Xu Cheng

Pre Trip-Xu Cheng

I am excited and slightly afraid of the trip as it will be my first time visiting Penang. I have also heard about the recent rain and flood and Penang, and I am a bit scared of it. 

3 events I am looking forward to in Penang are:

1.Exhibitions in Tech Dome

2.Stargazing at Choon Kiat Observatory

3.Stargazing at school observatory

3 things I hope to learn from Penang is:

1.The unique culture of Penang

2.Learn science through real-life applications in exhibitions in Tech Dome

3.Stargazing condition in Penang

3 things I hope to learn from my friends is:

1. Leadership
2. Commitment 
3. Teamwork

3 things I hope to learn about myself is:

1. My knowledge of physics
2. Will I be homesick
3. My understanding of Astronomy

3 challenges I give myself is:

1. Be more self-independent
2. Improve my communication skills to avoid being separated from my teammates.
3. To participate in activities with enthusiasm

My expectations of Penang:

1. Streets full of shophouses
2. Underdeveloped with people mostly living in villages 

3. Nice food

Day 1 Reflections-Xu Cheng

The most important event that happened for me today was observing the Andromeda galaxy through the telescope.One of the things that surprised me was how amateur astronomers can photograph images of deep sky objects with as much clarity as professional astronomers. Something I have found out about myself is upon looking up to the night sky, I realised how small I am compared to the cosmos.I have reconsidered my stand that Singapore is better to view Astronomy than Penang as Penang have darker skies. I would never have thought about the problem in that way if I never went to Penang as I will have no comparison between Singapore and Penang. In the future, I would like to have more chances to broaden my understanding of Astronomy.

Day 2 Reflections-Xu Cheng

The most important thing that happened to me today was when Mr Tan looked my phone after I accidentally left it in an exhibition. I keep thinking about how severe the situation will be if a stranger stole my phone instead of Mr Tan. What I have learnt today reminds me that I should always stay alert and never leave my personal belongings behind me. I have reconsidered my opinion of the safety of the public as I realised how vulnerable my valuables are at that time and how anyone could have stolen it easily. I would never have thought about the problem in that way without Mr Tan taking my phone and making me realise the importance of protecting my valuables. I hope I would learn this lesson and not make the same mistake again.

Day 3 Reflections-Xu Cheng

The most important event that happened for me today was revisiting Tech-Dome Penang. Something I would like to find more about is the maximum G-Force experienced in the G-Force exhibition. What I have learnt today reminds me of my Secondary 1 physics lessons where we learnt about the equations of gravitational potential energy. I believe that I will learn much better if lessons are conducted this way. I would never have thought about the problem in that way if I never tried the exhibitions. I have to think more deeply about the physics behind the exhibits.

Day 4 Reflections-Xu Cheng
The most important thing that happened to me today was visiting George Town and learning about the different unique cultures of Penang. One of the things that surprised me was how the first chines went to Penang. I once thought that the first Chinese went to Penang by maps but I found out they just were pushed to Penang by currents and decided to settle there. What I have learnt today reminds me of how Columbus discovered America as he was pushed to America by currents and not by maps. I believe that the life of the first settlers at Penang was harsh as Mr Norman said that they had to work and get food by butter trading. I like to consider others points of view because I want to find an alternate way of understanding situations. In the future, I would like to learn about the life of the first settlers of Penang on their journey.