DAY 10 The Adventure Ends

Today we spent the day at the library preparing for our presentation.

After that, we went to the E-learning studio to partake in the Innovation Challenge presentation. The atmosphere was incredibly tense. Yet we managed to successfully put on a humorous presentation.

 Free food for refreshment after the presentations

A prize presentation followed after that. We're 2nd. Yay!!!

This last paragraph is dedicated to our mentor, Dr. Nathan. Despite his busy schedules, he always try his best to mentor us and provide guidance. Thank you for everything! Also thank you Dr Xian Hong for the research papers. 

The End

DAY 9 The Final Countdown

Preparation for presentation. The most productive day so far.

We spent most of our day in the library conducting research for our top secret project. After which, we made our way to the e-learning studio where we consulted with Dr. Nathan for our project. He gave us much valuable insight and wisdom that is very beneficial for our project.

Meanwhile, here are the pictures for today:

Hardly working ... again 

A sneak peak of DAY 10's presentation. Seems irrelevant now, but...

DAY 8 Dragonfly

A dead dragonfly found in the library

Today, we started preparations for the final presentation. We have made great progress, one of which was where we identified our problem for the project. Dr Nathan was very helpful and generous in sharing his knowledge and gave us useful input for our project. Tune in Friday to find out more about our project.

Meanwhile here are the pictures for today.

A thought-provoking artpiece found in the library

Hardly working in the learning pod

An Endless Path

End of DAY 8

DAY 7 Spring Cleaning

Today, Dr. Nathan, our mentor, was busy with tidying up his laboratory for inspection. Hence, we partook in our own research. 

In the vast field of materials science knowledge, there is a multitude of ways to manufacture nanoparticles, using various high-technology instruments.

One interesting way is called Microwave-Assisted Synthesis, which uses, you guessed it, a microwave oven! It is so simplistic that you can even carry it out with your consumer microwave oven at home (but please don't).


Finally, we will leave you with some fascinating photos of nanoparticles, found in the F.A.C.T.S. yesterday.

DAY 6 Fundamentals

We started our day in the laboratory, learning about the various methods to determine the thermal stability of nanomaterials. These methods include thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC).  

TGA Instrument - Used for finding thermal stability of substances

Differential Scanning Calorimeter

Chart of thermal analysis processes

Besides thermoanalytical processes, one other form of analysis that can be carried out in the laboratory is Fourier transform spectroscopy, which is used to determine the types of bonds and functional groups present in various organic substances.

Fourier transform infrared spectrometer (FT-IR Instrument)

Dr. Nathan, our mentor, stressed the importance of mastering the fundamentals, sharing with us based on his personal experience. It all comes down to the fundamentals, without which, we cannot progress in the world of science. 

~ Embrace the FUN in the FUNdamentals ~

After lunch, Dr. Nathan brought us to explore the Facility for Analysis, Characterization and Testing  (F.A.C.T.S.). 

In this laboratory, he showed and explained the functions of the high-technology instruments. Such as:

The Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM)

The X-Ray Diffraction Instrument

The Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscope (FESEM)

As interesting wallpaper on one of the computers

End of DAY 6