Brandon

Pre-Trip Reflections @Changi Airport:

1.   How do you feel about the upcoming trip?

Excited for mostly the ‘experience’ of the physics concepts taught in Sec 3; experiencing terminal velocity or F= ma in action as well as the fundamentals or introduction into astronomy. 

2.   3 Things that I am looking forward to

1. Forging memories in Penang
2. Experiencing the new physics concepts in real life. 
3. Experiencing the Astronomical constellations

3.   3 things I hope to learn from Penang

• My first GCP Trip: how to escape from the comfort zone that is being in the safe streets in Singapore
• Perhaps new physics concepts out of the syllabus
• Getting an intro into astronomy

4.   3 things I hope to learn from my friends

• Those in Astronomy can provide me with knowledge on Astronomy
• General Knowledge(Because I will be talking to them during bus rides/meals)
• Learn some travel tips and ‘lifehacks’ onto how to make travelling easier

5.    3 things I hope to learn about myself

• How much I understand about physics
• How well I would fare outside of Singapore without my parents(would I miss them) 
• How much time and effort would I be able to devote to Astro

6.   3 challenges I give myself

• Not to lose any of my valuable possessions
• To participate actively and cheerfully
• To be kind and considerate to my friends and peers

7.   What are my expectations of Penang?

• To be enjoyable and fun to learn
• To be intellectually stimulating and curiosity-inducing
• To have nice food to eat

Day 1
As a Record of What Happened

Getting to look at the stars, allocating constellations and looking through the 40-inch telescope. I got to ask about interesting questions about every nagging question; how do telescopes work, how big is our galaxy, what happens when galaxies collide. Furthermore, the experience under the stars was magical. 

Insights Into What You Think and Feel About the Ideas or Issues

One of the things that surprised me was …

The modesty of the observatory. My immediate image of observatories are expensive, glass-dome observatories. However, the observatory was efficient and inexpensive. There was even rationale to the design to be chosen over glass-dome buildings, even; on top of being inexpensive, the raindrops don’t affect the incident light into the telescope(because there is no barrier)

I keep thinking about ...

I really didn’t understand ...

Something I would like to find more about is ...

Thinking About Your Own Learning

I really admire the way Dr. Chong has such a thrill when he talks about astronomy. Throughout the hour of lecture, he never lost the excitement in his voice when he shared his experiences, findings and adventures on astronomy, 

Thinking More Deeply

My point of view is that despite the wonders and magic of astronomy, I don’t think I’ll make it my life passion. 

Thinking About Alternative Points of View

When I heard what the others in my group thought I was surprised because some were in it more for the astronomy rather than the physics. I did not think about it very logically, but it became quite obvious that, since it was an astro+physics trip, there can be a division of interests between physics and astronomy.

Conclusions

I hope I can learn to appreciate more on the field of astronomy. 

Day 2

As a Record of What Happened

Something funny that happened was the talking robot that performed a hip hop in front of everyone. I was pleasantly surprised.

Insights Into What You Think and Feel About the Ideas or Issues

Something I would like to find out more are the robots that I saw were programmed into performing the actions. It gets me into robotics. 

Thinking About Your Own Learning

I found out that I learn best given pen and paper, and given lecture style. 

Thinking More Deeply

I still maintain that I will make physics a passion to do, but not, however, astronomy. 

Thinking About Alternative Points of View

I like to consider others points of view because it gives me something on top of my own knowledge to work on and value-add.

Conclusions

I have to think more deeply about the nature of learning itself, what’s the best way to learn.




Day 3

As a Record of What Happened

The most important event that happened for me today was the G drop and the G force exhibition; turned multiple times and experiencing free fall on earth’s gravity.

Insights Into What You Think and Feel About the Ideas or Issues

I really didn’t understand the mathematics of centripetal force when there is a constant change of direction; or in general the math behind how constantly applied forces can change the direction at a constant rate.

Thinking About Your Own Learning

I learn best when given challenges to apply what I learn in new contexts, as well as how they are applied(with pinpoint description) into the real world.

Thinking More Deeply

I believe that physics concepts are best learnt when it is utilised properly unto translating into inventions, and physics is best explored given the subject of knowledge and inquiry.

Thinking About Alternative Points of View

When I heard what the others in my group thought I was surprised because I was surprised by their extent of their knowledge regarding all fields of science. 

Conclusions

I hope I can learn to study physics more passionately and intelligently.

Day 4

As a Record of What Happened

Thinking back over the day what I valued most was the walks and bus ride, where our tour guide, Mr. Norman, explained the historical events that happened in historical landmarks of Penang. Throughout, I got to learn more about Penang. Facts of history are interesting to listen to and discuss, but rather inapplicable as of now. 

Insights Into What You Think and Feel About the Ideas or Issues

One of the things that surprised me was the influence of Chinese and British in Penang. Chinese temples, religion and trade are prevalent among historical landmarks in Penang. Singapore, being deemed unique for being multicultural with a rich ethnic history of many races, seemed to be the only country with this characteristic. 

Thinking About Your Own Learning

Something I have found out about myself is how interested I can get when learning about other cultures; usually, my focus is on the sciences. Cultures and religion are facts, but cannot be applied, in my opinion. 

Thinking More Deeply

My point of view is that culture is usually richer than it seems and cannot be impressed upon within a day; there’s still much to learn, whether it be Penang or any other country.

Thinking About Alternative Points of View

When I heard what the others in my group thought I was surprised because my friend argued that historical facts can indeed be applied to political science, politically philosophy and psychology. 

Conclusions

In the future I would like to ask more questions and relate to what I know; discuss more with Mr. Tan, Mr. Norman, Dr. Chong and others. If I am not an aficionado, perhaps equip myself with some basic surface info. 

When I read over my journal reflections I am surprised at how my thinking has changed because I never gave a thought to culture. I always brushed it off as being inapplicable unless it is to learn manners.