Science
Explore how the Science Department builds curious, creative thinkers through hands-on programmes like Mendel's Garden, the Da Vinci Programme, and a Healthcare Mentorship initiative.
Science Department
VISION
Inquirers and explorers of the universe who call the adventure Science.
MISSION
To nurture critical and creative thinkers with a life-long passion for science by fostering a spirit of inquiry and bringing real-world science into the classroom experience.
Download or enquire about our department programme and subject info.
Read more about our department programmes or enquire via email to find out more.
KEY PROGRAMMES
Mendel’s Garden (Lower Secondary Science)
“Mendel’s Garden” is an instructional programme inspired by a working life-size experimental greenhouse which demonstrates the applications of vertical urban farming. It is named after the Father of Genetics, Gregor Mendel, who discovered the fundamental laws of inheritance through his work on pea plants grown in his own garden.
This discovery in one’s own garden provided the impetus for the school to create its own Mendel’s Garden to provide opportunities for students to learn beyond the classroom through hands-on experimentation and collaborative problem-solving. Mendel’s Garden features a vertical growing system that uses sophisticated technology to overcome the challenges of growing crops in limited spaces.
In this garden, lower secondary science students see Science come alive in the following focus areas.
Science focus areas that are enabled by the Mendel's Garden
FOCUS AREA | ENABLED BY “MENDEL’S GARDEN” |
|---|---|
Science in daily life | Students learn Science processes such as photosynthesis and energy conversion in food chains that are paramount to the support of life in the ecosystem. |
Science in society | Students apply Science concepts and understand the impact of Science in society. The vertical farming facility taps on sustainable and innovative technology to grow plants/food in a limited space. This relates to the importance of finding innovative solutions to grow food in land-scarce Singapore as observed in the urban farming movement. |
Science and the environment | Students understand how energy can be conserved through the application of sustainable technology and the importance of conserving biodiversity. |
Da Vinci Programme (Secondary 2 - 4)
The Da Vinci Programme is an innovative Science Talent Development initiative that complements the Science department’s core curriculum by fostering the scientific potential of our students. It aims to equip selected students—those who exhibit a passion and aptitude for scientific research—with opportunities to engage in research projects under the guidance of teacher mentors across various Science disciplines. Through these experiences, students develop critical thinking, creativity, collaboration, and communication skills, preparing them to thrive in the 21st century.
The students work on research projects under the close mentorship of teacher mentors throughout a three-year programme spanning between Secondary 2 and 4. They will identify problems and attempt to use scientific solutions to investigate.
Students’ research will culminate in a project presentation at one or more of the following platforms:
(a) North Zone Elementz Science Research Conference and Exhibition – Secondary 3; and the participation in the
(b) C B Paul Science Quiz by ACJC, NTU and NUS, which provides a platform for students to network with other like-minded students and budding scientists in Singapore. – Secondary 4
(c) International Biomedical Quiz
(d) Singapore Science Engineering Fair (SSEF)
Healthcare Mentorship programme (Secondary 3)
The Healthcare Mentorship programme seeks to expose our Secondary 3 Biology students to the real healthcare environment where they experience first-hand and learn how the knowledge and skills they acquired in school can be applied to the work environment.
This programme aims to help our students better understand the challenges our healthcare workers face in their work, the importance of giving back to the society, and inspire them to possibly seek out a career in the healthcare sector.
Voices of Science
"The healthcare mentorship programme has been very fruitful and it has inspired me to work in the healthcare industry and contribute to society. I felt it was a once in a lifetime experience for a 15-year-old like me to be able to be part of this extraordinary programme. It has encouraged me to study harder for Biology. I hope future participants can reap as many benefits as I had from the experiences."— Tan Huey Shin, 4E2
"The entirety of Elementz was filled with fun. I was able to further bond with my classmates as we came up with the hypothesis for the project and executed it. I was glad to be part of my Elementz team and we even brought back a Silver medal! All in all, I felt that Elementz has allowed me to apply the concepts that I learnt in Biology to solve problems, other than the usual class work. Given the chance, I would definitely sign up for a research project again."— Dion Kuoh Zixian, 4E1
"Throughout this journey, I learnt that with hardwork and teamwork, the output will be fruitful. I felt that my teammates and I supported each other well. One example was the presentation in front of a panel of judges. My teammates' confidence boosted my morale and helped me deliver my lines effectively. Without their support, I never would have been able to overcome my nervousness."— Kim Seulkichan, 4E1
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