Saturday, March 27, 2010

Merely Tips 1

This post is my reply to Tanuja who asked me how I studied for both Chemistry and Biology.

To tell the truth, everything requires practice. The tips I used to remember the facts are not to MEMORISE. This is because, memorising will only make you rigid and unable to adapt when you are tensed. So the best way that I did was to visualise the facts and process while reading and try to at least do some 'process diagram' to show the flow and jot down some important keywords on the picture. As you read be sure to understand the facts and the flow, don't just read to memorise but read to understand. Through understanding, you'll be able to familiarise.

Take for example: Antagonistic movement of the arm. Since the arm is with you even in exams, you'll be able to cheat. Not the literal meaning of cheat but to take it as a guide. When you put your arm in a bend position (the showing muscle pose), you can feel and see that the biceps (upper muscle) is tensed. This means that it is contracted. Antagonistic movement has opposite characteristics between the two muscles involved so automatically when biceps contracts, triceps relaxes (during hand bending); during hand straightened, the biceps relaxes while the triceps contracts. See how easy it turned out to be? That's why you're given hints by your body.

If the topic is not related to your body, like plants. You have to visualise the existance of them when you are part of them. It will be much easier to remember if you are doing the thing as in you try to use more senses. The more senses you involve the more percentage the knowledge can be absorbed (research had shown). So it will be best you can read aloud as you try to understand the facts ;)

Chemistry, it's more to understanding the basic concept before applying the real thing. You'll have to be able to remember basic chemical reaction for you to be able to write the equation, apply into the experiment and the further calculation.

Let's take for example the preparation of salts. The basic concept here is that you'll have to know what are the salts to be produced. If it is a soluble salt is it a special (ammonium, sodium or potassium) salt? Or is it an ordinary salt? If it is a special salt, you'll have to use titration. Titration is the neutralisation reaction between an acid and an alkali. So you'll be able to predict what substances to be used.

Example 1: Soluble salt - Sodium Chloride
Since it is a soluble salt, and it is a special salt, titration is used. The ions involved in this case is sodium ion and chloride ion. Since an acid and an alkali is required, you can use sodium hydroxide solution and hydrochloric acid which contains the same ions as the salt you want to make.

Example 2: Soluble salt - Copper (II) sulphate
It is a soluble salt but not a special salt. From that you have to choose one between three other methods in preparing soluble salts.

1. Metal + acid -----> salt + hydrogen gas (reactive metal only)
2. Metal Oxide + acid -----> salt + water
3. Metal Carbonate + acid -----> salt, water, carbon dioxide

Note that copper ion is situated below hydrogen ion in the electrochemical series so it is not a reactive metal. Hence, method 1 cannot be used. Method 2 and 3 can be used because copper (II) oxide and copper (II) carbonate are salts that can react with acid. The product is also separatable from the solution as it contains only water or carbon dioxide which can be easily eliminated to get the salt crystals. So you can use copper (II) oxide or copper (II) carbonate with sulphuric acid to produce the salt.

Example 3: Insoluble salt - Barium Sulphate
It is insoluble so it only left the double decomposition/ precipitation reaction. That is to used two soluble salts which contains the ions needed like barium nitrate and sodium sulphate.

* You'll need to remember the salts which are soluble and insoluble. That's the thing you can't avoid.

Monday, March 15, 2010

New Presentation: “Disordered or Just Different? Myth, Science, and Sexuality”


I will be a speaker at the first annual conference of the Center for Inquiry/Chicago on Saturday, April 24th. The theme of this conference is: “Dangerous Nonsense - Exploring the Gulf between Science and its Impostors.” This theme is the perfect context for my talk entitled “Disordered or Just Different? Myth, Science, and Sexuality” that will focus on the scientific evidence on core sexuality obtained over the last fifty years and the medical profession’s treatment of intersex, homosexual, and transsexual peoples.

Here’s a conference description and schedule:

The Center For Inquiry/Chicago First Annual Spring Conference:
Dangerous Nonsense: Exploring the Gulf between
Science and its Impostors

Saturday, April 24th, 2010
8:30 a.m. to 5:15 p.m.

111 E. Wacker Drive, Chicago 60601
26th Floor - Conference Room

Bunkum grows like a weed in American culture - whether it's climate change denial, conspiracy theories, or healing by prayer. Some ideas are not only nonsense, they are dangerous nonsense, with serious implications for our lives. In this age where misinformation can be spread more easily than ever before, understanding the role of the scientific process in human affairs is critical to our survival. This conference will present top scientists in biology, physiology, and physics, each of them gifted at explaining both the science and its impostors of their respective fields. Join us and gain valuable insight into exploring the world through science and reason.
Conference Schedule
8:30 a.m. Check-in and Registration
Optional: Set up your evening dinner reservation with a nearby restaurant
9:15 a.m. Welcome - the Center For Inquiry/Chicago Board
9:25 a.m. Dr. Massimo Pigliucci, Professor of Philosophy at the City University of New York
“Nonsense on Stilts: How to Tell the Difference Between Science and Bunk”
10:25 a.m. Coffee Break
Dr. Pigliucci will also be available to autograph his new book
10:45 a.m. Dr. Veronica Drantz, Professor of Physiology at DePaul University’s College of Nursing
“Disordered or Just Different? Myth, Science and Sexuality”
11:30 a.m. Dr. Michael Albrow, Nuclear Physicist at both the Tevatron (Fermilab) and the Large Hadron Collider (CERN)
“What's True and What's Untrue in Physics Today”
12:15 p.m. Announcements
12:20 p.m. Lunch on your own
(Your packet will include lunch options in the immediate vicinity)
1:40 p.m. Dr. Ron Pine, Explorer, retired biology professor, and debunker of Intelligent Design “Intelligent Design or ‘No Model’ Creationism: Why It Can't Qualify Even as Pseudo-Science”
2:25 p.m. The Mentalist “Mystopher” & Carolee
“Serving Fork-Fulls of Magic and Imagination”
3:00 p.m. Dr. Dario Maestripieri, Professor of Comparative Human Development, Neurobiology, Evolutionary Biology, and Psychiatry at the University of Chicago
“What Primatology and Evolutionary Psychology Tell Us About the Evolution of Human Behavior”
3:45 p.m. Coffee Break
Dr. Pigliucci will also be available to autograph his new book
4:05 p.m. Panel Discussion with all of our presenters
“The Future of Science and Science Education in the U.S.”
5:15 p.m. Adjourn
Post-Conference
5:30 p.m. Optional: Post-Conference discussion and drinks (cash bar) at the Hyatt Regency Hotel (directions included in your packet - it’s about a block away)
6:30 p.m. Optional: Dinner (your cost) in downtown Chicago - some of these will be “hosted” by CFI/Chicago Board members (your packet will include a selection of places and cuisines)
Late Optional: Music clubs (your cost) - some of these will be “hosted” by CFI/Chicago Board members (your packet will include a selection of places and musical styles)

Learn more about the speakers here.
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER ONLINE

Friday, March 5, 2010

Add Maths

Nothing is as fun as Additional Mathematics which brings away the boredom in me :)

Thanks to my additional mathematics teacher, I'd managed to complete all trial papers from 2003 till 2009 from all states, SBP and MRSM. That had made a difference ;)

Remember I'd mentioned about practice makes perfect? It is indeed true. Due to curiosity, which many might think that I'm making up stories or perhaps had nothing much to do, I'd finished studying the 10 form 5 add maths chapter within my form 4 holidays (November- December). I told myself that I need drilling to score perfectly in my adm exam, that's what kept me energised to complete the 10 whole new chapter myself. It was tough and I was afraid I don't get a thing from it at first but it became better when I attempt the questions. No, I don't need tuition to complete the 10 chapters, so do you. All we need is determination.

When my teacher began to teach the new chapters in class, I felt more confident as what I'd studied was right and that the two months of hard work was not wasted. Attending class was merely like a revision class for me so I need not spend time to understand them again like the others who had just been exposed to it. I started doing topical exercises in January followed by past year papers in February. I did not stop until the I finished my SPM in December. For the questions which has answers from books, I'd refer them to check my answers ; for those which doesn't have answers, I'd pass it up to the teacher and she had helped me marked it for months. She had helped me a lot :) From mistakes, I learned new things, I get to understand more, I'm more aware of it and will not repeat it.

If you have enough time, it will be great if you can finish all the adm exercise books available in the market ;)

When you do more practices and past year papers, you are exposed to different types of questions. When you start to have problems, flip through that chapter and study it once again. Then, re-attempt the questions ;)Don't let your momentum stop!!

In paper 2, section B and C, you'd get the chance to choose which question you would like to attempt. If you are not ready, focus more on the questions that you can get marks, however, if you are ready, try to attempt all the questions regardless of what chapter they belongs to. At least, if the questions comes out tough for the one you usually attempt, you'll have a back up for you to gain marks. But, be sure you have time to complete the standard questions and have the time to check before you start attempting the ones extra.

Overall, nothing is better when you are familiar with it. So start practicing today!! :)

Tips :)

Physics


1. Learn about the physics test format


Paper 1 (50%)

- 50 Multiple choice questions
- Total of 50 marks


Paper 2 (100%)

- Section A
> 8 structured questions
> A total of 60 marks


- Section B
> Choose 1 of 2 questions
> Total of 20 marks


- Section C
> Choose 1 of 2 questions
> Total of 20 marks


Paper 3 (40%)

- Section A
> 2 structural questions


- Section B
> Choose 1 of 2 questions


General Marks = [(P1 + P2 + P3)/190] x 100%


2. Spend some time to look through a few samples of SPM physics examination papers.


> Look at the type of questions asked in different sections in each paper.
> Look at how the marks are distributed for each questions.
> Look at the differences between the question requirement between different sections.
> Look at the diagrams or questions that require you to draw, make some notes about the type of diagrams you'll need to be familiar with.

3. Spend some time to look through the model answers of the respective papers.

> As you look at the answers for each questions and how each sentence or keyword is given marks, you'll pretty much know how you should write when this type of questions comes out.

> Try to attempt on the questions first if you are capable of, but it's still not too late if you can't. Just be patient, it will be rather tidious or merely annoying to copy or jot down the model answers and the marks distribution at first when you tried to attempt the papers. However, practice makes perfect, as you copy down the model answers, be sure to take some time to understand them as you write them down. If you encounter any problem or have any doubts, do not hesitate, just go straight and ask your teacher. Make sure that you try it out yourself first before you actually go and ask the teacher because you want to learn from it, not being spoonfed.

> If your answer is very different from the model answer, be sure to consult the teacher as the book which provides you with the model answers can make mistakes too.

> Highlight the parts you think it'll be more difficult for you and jot down the location of the area. For example, I am weak in paper 2, section C.

4. After locating the weaker areas, you wouldn't want to just let it be there. Go brush up!

> Take a few samples of test papers. Flip to the part you're weak at. Then, look through it one by one. When you get the gist of it, you start to attempt it, try it out at least. You might be giving the wrong answers now but it can be rectified so you will not repeat it in the actual SPM.
> Check the answers once you've finished them. Compare your answers to the model answers, try to understand the variation.
> After attempting few sets of that section, do go and consult your teacher. Let her comment on your weakness in general that she might have spotted in you. Jot them down. Mention to her/ him that you have some difficulties in this section. Show her your work and discuss with her regarding your correction. Consult her on the way of answering that section and how to think accordingly.
> Then, don't wait, you'll have to start drilling on that part. Go home, look at the model answers and your answered papers once more. Put them aside before you get yourself glued to a new set of paper. Then, try to apply whatever you'd learned from your mistakes and from the teacher into answering the questions.
> It might seems problematic to repeat the section over and over again until you are familiar with it and becomes confident.

*Personal Experience: When I tried to spot my weakness, I found out that I was weak in paper 2 section c. So I did lots of questions on it and at first, I suck pretty well. I kept answering the wrong things and almost gave up. But then I told myself, I want to score well in physics, I'll have to make sure that every part of the papers I'm able to answer. So I printed lots of past year trial papers from all states even from SBP and MRSM. I compiled that particular section that I'm weak into a file. I spend some time everyday to attempt at least one of the questions that I'm weak on. Since there's no sample answers to look and refer, I consult my teacher everyday. She helped me to check the questions I attempted and we discussed about the questions which I'd answered wrongly. I learn from my mistakes everyday and when I went home, I look through and try to recall what the teacher had said before I attempt a new set. This took me 2 weeks to complete as on some days when I began to feel confident with the section, I'd answered 3-4 sets daily. That's how it became on par with my other sections.

5. Notes/ Practice

> Take at least half an hour a day to recall the chapter that was covered in class on that particular day. Sometimes, you can also re-copy your notes so it might help you more.

> Take at least 15 minutes to look at chapters that the teacher is about to teach, read in advance and try to understand it. By the time you enter the class, everything the teacher teaches will be familiar. It will then be like a revision section.

> Pay attention in class and ask the teacher about the subtopic or any questions in particular that is related to what they are teaching if you do not understand. You might look dumb for asking silly questions and get people laughing at your stupidity but that's just the process of learning. Just ignore the rest that doesn't care asking.

> Go home, complete your homework or assignment first. Then, do some revision before you attempt on the questions. If you have any uncertainty that suddenly arrises at any point of time, always be prepared with a notebook so you can jot it down and ask your teacher the next day. Don't wait till few days later as you might have forgotten what you wanted to ask.

*Warning: Do not be the one who only completes the extra revision and neglected doing the homework or assignments the teacher had given to you. Teachers won't favour that behavior.

*Tips: Don't dispose any notes you make during class, at home, merely scribling because when you look back next time, you might find some useful things jot down inside that you might have left out. When you write you will remember more, trust me. The more senses you use, the better you remember.

6. Preparation for test

> Re-do notes/ Re-read the notes you made.
> Don't spot any topics.
> Attempt on some questions.
> Get enough sleep.
> Don't forget your calculator!!

7. Marks

> When you get back your marks, it shall tell you how much effort you put in. Don't give up when it is not as what you expected it would be and too, don't be over glad that you got high marks and did not continue to study or attempt on the questions. There's no stop when you started. Remember the tortoise and the hare story? That's what it meant ;)

> Look through your test paper no matter how dissatisfactory you are. Ask the teacher about the questions you are wrong and try to learn and understand from that.

> Sometimes, teachers might give you correction to be done. Don't take it as a waste of time as it helps you to not make the same mistakes. Don't just copy for the sake of passing up the correction, you should copy with understanding. That way, you'll learn more.

8. Don't believe me that practice makes perfect?

> Put the thoughts in action! Try it for yourself. When you have the will to score in physics, you have the way to do so :)

*Personal Experience: I got 45 marks in physics before and now it's an A+. It is useful for me, why not try it for yourself?

*Spending some time each day might be tough at first but when you look at the paper you get back each time after the test, the marks on it will be worth sacrificed.