CHINA TRIP EXPERIENCE (REFLECTIONS)

CHINA REFLECTION (DAY 1)

QUESTIONS:

1.     Describe your experience taking the maglev train.

2.     Name and briefly explain 2 scientific principles behind the maglev train.

3.     How does the invention of maglev trains have an impact on the environment?

ANSWERS:

1.     The experience on the maglev train itself its quite interesting as we get to take a train which speed reaches to the maximum of 431km/h which would be 5 times faster than an average car. It is also interesting how the train work with the use of magnets instead of wheels.

2.     The maglev train levitates above ground with the help of magnetic forces. It allows the train to move at a high speed with less friction. Hence the train will be able to move faster than the usual train as the resultant force is great. At some time the train tilts and makes a turn, it ensures that the centre of gravity lies between the base area of the train and the line of action, ensuring that it is stable.

3.     The maglev train uses only magnet and electricity while normal trains work on steam engines, thus, this help to reduce the pollutants released into the air, At the same time, it reduces the need of cars on heavy traffics as the maglev train is much faster than normal train.

CHINA REFLECTION (DAY 2)

QUESTIONS:

1.     How are the colors being used in the ‘song’ dynasty?

2.     What did you observe in the tower and how it is being used in current products?

ANSWERS:

1.     An example would be yue fei. The colors help distinguish how high they are      rank and how important are they in the palace. Yue fei wore purple robe this is because he is of high rank and he is not supposed to wear the same color and the emperor. He could only wear the same robe with people of the same rank.

Another example would be the color red is used almost everywhere, especially on souveniours. Red is an auspicious color which symbolizes china’s wealth.

2.     In the tower most of the bricks are structure of the same pattern. As for the entire tower itself, it is build such that the bottom roof is the widest while the top is the thinnest. The tip is made thin probably to portray that it is grand and one would like to reach the top upon seeing it. Most of the interior are made of symmetrical patterns at the ceiling to symbolize how grand the place is.

CHINA REFLECTION (DAY 3)

QUESTIONS:

1.     What are your perceptions before and after the CIP?

2.     What have you learnt from the CIP?

3.     What were the difficulties you faced and how you overcome it?

ANSWERS:

1.     Before the CIP I thought that the children will be very unfriendly, fierce as we can see many china people scolding each other or talking at a very harsh tone. However after the CIP, I found out that all the children are very friendly all welcoming us warmly when we enter. In fact they are all very nice, they are not shy and do not mind taking photos with us.

2.     From this CIP I’ve learnt to appreciate the things, facilities in Singapore. We should be appreciating because after the CIP I realize that their facilities are not as good. The clothes they wore some are even sewn by their parents or either by themselves. They also have barely enough stationeries to write. Each class has around 70 students which is really packed as compared to Singapore. The students are also very keen on learning but their teachers are very strict. I feel that all of us should not complain so much and be thankful for the things we have.

3.     The difficulties I found would be teaching them how to pronounce the words as they have not learned the basics. I have to repeat it a few times slowly until they understand it and speak the words and pronounce it correctly. Overall this is a great experience.

CHINA REFLECTION (DAY4)

QUESTIONS:

1.     Compare 2 differences in classroom teaching and learning between seng kang secondary and Tai cang experimental learning school.

2.     What us the one good quality that you have learnt from your interaction with the students and how you are going to apply it?

ANSWERS:

1.     The teaching in the experimental learning school makes sure that the students really understand by asking them to answer questions most of the time. The teachers also engage them in reading together as a class. Passages after passages to make sure they understand. Unlike most students in Singapore, most students really pay attention and listen. The teacher also ensures that they are not going to fast by asking whether they could catch up with her. Teachers in Singapore do not really do that and they also never really make sure that the mischievous students pay attention.

Another difference would be that the students in china have a notebook for almost all the subjects. They will take down notes in red pen(which is allowed) for themselves and they write their note down or ask each other when they have any queries. Everyone pay a lot of attention during class, all their talks are even related. Even though they may seem tense and stress in their studies, they also have a lot of homework just like us and they also have fun during lessons. The teachers also try to make the lessons more interesting by being more dramatic and telling more about their life stories. Teachers in Singapore (some) just teach from the board, not all pay attention during class. This might be useful in improving the current situation.

2.     One good quality I have learnt from the interaction with the students would be how to work hard and play hard and at the same time learn more about time management. Between breaks during classes, students either have fun with their classmates or do the homework assign to them, even when meeting us, the student still bring along the assignment for them. They also have a lot of fun. Everyone seems so close to each other. There is no discrimination which is good and we should all learn. I can apply this to my class by getting the opportunity to interact with one another regardless of race and religion, shape or size. When teacher ask to split into groups, we should not say or complain like say ‘huh?’ or be unwilling. We should do it quick and without complains.

CHINA REFLECTION (DAY5)

QUESTIONS:

1.     Suzhou is a place with preserved historical sites such as the tiger hill. As a younger generation, what will you do to preserve Singapore’s history?

2.     Compare the differences of the streets in Suzhou and shanghai

ANSWERS:

1.     As a Singaporean, we should protect our own heritage and history. In order to do so, we should take more initiative to learn about Singapore itself. For example, we as students should go visit places like museums and centre or buy book to learn more about the history itself. This is because when visitors from other countries come to Singapore, we as students should be able to answer their questions. We should also raise awareness of the people about how important it to conserve these heritage and historical places such that other generation can learn about it.

2.     One of the similarity would be in shanghai and su Zhou, there are a lot of trams passing by the streets and that the streets itself are beautifully lit at night. The people also cross the street even though the traffic light is green. Hence both are very dangerous. Another similarity would be that shanghai has more high rise building than su Zhou. Most of the buildings in shangai are also closely packed. The streets in shanghai look more ancient while su Zhou is more modern. Also su Zhou is less crowded than shanghai.

CHINA REFLECTION (DAY6)

QUESTIONS:

1.     What interest you the most at the science and technology museum and why?

2.     If you were to create a robot, what would it be used for? Why?

3.     It is important for a country to have proper urban planning for the development of the country. If you were to manage an island, how would you make it an eco-friendly tourist attraction?

ANSWERS:

1.     The thing that interests me the most would be the world of robots. This is because at the world of robots, I get to see how the future technology might be and how it will benefit us. Also, the world of robots shows us many interesting inventions. For example, how the robot can fix and repair cars or even play the piano! This way our future will be very high in technology. Everything can be done with ease.

2.     If I were to create a robot, it would be used for answering my doubts and queries, when I have a problem. By having someone to answer all my queries, you would not be stuck with the idea like ‘how do you start writing the reflection?’ or “how does this work?’ or even ‘why does human look like that?’ . This way I can even gain more knowledge and at some time even have a partner to talk to!

CHINA REFLECTION (overall)

QUESTIONS:

1.     How has your impression of china changed in the last few days?

2.     In your opinion, what are some similarities between Singapore and china?

3.     List and explain three of your most memorable experiences.

4.     List and explain three things you have learnt about yourself and your life.

ANSWERS:

1.     Before the trip, I thought that china would be a dirty place full of unfriendly people and that it would be dull and unattractive. However, after the trip in china, my impression of china changed totally. China is a place full of tourist attractions and interesting historical facts. Its technology is better that I expected. Although it might be a little dirty, it is very eco-friendly and the people (especially children are very friendly and welcome us warmly. China in fact also has a lot of high rise buildings and interesting facts.

2.     Some similarities between Singapore and china would be that both countries have a lot of interesting tourist attraction and their own historical artifacts and landsite. Similarly, both china and Singapore have a lot of high rise buildings. Both Singapore and china people speak English and Chinese. There are also a lot of trees in both countries which help reduce the temperature of the surroundings. They also have a lot of recycling bins to reduce land pollution.

3.     One of my most memorable experiences would be visiting the science and technology museum. At the science and technology museum, I get to experience and see how technology has improved throughout the years and how it can benefit us in the future. The item which catches my attention the most would be having my friends singing with the robots which can even play the piano. It was quite an amazing experience.

Another memorable experience would be visiting the lei feng pagoda. Visiting the lei feng pagoda is a very good experience. Not only did I learn about their name, architecture. I am also able to see and visualize how building are built and design. I also get to see a bird-eye view of the buildings from high above. Not only does it help make us exercise, I also get to feel the strong breeze. The feeling of about to be blown away like a kite was very cool!

The third memorable experience would be the visit to the pearl TV tower which is 468m above ground. We also get to experience standing above plain glass and looking right below us. We get to feel the cool breeze and at the same time, allow some to overcome their fear of heights. Like our teacher, Mr. Teo who do not dare to stare and look down below. I wished to have stayed longer, it was indeed very memorable.

4.     Three things I have learnt about myself and my life would be having to walk out of our comfort zone and do the best of our ability. Taking the first step to be independent and go on this trip to gain knowledge about the world , is good thing and I should continue to do it.

During the trip I also learnt about all the different subjects. For example, the trip on the maglev train helps provide extra knowledge for my physics. The visit to the pagoda also helps in our visual, Dnt skills and allows us to take more notice of our surroundings.

Lastly, the thing I have learnt would be we should not be so stressed up always like I have always been. Sometimes it’s best to relax and enjoy. work hard and play hard. Sometimes everyone deserve a well deserve break. Perhaps a break to give oneself the energy to continue to do better and enjoy, which I hope I can achieve.

TESSA WHANG, 3E1'2011

Reflections on THE EYE-OPENING CHINA TRIP.

DAY ONE     
1. Describe your experience taking the Maglev train
2. Name and briefly explain two scientific principles of the maglev train
3. How does the invention of the Maglev train have an impact on the environment?

1.      The Maglev train ride was quite an interesting experience, this is very different from other regular train rides. This train travels at 431 KM/H for only some times, if it was longer, it would have been more amazing. It feels really cool when two trains pass by one another, there is a sound produced that seems like the trains “bumped” one another, but that isn’t the case.

2.      Centre of gravity and magnetic forces. When the train tilts and makes a curve or turn, it ensures that the line of action of the centre of gravity lies between the base area of the train ensuring it is stable. The other principle is the principle of  magnetic forces (repulsion) whereby it makes the train levitate and “float” above a layer of air and as the magnet on the train and the magnet on the train track repels, it propels the train forward.

3.      The magnets used through the maglev train journey, requires only electricity (NOT producing any harmful gases) to function, but regular trains using fossil fuels or whatsoever would emit harmful gases.

DAY TWO    
1. How is colour bring used in the Song Dynasty?
2. What did you observe in the tower and how is it being used in current products?

1.      In the past, they have been using colours to represent different rankings of the generals, sergents and even the king! In short, everyone. For an example, only the emperor was allowed to have dragon in yellow. As an elaboration, Yue Fei being the 1^st ranking General after he died, he got a purple coat.

2.      The Leifeng Pagoda tower has its unique use of colours like gold. Gold was used for the tip of the pagoda, it was somewhat a colour for making the pagoda look much finer and beautiful. In current situations, it can be seen around the streets that women, and men are putting those on. It portrays them as elegant and “’classy”. Like in jewellery.

DAY THREE    
1. What’s your perception before and after the CIP?
2. What have you learnt from the CIP?
3. What were the difficulties your faced while teaching the students and how did you overcome them?

1.      Before the CIP began, I thought the school would be up in the mountains and the conditions of the school would be pathetic like having broken tables. No fans, and no proper books to study from. Once I was at the entrance of the school, there were boys and girls with their red costumes, and they looked very adorable. They started to hit the drums as we entered; it gave me a feeling of a “VIP”. That was a really warm welcome! They are totally the opposite of what I expected, they are a bunch of bubbly students in a welcoming school!

2.      BE LESS EGOISTIC. You can see the children being “heck-care” about what others think of them and just bold-ly take up the challenge of performing in front of us. If our ego is placed too high, we are not going to enjoy life as much as they do!

3.      The difficulty was the language barrier, I could barely speak mandarin, I tried to speak but failed, so I asked for a friend to translate for me.

DAY FOUR   
1. Compare the differences in classroom teaching and learning between SKSS and Taicang exp. Middle school.
2. What is one good quality you have learnt from your interaction with the students and how are you going to apply it?

1.      Basically, teaching and learning in skss and taicang exp. Middle school is distinctively different. From what I have asked and heard, the do not exactly have a science laboratory to do their practical experiments. Also, they learn English from textbooks but we just receive notes and learn through communication. In short, SKSS got the chance to do hands-on activities in a lab and we learn through communicating (mostly). I feel that SKSS should allow or implement learning of English to be from textooks, as it can be observed that our command of English is mostly from communication and at (most of the time) we are hearing, speaking unacceptable English. Ashamed to see the China buddy of mine doing his workbook at a fast rate and getting majority of the questions correct, it makes me feel that we are too far from their diligence level. Kudos to them!

“Keep unnecessary words to yourself”
I put my hats off to them, they are quiet when they are expected to be, hardworking and efficient. The class is always attentive whenever the teacher speaks. In Singapore, students are just too egoistic, they always feel that to answer a question with a wrong answer, it is shameful, hence they waste time and do not even try. In china, when the students are told to answer, they answer with pride and answer on the spot even if they feel that it may not be correct. How to apply this, be confident with your answer, learn from your mistakes. It was a wonderful experience!

DAY FIVE     
1.Suzhou is a place with preserved historical sites such as the tiger hill. As a younger generation , what will you do to preserve singapore’s history?

2.Compare the differences of the streets in Suzhou and shanghai.

1.      I would ensure that my children of the future to have exposures at these sites such as merlion, Asian civilization museum. One way to do so is to give quality and constructive time to them and bring them on outings making sure that they themselves as singaporeans would have a good grasp of the history of Singapore. From this, I would try to spread to others the history of Singapore despite being a young and geographically small city.

2.      In Suzhou, and likewise in shanghai it can be observed that the streets have some trams passing by the streets and both the streets are beautifully lit. However, Suzhou and shanghai’s streets are different as suzhou’s streets has shops in modern design, but in shanghai it is quite ancient. Lastly, Suzhou is less crowded than shangai’s street.

DAY SIX       
1. What interests you the most at the science and tech. museum? Why?
2. If you were to create a robot, what would it be used for? Why?

1.      The museum is the best museum I have been to, it is of so much fun, I loved most of the exhibits, but if I had to choose, it would be the human digestion system section. Basically, there was several attractions under this section, it made learning more interactive and enjoyable, whereas other exhibitions in various countries have not been as successful at fulfilling that element of fun-ness. Also, being a non-biology student and being foreign to that subject, the contents of the exhibits became more alive and interesting to me.

2.      I would create a robot specialized in cooking food and doing household chores. I know I am just too spoilt! Hah! Anyway, I am just a lazy bump and hope everything is done for me. I would then have my plate of food whenever I want it. Next, my parents can then skip tiring themselves out making food for my family. Afterall, they deserve their break after a long day at work!

REFLECTIONS ON MY CHINA TRIP        
1. How has your impression of China changed in the last few days?
2. In you opinion, what are some similarities between Singapore and china?
3. List and explain three of the most memorable experiences.
4. List and explain 3 things you have learnt about yourself and your life.

First impression	Final Impression (now)
They are unfriendly	Only some
They have only teas in their restaurants	They serve carbonated drinks as well
They do not have delicious food here	They do!

1.     

2.      

Th  Similarities between china and sgp.:
They have branded apparels for sale, like in singapore
There are places as advanced as sgp
They have many high-rise buildings

YueFei Masoleum	I can tell you that my knowledge of this yuefei story or whatsoever stories like this, is very limited. When I got to know about it, I became keener into wanting to know more. I will surely go home and search on in in youtube.
The Science and tech museum	This is the best museum. Trust me, it rocks to the core! It has the wonderful exhibits and are interactive making learning out-of-this-world!
The Ocean Aquarium	There was a section whereby we are allowed to touch the sharks, but I still dint dare to touch them with bare hands. So, I am still bearing a hope to overcome that fear!

3.     

4.      I learnt that parents and family are who you will live best with after trying to adapt 8 days just completely with friends , I am messy in organizing stuffs as my roommate is so much tidier, and I can do anything if I do not think too negatively about it.

-JASON ONG (class 3E1 of 2011 )

First Blog Entry

1. I am looking forward to going to Suzhou. As in Suzhou, the city has a well-know classical gardens and since it is a national center in any sense of art, festival, classic garden, local traditions...with traditional painting handicrafts, scroll mounting, lanterns, fans, mahogany furniture, jade carving...Since those listed above are almost all the things I like to do and loved like eg. flowers, so I am looking forward to going to Suzhou.

2. I hope to achieve a better understanding of China's culture and also why and how do China became a rich country and also how did China education help to produce students that can score the highest in every aspect (Maths, science...) on the Program for International Student Assessment(PISA) in the world.

3. My biggest concern would be will I be easily lost in this big country and will the country be too cold for students like us to handle.

Name: Pang Shi Yan   Class: 2E2

China :D

Hello !
I am really looking forward to visit the Oriental Pearl TV Tower because it symbolized the modern city of Shanghai. It is the tallest TV tower in Asia with a height of 468meters! It is definitely a great attraction for everyone to visit in Shanghai.

I hope to achieve a better understanding about China history and culture as well as the development  throughout the years.

Moreover, I hope to apply the knowledge I have learn , to my school work and assignment.

My biggest concern is about the safety and security in China.

Communication is also very important , especially their accent .

And of course no natural disaster .

Wong Jie Qing

3E4'11

I am most looking forward to the visit to Shanghai.
We will be able to take a train ride to LongYang and i will definitely want to take this chance and experience how different the train rides in that country will be different from Singapore.
As heard, it is so much faster and this will surely be a rare chance.
I am also looking forward to visit the Silk factory. We often seen silk being used commonly but never had the chance to know the story behind silk. Visiting the factory allow us to learn and gain more knowledge. Furthermore, after knowing more about silk, we can even share these stories and experiences with our friends when we head back to Singapore. Double gain :D

From this trip, i hope to gain more new knowledge about China. Such as the education system being different from Singapore, the famous places at different parts of China that we are visiting as well as different experiences that we gained during our period there.

My biggest concern that i'm having about the trip is the weather condition and our safety when we reached there.
As the weather is going to be very different as compared to Singapore, i'm afraid that we will not be able to adapt since we are used to the hot weather.
Also, being the first time visiting China, i'm not familiar over there and thus worried if we will get lost or things might happen.

WanTing, (3e4) .  

Wanyi's .

I'm most looking forward to the Shanghai science and technology museum with 4D show as it is very special and unique. It's not like any other museums we have in Singapore, thus it can be considered quite a rare chance for me. I hope that i can learn more about China's culture and history, and expand my general knowledge about China. I'm most concerned about the people in China, like how they speak and stuffs as I'm not very used to the way China people speak. Thus I hope i can learn more about their languages and commmon practices.

 

Chia Wanyi, 3E4

Elaine's First Reflection

       Hey~ This is Elaine Goh. I will be going to China with my school very soon. In fact, it's on the 21 November 2011! Which means it is less than one month away!!! Oh. My. God. I am so excited. It will be my first time going to China and this is actually the second time that I have followed my school on an overseas trip. xD The last trip that I went was Cambodia. It was really fun but I'll tell you that later.
       After looking through the itenary and the places that we are gonna visit, the place that really gets me pumped up is the Xitang Ancient Town, the Mei Jia Wu Tea Village, the Master-of-Nets Garden and The Bund. I am actually more of the nature type of person so I like to gets in contact with nature, scenery and history. I want to learn more about how the people in China lived and how is it different from us. It is just so exciting to go to a place with a magnificent view and a great load of history behind it. Learning about how did these places come about, what happened in that place in the past and how do they affect the modern day people. Just learning about all these stuffs is so interesting. I have always wanted to visit ancient sites with lots of beautiful pictures but I just don't have the chance. So I am gonna take advantage of this rare opportunity to take all the photos I can and learn all I can there.
         After this trip, I want to be able to learn how does the people lived in China, their ancient history and how do they affect the modern day people living in China. That is because China is going to be a very important industry that is going to help us in our career next time when we go out to work. So when we go out to work in China in the future, we can relate to them more intimately and thus building our relationship with other countries to help improve the reputation of Singapore and in our careers. We can prove to them that Singapore isn't so "Kia Su" like what other people think we are.
       I don't really have any concerns regarding this trip as I trust our school and our team of teachers to do a good job at taking care of us in a foreign country.
 
     Reflection done by Elaine Goh.