biology raffles academies

BIOLOGY RAFFLES

ACADEMIESa.k.a. B.RA

REQUIREMENTS

Secondary Two Results 4.0 GP for Biology 3.6 overall GPA Others: on a case-by-case basis

Procedure1.Selection Test2.Interview (for some)

Other Requirements Science Mentorship Project OM-Tech Problem

RP vs RA

How is RA different from RP? More depth and breadth in curriculum Discussion-based teaching style More opportunities for biology-related

activities Varied RA assessments

SEC 3 CURRICULUM

RP Curriculum Homeostasis Respiration Photosynthesis Ecology Man’s Impact on the

Environment Evolution

Additional RA Topics

Kidney

Photosystems I & II

SEC 4 CURRICULUM

RP Curriculum Fertility Cellular

Reproduction Genomic Biology Genetic Biology Genetic Engineering Genetically Modified

Organisms

Additional RA Topics Foetal screening (e.g.

amniocentisis)

Statistical analysis (chi-square test), Epistasis, Collaboration, Complementary genes, Pleiotropy, x inactivation

Regulation of gene expression of lac and ara operons

Gene technology (DNA probes and hybridisation, Northern, Southern, Western, Southwestern blotting)

TEACHING STYLE

Accelerated learning RP syllabus covered

briefly in class to allow more time for RA

Additional handouts which delve deeper into topics covered

More hands-on activities

TEACHING STYLE

Discussion-based and participation Lessons are based

on students’ input Sharing of ideas and

opinions are strongly encouraged

Group research, then sharing through class presentations

TEACHING STYLE

Self-motivated learning Hardly any

spoonfeeding More opportunities

to explore and research on your own

WHAT YOU TAKE AWAY IS BASED ON WHAT YOU PUT IN!

ACTIVITIES/ PROGRAMMES

Science Mentorship Programme (SMP) An attachment programme under which

students, under the guidance of an expert-mentor (e.g. professor, doctor) carry out scientific research and investigation

Expert-mentors from institutions e.g NUS, NTU Comprises 2 main sections:

Mentorship/attachment & project work, and participation in Youth Science Conference (YSC) in September

ACTIVITIES/ PROGRAMMES

Science Mentorship Programme (SMP) Allows students to gain exposure to scientific

research and investigation/experimentation Topics researched on in the course of doing

the SMP project will most likely be relevant to the RA curriculum

Students are given the opportunity to work in laboratories equipped with state-of-the-art technologies and equipment

ACTIVITIES/ PROGRAMMES

Science Mentorship Programme (SMP)Requirements:

Aptitude in Math and Science Interest in science Ability to grasp abstract scientific concepts Motivation and initiative Time management skills Commitment and discipline Intellectual curiosity Ability to work with others in a team Social skills needed to relate to adults Recommendation by a Science Teacher Recommendation by Head of Department

(Source: http://www.gebsp.moe.gov.sg/SMP/index.htm)

ACTIVITIES/ PROGRAMMES

Science Mentorship Programme (SMP)Selection Process:

Submission of a research proposal (Nov) Based on topics proposed by the individual or by

various expert-mentors from different institutions Unsuccessful applicants are to reapply, and a new

list of research topics proposed by expert-mentors will be released (January)

Others will be considered on a case-by-case basis

ACTIVITIES/ PROGRAMMES

CompetitionsNational Youth Envirolympics Challenge

(NYEC) Organised in partnership with NEA An “amazing-race” around Singapore, centered

around encouraging youths to support the green cause

ACTIVITIES/ PROGRAMMES

3-day attachment at Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology (IMCB) Learnt lab techniques (eg: Gel

Electrophoresis, Polymerase Chain Reaction) Worked in a state-of-the-art lab Got a feel of what a research scientist does

ACTIVITIES/ PROGRAMMES

State-of-the-art lab at IMCB

ACTIVITIES/ PROGRAMMES

Science Talks Stem Cell Talk Series 2009 by Prof Lim Tit

Meng at the Science Centre A series of 4 talks about stem cells and nerve

growth factors, and its applications today Evolution Talk by Dr Shawn Lum (from

NIE) Enrichment on Evolution from Secondary 3

ACTIVITIES/ PROGRAMMES

RA Class Project – Mosquito Breeding Sites Collaboration with RI and NUS to study mosquito

breeding sites Aim of the investigation was to find out which site in

our school best favours the breeding of mosquito Placed mosquito larvae trap in different sites around

the school (Koi Pond, Eco Garden, J-Block Basketball Courts)

Every Tuesday and Thursday, the class will count the number of larvae in each trap

ACTIVITIES/ PROGRAMMES

Mosquito Traps

ACTIVITIES/ PROGRAMMES

Placing the mosquito traps

in the Eco garden

ACTIVITIES/ PROGRAMMES

Michelle and Michelle placing

the mosquito traps near the basketball

courts

ACTIVITIES/ PROGRAMMES

Julia transferring

mosquito larvae into

tubes

ACTIVITIES/ PROGRAMMES

Our mosquito larvae samples

RA ASSESSMENTS

Creative assessment methodsHave RP as well as RA assessmentsNuture and develop your creative potentialEncourages insightful thinking

RA ASSESMENTS

Pen and Paper assessments Aunt Agony column response Standard pen and paper test

Class presentationLab reportMaking products

Brochures Models Posters

RA ASSESMENTS

GM Brochure

in S3

MORE ABOUT B.RA

(insert BRA photo here and photos of teachers :D)

Thank you for your kind attention!Any questions?