury
2. Chorion
- Placenta development
>Placenta used to draw a continued supply of food, water and nutrients
- Folds up into folds to form chorionic villi (finger-like projections)
>Placenta formed
• Exchange of nutrients, oxygen and waste between fetal and maternal blood.
• Allows diffusion of protective antibodies
• Produces progesterone which maintains the uterine lining.
>The chorionic villi increase surface area for absorption.
• Capillary networks inside the villi carry material away, maintain concentration gradients to facilitate diffusion of materials.
3. Allantois
- Placenta development (Later Stages)
4. Yolk Sac
- Contains yolk
- Provide nutrients
- Yolk Sac will be exhausted, around the time when the Placenta is formed.
Saturday, September 17, 2011
Term 2 Topic - Reproductive Systems
The reproductive system is a system that is vital to the continuity of mankind, and I learned about in term two.
Firstly, the Male Reproductive System. The main parts of the male reproductive system are:
1. Testis: It is in charge of the production of sperms.
2. Scrotum: The layer of skin around the testis, in charge of keeping the testis cool, to ensure the production of sperms.
3. Urethra: This is a tube from the bladder to the penis, and its purpose is to transport semen and urine to the end of the penis.
4. Penis: Made out of tissues so that when the man is sexually-stimulated, blood will rush into the tissues to make the penis hard, allowing the penis to enter the vagina of a woman during sexual intercourse.
5. Seminal vesicles, Cowper's Gland and Prostate gland: Provide nutrients and liquid for the sperms to form semen, allowing the sperms to have a medium to swim in.
Secondly, the Female Reproductive System:
1. Ovary: To produce egg and female sex hormones.
2. Oviduct: Walls of the oviduct are lined with cilia that pushes the egg along the oviduct together with the contractions of the oviduct.
3. Uterus: The walls of the uterus (endometrium), allows the fertilized egg to be implanted in it.
4. Vagina: Allows the entrance of the penis and can expand to allow child birth.
5. Cervix: Expands also to allow child birth.
Firstly, the Male Reproductive System. The main parts of the male reproductive system are:
1. Testis: It is in charge of the production of sperms.
2. Scrotum: The layer of skin around the testis, in charge of keeping the testis cool, to ensure the production of sperms.
3. Urethra: This is a tube from the bladder to the penis, and its purpose is to transport semen and urine to the end of the penis.
4. Penis: Made out of tissues so that when the man is sexually-stimulated, blood will rush into the tissues to make the penis hard, allowing the penis to enter the vagina of a woman during sexual intercourse.
5. Seminal vesicles, Cowper's Gland and Prostate gland: Provide nutrients and liquid for the sperms to form semen, allowing the sperms to have a medium to swim in.
Secondly, the Female Reproductive System:
1. Ovary: To produce egg and female sex hormones.
2. Oviduct: Walls of the oviduct are lined with cilia that pushes the egg along the oviduct together with the contractions of the oviduct.
3. Uterus: The walls of the uterus (endometrium), allows the fertilized egg to be implanted in it.
4. Vagina: Allows the entrance of the penis and can expand to allow child birth.
5. Cervix: Expands also to allow child birth.
Term 2 Topic - Menstrual Cycle
In my opinion, Biology was easier topic, because understanding concepts were more important than just pure memorization, unlike in Chemistry. However, there were still topics like menstrual cycle, reproductive system and fetal development.
In this post, I will be talking about Menstrual Cycle.
Firstly, there are 5 hormones involved in the menstrual cycle:
1. Gonadotropin Releasing Hormone
2. Follicle Stimulating Hormone
3. Luteinizing Hormone
4. Estrogen/Oestrogen
5. Progesterone
Follicle Stimulating Hormone comes from the brain, released at the start of the cycle. The anterior pituitary gland secretes Follicle Stimulating Hormone and it travels to the ovaries through the blood stream. It binds to the ovaries and stimulates the development of follicles (immature egg with protective layer). Follicle Stimulating Hormone is only responsible for growing the follicle.
The granulosa cells of the follicle secrete Estrogen. Granulosa cells forms around the growing follicle. Estrogen goes to both the uterus and the anterior pituitary gland. It stimulates repair and development of the uterus lining (endometrium). It goes to the anterior pituitary gland and inhibits secretion of Follicle Stimulating Hormone. (Stops the secretion of Follicle Stimulating Hormone)
After a high level of estrogen level, the estrogen stimulates the anterior pituitary gland to produce Luteinizing Hormone. Luteinizing Hormone goes to the ovary where it causes ovulation. Luteinizing Hormone stimulates the Graaffian follicle to release the secondary oocyte (mature egg). The other parts of the Graaffian follicle are stimulated by Luteinizing Hormone to develop into the corpus luteum. The corpus luteum will secrete estrogen, and a new hormone called progesterone.
Progesterone stimulates the uterus to maintain the thickening of the endometrium (uterus lining). In the anterior pituitary gland, Progesterone inhibits the secretion of Luteinizing Hormone. As long as the corpus luteum is there, there will be neither Follicle Stimulating Hormone nor Luteinizing Hormone. The corpus luteum lasts for around 14 days.
If there is no fertilization, the endometrium will break down, and the body will discharge it as blood. This cycle then repeats.
In this post, I will be talking about Menstrual Cycle.
Firstly, there are 5 hormones involved in the menstrual cycle:
1. Gonadotropin Releasing Hormone
2. Follicle Stimulating Hormone
3. Luteinizing Hormone
4. Estrogen/Oestrogen
5. Progesterone
Follicle Stimulating Hormone comes from the brain, released at the start of the cycle. The anterior pituitary gland secretes Follicle Stimulating Hormone and it travels to the ovaries through the blood stream. It binds to the ovaries and stimulates the development of follicles (immature egg with protective layer). Follicle Stimulating Hormone is only responsible for growing the follicle.
The granulosa cells of the follicle secrete Estrogen. Granulosa cells forms around the growing follicle. Estrogen goes to both the uterus and the anterior pituitary gland. It stimulates repair and development of the uterus lining (endometrium). It goes to the anterior pituitary gland and inhibits secretion of Follicle Stimulating Hormone. (Stops the secretion of Follicle Stimulating Hormone)
After a high level of estrogen level, the estrogen stimulates the anterior pituitary gland to produce Luteinizing Hormone. Luteinizing Hormone goes to the ovary where it causes ovulation. Luteinizing Hormone stimulates the Graaffian follicle to release the secondary oocyte (mature egg). The other parts of the Graaffian follicle are stimulated by Luteinizing Hormone to develop into the corpus luteum. The corpus luteum will secrete estrogen, and a new hormone called progesterone.
Progesterone stimulates the uterus to maintain the thickening of the endometrium (uterus lining). In the anterior pituitary gland, Progesterone inhibits the secretion of Luteinizing Hormone. As long as the corpus luteum is there, there will be neither Follicle Stimulating Hormone nor Luteinizing Hormone. The corpus luteum lasts for around 14 days.
If there is no fertilization, the endometrium will break down, and the body will discharge it as blood. This cycle then repeats.
Friday, September 16, 2011
Term 1 Reflections on Test
For Term 1, I got 82% the test, and I was not very happy. Even though it was A1, I had alot of careless mistakes for my test and this resulted in a lot of marks lost. Many mistakes were due to the lack of focus during the exam. However, I was also rather fortunate as the exam had a periodic table so that I could refer to it, making the memorization part of the exam easier.
I will continue to work harder for science because I want an exemption for the year. Even if I do not get an exemption, I will study harder for the end of year component of the exam and will strive to do well.
I will continue to work harder for science because I want an exemption for the year. Even if I do not get an exemption, I will study harder for the end of year component of the exam and will strive to do well.
Term 1 Topic - Periodic Table
Another aspect chemistry is the periodic table. Hence, in this post I will focus more on it.
Firstly, the periodic table is divided into periods and groups. Periods are horizontal, meaning that each element in the same horizontal line are in the same period. Groups are vertical and similarly to periods, those elements in the same vertical line are in the same period.
Elements in the same group have the same properties, mostly due to the fact because they have the same number of valence electrons. For example, in Group VIII, they are called Noble Gases because they are not reactive due to their filled valence electrons.
Periods on the other hand, are mainly used for classification. They are normally used for finding out elements or atomic number/mass.
Firstly, the periodic table is divided into periods and groups. Periods are horizontal, meaning that each element in the same horizontal line are in the same period. Groups are vertical and similarly to periods, those elements in the same vertical line are in the same period.
Elements in the same group have the same properties, mostly due to the fact because they have the same number of valence electrons. For example, in Group VIII, they are called Noble Gases because they are not reactive due to their filled valence electrons.
Periods on the other hand, are mainly used for classification. They are normally used for finding out elements or atomic number/mass.
Term 1 Topic - Covalent Bonding
As the second post, I will be talking about Covalent Bonding.
Covalent bonding is also another chemical bond, usually between 2 non-metals, where the two atoms of the elements "share electrons". This results in both elements to reach maximum valence electrons, whether 2 (For hydrogen only) or 8 (For every other element).
The "shared electrons" are attracted to both nucleus of both atoms. Hence, they are at a region that is between the two atoms and neither of the atoms completely gains or loses the electrons. However, this results in a weaker bonding.
There are two types of covalent bonding, namely:
1. Non-polar covalent bonding
2. Polar covalent bonding
Firstly, non-polar covalent bonding is where two non-metals equally share their electrons. There is a rule that the non-metals have to be identical but there are exceptions to that rule. For example, carbon and hydrogen are not identical non-metals, but they fall in under non-polar covalent bonding because they equally share their electrons. A more common example of non-polar covalent bonding is hydrogen gas. Two hydrogen atoms bond together to form hydrogen gas, and they also equally share their electrons.
Secondly, polar covalent bonding is where there is an unequal sharing of electrons between two different non-metals. In polar covalent bonding, there is an equal sharing of electrons for only a short percentage of time and there is an unequal sharing of electrons for a large percentage of time. For example, hydrogen and chlorine is bonded by polar covalent bonding and the electron is closer to chlorine a large percentage of the time.
Covalent bonding is also another chemical bond, usually between 2 non-metals, where the two atoms of the elements "share electrons". This results in both elements to reach maximum valence electrons, whether 2 (For hydrogen only) or 8 (For every other element).
The "shared electrons" are attracted to both nucleus of both atoms. Hence, they are at a region that is between the two atoms and neither of the atoms completely gains or loses the electrons. However, this results in a weaker bonding.
There are two types of covalent bonding, namely:
1. Non-polar covalent bonding
2. Polar covalent bonding
Firstly, non-polar covalent bonding is where two non-metals equally share their electrons. There is a rule that the non-metals have to be identical but there are exceptions to that rule. For example, carbon and hydrogen are not identical non-metals, but they fall in under non-polar covalent bonding because they equally share their electrons. A more common example of non-polar covalent bonding is hydrogen gas. Two hydrogen atoms bond together to form hydrogen gas, and they also equally share their electrons.
Secondly, polar covalent bonding is where there is an unequal sharing of electrons between two different non-metals. In polar covalent bonding, there is an equal sharing of electrons for only a short percentage of time and there is an unequal sharing of electrons for a large percentage of time. For example, hydrogen and chlorine is bonded by polar covalent bonding and the electron is closer to chlorine a large percentage of the time.
Term 1 Topic - Ionic Bonding
In my opinion, Chemistry is one of the more challenging subjects, for there are many things for us to memorise, including the periodic table, atomic mass and number of each element, the different types of bonding, and what will happen when acids and bases react with other compounds.
However, as the first post of my blog, I will be talking about Ionic bonding.
Ionic bonding is a type of chemical bond, usually between a metal and a non-metal. Ionic bonding occurs when metals loses electrons and "gives" them to the non-metals, causing the metals to have a positive charge while the non-metals have a negative charge. This results in both atoms to form a new compound and both atoms to have full valence electrons. Valence electrons are the number of electrons in the outer most shell of the atom.
For example, Sodium and Chloride. Sodium is a metal with 1 valence electron while Chloride is a non-metal with 7 valence electrons. When they are heated, Sodium will then react with Chloride to from a new compound, Sodium Chloride (Table Salt). The Sodium ion will have 8 valence electrons and the Chloride ion will also have 8 valence electrons.
Ionic bonding can be represented in the form of a dot and cross diagram. Dots are used to show the electrons of the first element while crosses are used to show the electrons of the second element. Only the valence electrons for both ions in the compound are drawn.
Compounds that are bonded by ionic bonding, also known as ionic compounds, have different properties that covalent compounds, that are bonded by covalent bonding. Ionic compounds are solid in room temperature, conducts electricity in their liquid or aqueous state and have high melting and boiling points.
However, as the first post of my blog, I will be talking about Ionic bonding.
Ionic bonding is a type of chemical bond, usually between a metal and a non-metal. Ionic bonding occurs when metals loses electrons and "gives" them to the non-metals, causing the metals to have a positive charge while the non-metals have a negative charge. This results in both atoms to form a new compound and both atoms to have full valence electrons. Valence electrons are the number of electrons in the outer most shell of the atom.
For example, Sodium and Chloride. Sodium is a metal with 1 valence electron while Chloride is a non-metal with 7 valence electrons. When they are heated, Sodium will then react with Chloride to from a new compound, Sodium Chloride (Table Salt). The Sodium ion will have 8 valence electrons and the Chloride ion will also have 8 valence electrons.
Ionic bonding can be represented in the form of a dot and cross diagram. Dots are used to show the electrons of the first element while crosses are used to show the electrons of the second element. Only the valence electrons for both ions in the compound are drawn.
Compounds that are bonded by ionic bonding, also known as ionic compounds, have different properties that covalent compounds, that are bonded by covalent bonding. Ionic compounds are solid in room temperature, conducts electricity in their liquid or aqueous state and have high melting and boiling points.
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