Science Department

Discover how the Science Department brings learning to life through hands-on activities and real-world trips. Explore highlights from past events and see science in action.

Last updated 3 August 2026

A Flow of Learning: Secondary 1 Learning Journey to Marina Barrage

On 10 April 2025, our Secondary 1 students set off on an exciting learning journey to Marina Barrage, building on classroom lessons about water and conservation. This multidisciplinary trip seamlessly wove together concepts from English, Mathematics, Science, and Geography in a hands-on, real-world setting.

Students in school uniforms explore exhibits at Marina Barrage during a Sec 1 Learning Journey field trip.

Students witnessed a live demonstration of the Marina Barrage dam in action, gaining insights into how it helps regulate water levels and prevents flooding. This was an eye-opening example of Singapore’s innovative water management strategies. A guided tour of the Sustainable Singapore Gallery followed, where students explored interactive exhibits on green living, clean energy, and water recycling, deepening their appreciation for our nation’s sustainability efforts.

Hands-on learning continued as students engaged in a fun recycling game and tried their hand at upcycling. They turned old t-shirts into reusable tote bags, a creative activity that reinforced their understanding of environmental responsibility.

For many, it was both an educational and meaningful experience. Chua Xuan Wei Eason from 1 Pride shared, “I learnt how to upcycle old clothes into a tote bag. I also thoroughly enjoyed the water show as they showed how the Marina Barrage dam works!”

It was truly a memorable day of learning, exploration and reflection!

Students sit on the floor sorting cards and clothing items, guided by an adult wearing a green lanyard.

Secondary 1 Science Integrative Activity

From Muddy Water to Bright Ideas: Secondary 1 Science in Action

The Secondary One Science Integrative Activity brought science to life as students took on a real-world challenge—cleaning muddy water using self-built water purification devices. In a country like Singapore, where freshwater is scarce and clean water relies on desalination and imports, this hands-on experience was both relevant and meaningful.

Working in groups, students researched how filtration works in everyday contexts, learning about materials like sand, gravel, and activated carbon. With these insights, they designed and built their own water purification prototypes using provided materials. Their goal was to transform murky water into clean water by applying scientific principles such as filtration and adsorption.

Students in school uniforms work on laptops during a group design phase and conduct lab experiments in a product testing phase.

Armed with their new Personal Learning Devices (PLDs), students collaborated online to refine their ideas and compile their findings. This digital teamwork not only deepened their understanding but also fostered 21st-century skills like collaboration and communication.

The highlight came when students tested their creations by filtering muddy water and measuring turbidity—the water’s clarity—using a turbidity disc. Through this, they evaluated their prototypes and discussed improvements, turning trial and error into valuable lessons.

A boy pours material through a funnel into a yellow basket on a lab bench during a school science class.

Each group then presented their findings, walking their peers through the design process, results, and reflections. “I think it was interesting as we could build our own filtration devices and try to see if it works,” said Liang Shan Ning, capturing the excitement of learning by doing.

Beyond just science, this project empowered students to think critically, work creatively, and tackle real-world problems—key steps in shaping confident, innovative learners ready for the future.