Mikail

Pre-trip goals and objectives

1] I feel a keen sense of excitement as this trip would be my first school science-oriented trip!

2] I am looking forward to learning about science concepts more deeply and directly through experience. Additionally, the ability to engage in various cultural and social aspects of Penang interests me. Finally, the overall experience of going as a team to investigate the astronomy side of Penang, a place in Malaysia is intriguing to me.

3] I am looking forward to learning about various physics concepts from the exhibits and other facilities here on the island. I am aiming to learn about the people here, their culture and values, and to learn about the science industry in Malaysia.

4] I am looking forward to learn if my friends are cooperative, deeply interested in science and whether they are committed to the goals of this trip.

5] I hope I can learn if I would like to further pursue astronomy and physics more deeply, in conjunction with an understanding that science is fun, important and useful in the modern world.

6] I challenge myself to unravel the mystery of why the Boeing 737-800 lacked holes in its outer window casings, the conundrum regarding the fog coming out from the vents as the plane pressurises and how the ailerons  could be so small and yet retain so much function.

7] I expect Penang to a generally rural area, as per my grandfather's experiences. That's alright though, as a community spirit is retained amongst people living together.

Day 1 Reflection

Today has been quite exciting especially with an observatory visit. I have had some background knowledge regarding star formation and patterns, and this was an opportunity to display my knowledge in a practical way. We got to utilise actual telescopes to observe the andromeda galaxy, which is something really amazing once one views the experience from another perspective. We are as one species, on a wet rock which happens to be warmed by a small star, in a quiet arm of the Milky Way galaxy, speeding through space. This experience has thought me to be more grateful for future and past voyages into the universe.

Actual Daily Reflection

The humbleness of the telescope was shocking to me, and I was contemplating how one could construct such a practical and simple observatory in their own home. I didn't fully get the concepts of the constellations representing what they did. I would certainly like to learn more about how to construct a telescope on ones self.

I have found out that my interest for space does extend somewhat to the sphere of star gazing, and to constellations and their stars.  I know I need to alter the way that I think about the science of stargazing and mapping, as Inused to think these were artificial projections of early humans onto the stars of the sky. I really admire the way that the people like Mr CK handled the telescopes so well. I learn best when I am able to interact with the phenomenon. What I have learnt today reminds me deeply of when we went to Brunei for GCP, but it certainly wasn't as scientifically engaging as this. I believe that all schools should allow those who are interested to partake in the exciting activity of stargazing. My point of view is that students should be able to see distant objects such as the andromeda galaxy and fundamentally understand that the earth is extremely fortunate to bear life. I still maintain that I do not see stargazing to be as exciting as other activities such as chemistry experiments.  I agree with Mr Tan when he says that having an observatory in school would have been very important indeed. However, I disagree with the notion that if an observatory is built, that only astronomy club members would be able to use it. I strongly oppose that the students' in SST lack the drive to learn about astronomy. I have reconsidered my take on astronomy as a subject, and feel mor interest towards it.

When I heard what the others in my group thought I was surprised, I was amazed by their agreement to my statement. I would have never thought about the inaccessibility of the observatory, taking into note the rural nature of that area. I like to consider others points of view as they provide insight as to novel ideas.

In the future I would like to continue to perform some form of astronomy, however, not as hardcore as the kind people yesterday. I hope I can continue to expand my knowledge about the universe around us, but have to think more deeply regarding certain phenomena in the universe, such as variable stars.

Daily Reflections (Day 2):

As a Record of What Happened

The most important event that happened for me today was definitely the visit to the Tech Dome. It was easily the most exciting as it contained a multitude of science concept-displays.

Thinking back over the day what I valued most was the G force drop. It was a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and the feeling of falling from a height like that was unique in itself.

Something funny that happened was our conversation during dinner. We laughed so much I swallowed an ice cube and almost inhaled a piece of chicken.   

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

One of the things that surprised me was that the tech dome had such sophisticated and up to date scientific equipment and displays.    

  I keep thinking about the phenomena behind the stability of the ball hovering  over the air-tube.  

I really didn’t understand the part where people where frightened to step onto the glass bridge. I mean, so many have walked across it before. It's safe!

Something I would like to find more about is the math behind the specific shape of the G force. It really resembled a brachistochrone curve, which is designed to bring an object from a to b in least time.

Something I have found out about myself is that I am able to dissociate myself  with reality rather well, as I was able to do that during the bridge walk and the g force fall. 

I know I need to change the way I perceive science museums. I used to superimpose my idea of a boring, monotonous science centre, Singapore upon other science Centres everywhere, but now I know that there are certainly  better ones.

I really admire the way that some of us took great interest in the explanations behind otherwise relatively mundane exhibits.  

I learn best when I am able to interact directly with the scientific phenomena. 

What I have learnt today reminds me about my experiences with a professor who visited my primary school to help us to further understand the concept of bio conservation.

I believe that our interactions with the astronomy society members will help to instil a passion for astronomy and the viewing of astronomical bodies.

My point of view is that man should continue to launch new and more useful and sophisticated satellites to increase our knowledge about the universe. 

I still maintain that I prefer the general study of stars and planets but not too much of the part regarding direct observation, although using a telescope is fascinating and interesting.  

I disagree with Vignesh when he said that general knowledge is less interesting than the use of telescopes purely. 

I strongly oppose the school not constructing a simple small observatory for interested students to further their knowledge and skills.  

I have reconsidered reconsidered my take on the sophistication of telescopes. 

When I heard what the others in my group thought I was surprised because they did not seem to appreciate the talk and introductions as much as I did.    

I would never have thought about the problem in that way regarding the G- Drop, as I only now realise that it used a brachistochrone curve to accelerate the body as fast as possible.

I like to consider others points of view because I may not be well versed on the his topic as much as others

In the future I would like to continue to have fun while learning science.  

I hope I can learn to experience science and appreciate the phenomenon better as science surround science us and binds us together. 

I have to think more deeply about how Everyday phenomena can play a pivotal role in the further exploration of science. 

When I read over my journal reflections I am surprised at how my thinking has changed because I used to think that science was to be studied with vigour, but  not with as much fun as I had today.  

Every night, you will be typing a one-paragraph reflection using the sentence starters from each section below. Post the reflection on the blog upon completion daily. 

Day 3

As a Record of What Happened,

The most important event that happened today was trying the G-force ride. It was really an interesting experience as it shared similarities to a Soyuz spacecraft piloting training.

Thinking back over the day what I valued most was the visit to the school observatory. It was really inspiring to see a school incorporate such an intricate piece of equipment into the school structure. 

Something funny that happened was when we were having lunch. We had an interesting conversation.

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

One of the things that surprised me was that the school observatory had such sophisticated and up to date scientific equipment.

I keep thinking about the phenomena behind the refractor lens being able to focus light onto a small point so accurately.

I really didn’t understand why so many observatories in Penang have to be in areas of such high light pollution indexes. It impedes more varied and ancient astronomical observations.

Something I would like to find more about is about how to accurately cut a piece of glass lens to reflect light in such a way that it is fit for telescopic use. 

Something I have found out about myself is that I do appreciate the observation of astronomical bodies more than before.

I know I need to change the way I perceive science museums. I used to superimpose my idea of a boring, monotonous science centre, Singapore upon other science Centres everywhere, but now I know that there are certainly much better ones. I shall add on to this with that the museum we went to had many deep scientific explanations behind the phenomena shown. 

I really admire the way that the students showed keen interest regarding the telescopes in their school. 

I learn best when I am able to interact directly with the scientific equipment itself.

What I have learnt today does not remind of me of anything in particular. It is unique to be able to step into a school observatory for me.

I believe that our interactions with the astronomy society members will help to instil a passion for astronomy and the viewing of astronomical objects. My statement on this stands firm.

My point of view is that SST should invest more in allowing students to experience science in more engaging and fun ways.

I still maintain that my viewpoint that Dr Chong is very accommodating and is keenly interested in bolstering the passion of students towards astronomy. 

I agree with Dr Chong when he explains about the different types of nebulae and that they are very beautiful. 

I disagree with my personal viewpoint that astronomy was mainly about the study of the planets indirectly.

I strongly oppose the school not constructing a simple small observatory for interested students to further their knowledge and skills. 

I have reconsidered reconsidered my view on the use of telescopes to observe planets and stars only.

When I heard what the others in my group thought I was surprised because they did not seem to appreciate the talk and explanations as much as I did. 

I would never have thought about the problem regarding the lack of dizziness from the G-force without Mr Tan talking about it.

I like to consider others points of view because I may not be well versed on the t his topic as much as others.

In the future I would like to continue to have fun while learning science. 

I hope I can learn to experience science and appreciate the phenomenon better as science surround science us and binds us together.

I have to think more deeply about how Everyday phenomena can play a pivotal role in the further exploration of science. 

When I read over my journal reflections I am surprised at how my thinking has changed because I used to think that science was to be studied with vigour, but  not with as much fun as I had today. 

I still hold this view as we visited the Tech Dome again today, and the experiences, although more varied, were about the same topics.

Day 4

As a Record of What Happened

The most important event that happened for me today was the visits to the Buddhist statues as they were the most culturally insightful.

Thinking back over the day what I valued most was dinner. There was a TRIPLE cheeseburger. That should be self-explanatory.

Something funny that happened was the conversation during the queue to board the plane.

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

One of the things that surprised me was the large variety of chocolates sold by the shop we visited.

I keep thinking about how the airplane landed with such a short duration of runway.

I really didn’t understand the reason why PM Najib's face was in the Buddhist temple. Seriously!

Something I would like to find more about is the culture of the PEOPLE of Penang. 

Thinking About Your Own Learning

Something I have found out about myself is that I can better reflect on my experiences compared to my last GCP.

I know I need to change the way I see how other South East Asia nations express their advancements in science and technology.

I really admire the way that Mr Norman values making other people, even strangers, happy, just by greeting them kindly.

I learn best when I see examples or am able to do it myself.

What I have learnt today reminds me about when we had to depart Brunei during GCP.

Thinking More Deeply

I believe that more trips like these should be organised to expose students to new and positive experiences.

My point of view is that this trip has definitely been the better GCP and is far more interesting.

I still maintain that GCP trips are indeed important and very insightful into other cultures and new information.

I agree with Mr Tan when he said that there were 'many questions' (asked) during the trip, especially about the airplane's features.

I disagree with Vignesh always watching his phone on the bus and even during meals. It's not very polite.

I have reconsidered my view that I know somewhat a lot about astronomy. I now know more about this fascinating subject.

Thinking About Alternative Points of View

When I heard what the others in my group thought I was surprised because they appreciated the shop visits much more than I did.

I would never have thought about the problem of being too early for boarding in that way that Mr Tan did, he saw it as a good thing.

I like to consider others points of view because it is important to always find out new and wider points of view to become more all-rounded.

Conclusions

In the future I would like to visit Penang again to learn more about the people there.

I hope I can learn to understand others better through interacting with them through trips like these.

I have to think more deeply about the different scientific questions I have learnt throughout this trip.

When I read over my journal reflections I am surprised at how my thinking has changed because I have become more oriented towards reflecting about the culture aspects and the wider picture as a whole compared to the scientific aspects I have learnt, but both types are important.