Summaries of important science concept

Term 1 (Chemistry)
This term, we focused on chemistry. The topics learnt included the periodic table, the atomic structure, acids and bases and writing chemical equations. For atomic structure, we learnt about the atomic model, isotopes. electronic configuration and valence shells. For the periodic table, we learnt about periods and groups, transition metals and chemical bonding. We also learn how to draw a dot and cross diagram of both ionic and covalent compounds. We also learnt about the properties of metals, non metals, giant ionic structures and simple molecular substances. For acids and bases, we learnt about the definition and uses of acids and bases. Also , we learnt how to balance chemical equations.

 It was interesting to know that these elements, though having vast differences in many different properties were able to be classified in the periodic table. I also did a research on the creation of the periodic table and I found it very interesting on how it was evolved from one man to another. More information will be on my independent researches post but because of the research I have new found respect for the men that created the periodic table.

Term 2 (Physics and Salt Preparation)
This term, we focused not only on physics but also salt preparation which is a chemistry topic. For physics, we learnt about reflection, refraction, total internal relection and prisms. We also learnt how to do ray diagram drawings and how to calculate the refractive index and critical angle of different transparent materials. Furthermore, we also learnt about how refraction and reflection can affect our lives. We learnt the properties of a plane mirror reflection and how refraction can affect our perception of the depth of water to make it look more shallower than it actually seems. For physics, a lot of emphasis was placed on calculation and application of the formulas we learnt in class to aid us in our explanation.
For salt preparation, We learnt about the different methods of salt preparation such as titration, precipitation and reaction of acids with insoluble substances method. One important thing I remember is that to get the hydrated crystals, we cannot evaporate to dryness but must instead heat the solution to saturation before cooling. Furthermore, it was a step by step procedure that included clear explanation for each step and it had to be memorised to at least a certain extent.

Term 3 (Biology and Lenses)
This term we focused on biology and lenses, which is a physics topic. For biology, we learnt about human and plant reproduction. We learnt about mitosis, meiosis, STDs, contraceptives, the menstrual cycle, pollination, double fertilization. Biology was full of the most content to memorize. For example, we have to memorize words like Luteinising hormone, Follicle Stimulating hormone, Grafiaan Follicle, Oestrogen and Progesterone. However, it may be easier in the sense that there are not as many concepts as in physics to apply so not so much thinking is involved but rather more memorisation is involved.
For lenses, we learnt about the properties of converging and diverging lenses. We learnt how each image would look depending on the object distance and the focal point of the lens. How to tell if the object is far away through parallel light rays and how the light rays will diverge/converge as it passes through the diverging/converging lens.