Today was a wonderful day for multiple reasons -
#1, I was able to finally run the experimental design lab with my Sec 1 students that I've been waiting to do, and it went so well! (Props to Matt, for sharing this idea!) I wish we would've had more time, but either way, it was great. The lab started off with me telling the students - "You have one objective. With your partner, design an experiment in which you can test the effect that ______ (insert variable here) has on the time it takes to dissolve a sugar cube." I provided them with quite a bit of options - vinegar, salt, hot water, cold water, marbles, different types of stirring rods, etc. The students were SO excited to get started, and were so engaged when we went over a few 'reminders' for the lab - safety, data collection, the importance of a control/variable, and I concluded with reminding them to record everything (right Sue?!) They got started, and it was a really wonderful lesson. Because we ran out of time, they weren't able to hand in their write ups, so I'll be collecting them from them on Monday of next week when we meet again and go over the class data, talk about possible sources of error, and give speeches!! (I can't wait for that!!)
#2, I was able to finish my literacy video to send home to my Science and Math colleagues (if you're reading this, let me know what you think of it on Thursday!) It made me so sad to think that they'll get to see me but I won't get to see them! (Maybe you all should record me a response video!) - now I'll know who's actually reading my blog. Haha.
#3, I ate dinner with Katie and Rae at our favorite Jurong Point restaurant, Seoul Express :) And, my favorite menu item (really, the only one I've tried) was on sale for the Tuesday night special!
#4, I had my interview for KSTF and it went SO well! I was so nervous about the internet connection - it hasn't been the most reliable here at the hostel... but we talked via Google hangouts and it worked perfectly, lasting the entire hour! The more we talked, the less nervous I was (which I hope is a good thing), and I'll find out the first week of February if I'll make it to the next round of interviews!
#5, I was able to almost (like 90%) finish my 'Closure Conversation' presentation that I'll be giving next week - I'm really looking forward to it (wrapping up my reflections, making connections, sharing my experiences, voicing my opinions) however also getting really nervous because of the audience members who will be in attendance!!
Wednesday, January 22nd:
Today was also a wonderful day for multiple reasons -
#1, We were lucky enough to get to experience a SAP, (or Special Assistance Plan) school in Singapore, Dunman High School - and it was so unique and different than my Secondary School that I've been working at. Long story short, SAP Schools were created to "preserve the ethos of the Chinese-medium schools and to promote the learning of Chinese language and culture." Coincidentally, River Valley High School (the high school that is connected to our hostel) is also a SAP school, one of the 11 in Singapore. Dunman is unique in that is is a Junior High (Sec 1-4), and a Senior High (or Junior College equivalent, Sec 5-6), so the students who attend this school are in the top 5% of students in Singapore. The school had so much to offer, and we were able to observe a Math, Science (Chemistry), Language Arts, Modern Tongue (Mandarin), and CCA class. The CCA was Wushu, or Chinese Martial Arts, and the performance was fantastic! We got a few pictures with the students, so as soon as I get them, I'll post them here! The staff at Dunman was so welcoming and accommodating, and the experience was really wonderful - we learned so much!
With the Principal, and other staff members of Dunman High!
The Wushu group and us!
#2, We made it back to Chinatown, and I was able to get a souvenir for (almost) everyone I know and love. It was a really fun afternoon, we explored, ate, drank coffee, and shopped!! I'm going to need a second suitcase to bring it all home, but I'll cross that bridge when it gets here! (10 days!)
#3, I got to talk to Mike, even if it was just for a little bit, and it made me so happy! (and homesick, but shhh it was wonderful) He filled me in on his busy life, and Nala-bear, and VoMo/BFOM... I can't wait to be reunited with him and everyone else I love! He also sent me this pic of her, she's getting so big (but is still just as cute)!
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#4, I was finally able to do LAUNDRY again! Yay!!! Just in time to go to Bali (definitely needed some clean clothes to survive that trip) and then head home! This will be the last time I do laundry in Singapore! (I hope... haha) Can't wait for it to come out of the dryer - love the smell of fresh laundry!
#5, I'm going to get a delicious meal with Katie and Rae, and then come home and do some homework and go to sleep! It's been a long, fun, exciting day!!
**edit, that was one of the worst meals we've had yet, but our McFlurry's that followed semi-made up for it!
**edit, that was one of the worst meals we've had yet, but our McFlurry's that followed semi-made up for it!
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Cat of the Day
Today’s cats of the day are these amazing wooden cats that we saw at Gardens by the Bay this past weekend!
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