STEP FORWARD - 3rd Issue

THE SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENT PARTNERSHIP CENTRE MINISTRY OF EDUCATION

STEP FORWARD December 2007

Issue : 3

Highlights

STEP Newsletter

Tel/Fax : 2335963. E-mail: [email protected]

BSP Boo$t fund to STEP Centre By: Zulbahri bin Achee

THE Science, Technology and Environment Partnership (STEP) Centre, Ministry of Education, Brunei Darussalam received a boost when Brunei Shell Petro-leum (BSP) injected a sum of $150,000.00.

The donation was made in realisation that Brunei's future economic secu-rity and ability to flourish depend largely on its workforce, especially in the field of science, mathematics and technology. This was said by the Acting Managing Director of BSP, Awang Hj Zainal Abidin bin Hj Mohd Ali in his speech at the handover ceremony, which took place at the Main Confer-ence Room, Ministry of Education.

Wednesday, December 19, 2007

The guest of honor at the ceremony was the Acting Minister of Education, Yang Mulia, Pengiran Dato Seri Setia Dr Hj Mohammad bin Pengiran Hj Abd Rahman, who later received the mock check from the Acting Managing Director of BSP.

The acting Minister of Education receiving the mock-check from the acting Managing Director of BSP

Sek.Menengah Awang Semaun hosted the PPPS Science Camp. [see page 6]

Brunei’s Bronze medalist at 4th IMSO, Jakarta. [see page 14]

Science teachers at Microscience Workshop and Seminar. [see page 20]

BEST Award and Olympiads Prize Presentation Ceremony [see page 25]

Page 1

STEP FORWARD Messages

Foreword from The Acting Head of STEP Centre Hj Metali bin Hj Mirasan

Assalamualaikum Warahmatullahiwabarakatuh Welcome to the 3rd. issue of STEP FORWARD. This issue summarises the six months activities, from June to Decem-ber 2007.

As part of our on going activities such as School Immersion Programme (SIP), Robo-tech Competition, Brunei Robotic Olympiad, ABU Robocon, BEST AWARD, Mathemat-ics and Science Olympiad, we embark on new programmes, such as Programmes To Raise Student Achievement in Science (PPPS), for the selected Primary and Secon-dary schools. We successfully organised MICRO-SCIENCE Workshop\Seminar (13-15 November 2007) for science teachers, in collaboration with UNESCO-ISESCO, Department of Human Resource Development and Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah Institute of Education, UBD Finally I would like to thank UBD, Department of School, Department of Curriculum Development, JASTRE, Ministry of Development and OGDC. Last but not least, I would like to extend my appreciation and gratitude to our sponsor Brunei Shell Petro-leum Co.Sdn.Bhd. for their continuous financial contribution and support. Thank you. Wassalam.

Editorial Board Patron Dayang Apsah binti Hj Abdul Majid Deputy Permanent Secretary Ministry of Education Advisor Awang Hj Metali bin Hj Mirasan Acting Head of STEP Centre Chief Editor Awang Zulbahri bin Achee Education officer, STEP Centre. Editors Dayang Sarimah binti Abu Bakar Senior Education officer, STEP Centre.

Awang Nor Erawadi bin Haji Ibrahim Senior Education Officer, STEP Centre. Awang Azahan bin Hj Abd Wahab Education officer, STEP Centre. Awang Hj Fadzil bin Hj Mohd Salleh Education officer, STEP Centre. Dayang Jauyah binti Tuah Education officer, STEP Centre. Dayang Satinah binti Hj Abang Education officer, STEP Centre. Awang Syed Rozman bin Syed Hj Abd Rahim Education officer, STEP Centre.

STEP Newsletter Page 2

STEP FORWARD News

Effective teaching on the two Health Education topics namely, ‘Healthy Habits (Unit 10)’ and ‘Knowing Your Food (Unit 11)’ in classrooms may not be accomplished unless a teacher brings in various types of food and does various activities to stimulate pupils’ interest.

By Satinah Hj. Abang

On 19th and 22nd November 2007, STEP centre in collaboration with Pengiran Anak Puteri Rashidah Sa’adatul Bolkiah Nursing College and Sekolah Rendah Pehin Dato Jamil and supported by Brunei Shell Petroleum Company Pte. Ltd, organized an educational visit to Pengiran Anak Puteri Rashidah Sa’adatul Bolkiah Nursing College for primary 4 pupils of Sekolah Rendah Pengiran Anak Puteri Besar; Sekolah Rendah Pehin Dato Jamil and Sekolah Rendah Junjon-gan for the ‘Program Peningkatan Pencapaian Sains (PPPS)’.

The objectives of the visit were to expose and increase pupils’ understanding on the two Health Education topics mentioned earlier. It also aimed to promote the importance of Health as well as to stimulate pupils’ interest in a different learning environment, outside their normal classrooms. Teachers accompany-ing the pupils also benefited from the visit as they could deepen their knowl-edge on the related topics and identify some useful activities that they could use in their future teachings.

A pre-test and a post-test were administered, in particular, to find out if the educational visit to the nursing college was educationally signifi-cant. The overall gain score of the post-test indicated that pupils performed remarkably better compared to the pre-test. Congratulations to the Health Promotion Committee of the Nursing College, who worked very hard to prepare magnificent enrichment activities and worksheets for the pupils. Big thanks to the PPPS working committee from the three primary schools for their efforts in preparing and administering the tests.

The positive results from the test may indicate that pupils learned relevant science contents during the visit. Hence, learning beyond the classroom is vi-able and an educationally valuable extension to resources traditionally available to teachers of sci-ence.

Learning how to use the Hand

Sanitizer properly

Measuring height for the BMI test

“Real foods and drinks to be classified”

An officer from the Nurs-ing College briefs the

pupils on how to check the BMI manually.

“These are balanced diet food. Let’s eat and don’t leave the

cucumber!”

Pupils participating in the activi-ties conducted at the Skills

Activity Room Pupils not only learn how to take care of their own health, they also have the opportunity to learn how to take care of sick people


STEP FORWARD News

Secondary School Took Part in School Immersion Programme in Singapore By: Syed Rozman bin Syed Hj Abd Rahim Sekolah Menengah PJN Pg Hj Abu Bakar, Kuala Belait was the first secondary school in the country to be given the opportunity to take part in this year’s “School Immersion Programme” with two secondary schools in Singapore, namely Xinmin Secondary School and Henderson Secondary School. Twenty students who comprised of student council members, prefects and class monitors were accom-panied by five teachers from the school and an officer from the STEP Centre from 9 to 12 September 2007. Apart from having the opportunity to study at the two secondary schools in Singapore, the Brunei students also conducted two sharing sessions, entitled ‘Leadership Programme’ and ‘School Ethos and Science Projects’. Various activities were also arranged for the students, including educational visits to the National Uni-versity of Singapore, Singapore Science Centre and the Sentosa Island. “Studying in these schools was a memorable experience for all of us”, said one of the students, adding that Xinmin Secondary School is known for its excellence in academics while Henderson Secondary School is known for its leadership programmes.

Sharing session by the students from Brunei in Xinmin Secondary School

Group photos with officers from Henderson Secondary School

Group photos with students and teachers from Henderson Secondary School

Cikgu Marina interviewing one of the students with his project


STEP FORWARD News

Workshop on Conducting Field Trips – Improvement on Science Achievement Program (Secondary) By Haji Fadzil bin Hj Mohd Salleh

Sekolah Menengah Masin has been selected as one of the three schools that were chosen as pilot schools in carrying out challenging activities pertaining to the Improve-ment on Science Achievement Program, which started in the year 2007. Some of the objectives for having the workshop are (i) to increase the teachers’ compe-tency in conducting field trips; (ii) to gain knowledge from invited experts / specialists (eg. UBD lecturers, officers) through the guided tour; (iii) to create an opportunity for teachers from the three schools to interact and exchange information regarding all the possible unforeseen issues, dangers, problems and safety precautions that must be taken in con-ducting field trips, and (iv) to increase teachers’ enthusiasm and motivation to conduct more field trips.

A group of teachers who participated in the workshop at Sekolah Menengah Masin on 20th November 2007.

The three days workshop has given teachers the experience to share knowledge from local practitioners on medicinal plants and also from officers of the Biotechno-logical Unit of the Brunei Agricultural Research Centre. Teachers were also divided into four groups and carried out some tasks as a fulfillment of field trips at four differ-ent locations including some areas at Tasek Lama, Bukit Dadap, Bukit Shahbandar and Berakas Forest Reserve. Before the certificate presentation which was held on 22nd November 2007, teachers brainstormed their findings to produce a worksheet which may be a useful teaching aid when conducting future field trips with school stu-dents.


STEP FORWARD News

HAVING FUN WHILST LEARNING SCIENCE AT CAMP! By Nor Erawadi bin Hj Ibrahim Photo courtesy from: Heydee (Sek.Men Sayyidina Umar Al-Khattab)

The Science Camp for secondary schools which was part of STEP Centre’s strategies for raising the achievement of science in schools (Program Peningkatan Pencapaian Sains) was held at the Brunei Darussalam’s Scout Federation camping grounds located at Jalan Gadong. Facilitated by STEP Centre and sponsored by Ministry of Education and Brunei Shell Petroleum Company Sendirian Berhad, teaching staff of SM Awang Semaun was given the leading tasks for the science camp with the principal, Miss Chong Li Chen, acting as the chairperson. About 98 form one students from the three participating schools – SM Awang Semaun, SM Masin and SM Sayyidina Umar Al-Khattab – took part in the 3 days/ 2 nights camp which was held from 1st to 3rd December 2007.

The camp commandant was Mr Chiaw Ching Seng @ Steven, a teacher from SM Awg Se-maun and also an active scout leader. Prior to the actual date of the camp, groundwork preparations and logistics considered were tough and demanding. The electrical wiring in the camp area, the facilities, amenities, abled workforce required, tents, catering ser-vices and transportation were among the is-sues which needed to be resolved before the camp. With the co-operation from all parties involved – STEP members, the teacher com-mittee from all three schools, Scouts Federa-tion and related ministerial departments, the camp proceeded smoothly without much hic-cups. Most importantly, all the students en-joyed the whole experience thoroughly as they learnt to appreciate practical knowledge and ”hands-on” skills in scientific challenges in a camping environment. Hopefully, this will also help to trigger a better mindset, under-standing and approaches in solving problems primarily in science useful for their everyday life.

Committee members headed by Mr Steven discussing programmes for the next day and post-mortem of the day sessions.

Our teachers explaining the procedures for discovery challenge activity to our young campers

The students from different schools were mixed together and given fun “ice-breaking” activities by the scouts so that they could foster closer friendship regardless of their schools of origin. They were divided into 10 groups consisting of about 8 -10 students. When interviewed about the activities, most of them were excited about the ”flying fox” thriller co-ordinated by the scouts, the discovery challenge involving in-venting a rocket dart and also the innovative creation of a shoe rack made of newspaper and wooden sticks as the main materials. Continue to page 7


STEP FORWARD News

In terms of fostering relationship, they expressed their joy of having to sleep together with their friends probably for the first time in their life! All in all, they felt happy with the whole camping experi-ence eventhough some complained about the hard ground they had to sleep on as the camps were located on road-type gravel! Well, if everything had to be comfortable, then it would not have consti-tuted as a real camping experience or as they say ”roughing it”!

On the logistic side, shortcomings were predictably unavoidable espe-cially considering that this was the first time the camp was joint-organised by STEP Centre and the three secondary schools. This could be, in my own personal opinion, due to some committee members who did not have any experience or enough experience to handle or be involved in an outdoors camp of such scale. Nevertheless, feedback and recommenda-tions put forward by all committee members and students alike on mat-ters about the organisation, content and aims of the camp were compiled and analysed. Lessons were learnt and with better management and co-ordination, hopefully, future camps can be tremendously improved.

Participants seemed to have a great time!

Mr Koh Hong Puah, Assistant Director of Secondary Section, Ministry of Education handing over prizes to competition winners during the closing ceremony

All student participants with the guest-of-honour and the principals of SM Awang Semaun, SM Masin and SM Sayyidina Umar Al-Khattab took a group photo.

Committee members were snapped candidly before a proper photo shoot !


STEP FORWARD News

Corporation Primary School (CPS), Singapore was in Brunei from 27th May to 1st June 2007 for the SIP programme with Sekolah Rendah Jerudong. For the prolongation of SIP be-tween the two schools, Corporation Primary School, Singapore has invited Sekolah Rendah Jerudong (SRJ) to Singapore through STEP Centre. From 21th to 26th October, 24 pupils, 2 officers, and 2 teachers from SRJ and myself bene-fited tremendously from the 6 days stint of educational exchange programme. Both pupils and staff had an enjoyable time bonding and learning about each others’ country and cul-ture. The pupils were treated to a wide array of activities, ranging from the ‘Maths Warrior’ activity in the classroom to a science trail around the school garden. It was indeed an eye opener for us as we were involved in an experiential learning in a vi-brant and stimulating environment at CPS which signifies the school devotion in accomplish-ing its mission - “To provide a holistic education to nurture and inspire each individual through continuous learning in a happy environment”. During the Science Trail, the pupils and their buddies were assigned into 6 groups and in the science discovery trail at different lively physical stations namely the Mini-Butterfly Garden and Aviary; Fernery; Cacti and Succulents; Spices and Herbs; Mini-Orchard; Eco-Pond; Eco-Garden; and Fruits and Veggies Garden. The Science Trail focused on the experiential and enquiry approach where pupils got to see, touch and explore the wonders of nature around them. Besides having the experience to study at CPS, pupils from Brunei were given opportunity to do various other programmes and activities that had been arranged by the Centre for Learn-ing and Training (CFLT) Sdn Bhd, Singapore which included bus and MRT experiences; visits to Newater; Night Safari and Sentosa Island.


Science Trail at the Eco-Pond

Competing in the ‘Maths Warrior’ activity

Processing data and photos taken during the Science Trail

Cultural Exchange – Curious CPS pupils tasting our traditional foods

Experiencing two types of public transport commonly used in Singapore

Group photo on the last day at CPS


STEP FORWARD News


FERNERY ECO-POND ECO-GARDEN

Reading the information on ferns Identifying the different types of water plant Pupils learn the different types of leaf

Silver Fern Identifying the different types of water Pupils learning the different types of leaf

Silver fern has wax that can be used to produce stunning tattoos

A buddy from CPS takes photos of plants found at the Eco-Garden

Various types of fern grow at the fernery Guppies and Terrapin are also found in the pond The string beans need support to climb up

I am a Terrapin

What am I?


STEP FORWARD News

They look like pandan leaves.

Is this ‘Kedundong’ ready to be harvested?

SPICES AND HERBS FRUITS AND VEGGIES MINI-BUTTERFLY GARDEN

The station holds a variety of spices and herbs such as curry, ginger,

lemon grass etc..

A variety of fruit plants can be found at this station

Various types of butterfly food plants are planted to attract butterflies

Here the pupils learnt that Aloe Vera is a medicinal plant that can cure white

spots on their skin

Some of the photos of fruits taken by the pupils themselves

Many plant leaves at the Butterfly Garden are misshapen. Guess why?

We use our sense of smell Berriesused to make flavoursome drinks Butterfly larvae found under the leaves

Information boards such as these are available at all stations Healthy green-leafy vegetables Pupils from SR Jerudong with their buddies

reading the information on butterflies


STEP FORWARD News

The 5th RoboTech Competition 2007 By : Jauyah binti Tuah

BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN: Sunday, 5 August 2007 The 5th RoboTech Competition was held at the Auditorium, Maktab Duli Pg. Muda Al-Muhtadee Billah, Gadong and the Guest of Honour during the Prize Giving Ceremony was Awang Haji Mohd Daud bin Haji Mahmud, Deputy Per-manent Secretary, Ministry of Education.

Over the past five years, this competition has been organized by the STEP Centre in partnership with Brunei Shell Petroleum Sdn. Bhd and in collaboration with the Department of Engineering Science, Universiti Brunei Darussalam. About 330 students from 31 secondary, technical and vocational schools and colleges throughout the coun-try participated in the two-day competition. The com-petition was divided into 7 categories from two types of competitions, namely: Speed Race and Gladiator. Speed Racer Team from Sekolah Vokasional Nak-hoda Ragam emerged as the overall winner for the Speed Race category, while Best Engineering Design Award and Best Artistic Design for Speed Race Cate-gory went to Drager Slayer Team from Maktab Keju-ruteraan Jefri Bolkiah and Sekolah Menengah Pehin Datu Seri Maharaja Mentiri respectively.

Meanwhile, the Best Engineering Design in Gladiator below 5kg category was awarded to Dirt Bull Dozer Team from Sekolah Vokasional Sultan Bolkiah and Pusat Tingkatan Enam Berakas was given the Best Engineering Award for the Gladiator 8-10 kg. Maktab Duli Pg. Muda Al-Muhtadee Billah emerged as the champion for the Speed Race (Pra-U, Technical and Vocational schools), followed by two teams from Sekolah Vokasional Nakhoda Ragam which grabbed 2nd and 3rd place. For Speed Race (Upper Secondary Level ), Maktab SOAS won the 1st place, while the 2nd and 3rd place went to Sekolah Menengah Sayyidina Umar Al-Khatab and Sekolah Menengah Sayyidina Ali respectively. In the Lower Secondary Level cate-gory for the Speed Race, two teams from Sekolah Menengah Sayyidina Umar Al-Khatab won the 1st and 2nd place, while the 3rd place went to Maktab SOAS. For the Gladiator below 5kg (for Technical and Vocational schools), the champion was Sekolah Vokasional Sultan Bolkiah, 1st Runner-Up went to Maktab Kejuruteraan Jefri Bolkiah, while Seko-lah Vokasional Nakhoda Ragam was awarded as the 2nd Runner-up. For the Gladiator below 5kg (Pra-U and Upper Secondary level), 1st place went to Maktab Duli Pg. Muda Al-Muhtadee Billah, followed by Maktab SOAS and Sekolah Menengah PAP Hjh. Rashidah Sa’adatul Bolkiah as the 2nd and 3rd place respectively. For the Gladiator 8-10kg (for Technical and Vocational schools), the champion was Sekolah Vo-kasional Sultan Bolkiah, while the 2nd and 3rd place went to 2 teams from Sekolah Vokasional Nakhoda Ragam. Two teams from Pusat Tingkatan Enam Berakas emerged as champion and 1st Runner up for the Gladiator 8-10kg (Pra-U and Upper Secondary level) while STPRI came in 3rd place.


STEP FORWARD News

From 20th till 21st August 2007, a regional ozone quiz competition was held at Ruamrudee Interna-tional School, Bangkok, Thailand. Brunei was reperesented by two Lower Sixth Form students, Mu-hamad Zuhairi bin Hj. Ahmad from Berakas Sixth Form Centre, and Muhamad Hafizudin bin Hami-nudin from Sekolah Menengah Sayyidina Othman. They were accompanied by Mr. Yusrein Hady bin Abdul Ghani , an environmental officer from the Department of Environment, Parks and Recreation, Ministry of Development and Cikgu Hj. Fadzil bin Hj. Mohd. Salleh, an education officer from STEP Centre. Some of the objectives for joining the competition include (i) to create awareness and to test stu-dents’ knowledge on issues about ozone layer protection; (ii) to provide opportunities for students to participate in regional competitions and to share ideas and experiences among international partici-pants; (iii) to increase cooperation among participating countries in organizing activities that create environmental awareness; and (iv) to commemorate the 20th celebration of the Montreal protocol.

Regional Ozone Quiz Competition By: Haji Fadzil bin Hj Mohd Salleh

Two lower sixth form students from Berakas Sixth Form Centre and Sekolah Me-nengah Sayyidina Othman were at the Regional Ozone Quiz Competition on 20th

and 21st August 2007

A total of 16 countries came for the competition and our team managed to secure the ninth place after two consecutive matches. Those teams that went to the quarter, semi finals and the final round competed on the last day. Teams from the Philippines, Sri Lanka, Thailand and Malaysia managed to place themselves in the first, second, third and fourth place respectively.


STEP FORWARD News

34 pupils from Serasa Primary School were buddied with the same number of pupils from Bende-meer Primary School throughout a six days school immersion programme from 21st till 27th of Oc-tober 2007. They were involved in the project works on recycling. The Bendemeer Primary School has listed a few objectives for their trip to Brunei during the school immersion program, which include (i) to enable pupils to understand the importance of re-ducing waste and how recycled items can be of effective use; (ii) to learn the culture and tradi-tions of the ASEAN neighbours and to foster friendship among their pupils; and (iii) to enable pu-pils to develop self reliance, independence and adaptability. Besides fostering relationships between pupils from both schools, they were also brought to visit several places of interest in Brunei such as the Malay Technology Museum and the Jame’ Asr’ Hassanil Bolkiah Mosque. They were also involved in study visits that included the Ambulong Factory at Kampong Ukong and the Sungai Liang Forest Reserve Park.

School Immersion Program Serasa Primary School (Brunei Darussalam) and Bendemeer Primary School (Singapore). By: Haji Fadzil bin Hj Mohd Salleh

Students showed an interest on collaborating ideas during motivating activities on recycling during the school immersion program from 21st – 27th October 2007.


STEP FORWARD News

One local student, Samuel Kong Yi Ming from Jerudong International School did Brunei proud when he obtained one Bronze medal for the Science category in the 4th International Mathematics and Sci-ence Olympiad (IMSO) for Primary School which took place in Jakarta, Indonesia from 11th to 17th November 2007. This Olympiad aimed to develop primary school students’ talent and interest in Mathematics and Science and to motivate these students to develop their intellectual capacity and skills in Mathemat-ics and Science. Six students were selected from several primary schools to represent the sultanate for the Olympiad. Three students competed in the Science category. They were Samuel Kong Yi Ming, Muhd Izam Bin Hj Zakaria and Amir bin Hj Abd Latif. Another three took part in the Mathematics category and they were Muhd Nazri bin Hj Saman, Muhd Afif bin Hj Abd Razak and Miss Lim Wei Jia. The Brunei delegation was led by Cikgu Syed Rozman Bin Hj Syed Abd Rahim, an education officer from STEP Centre. Also accompanying the students were Cikgu Saidin Hidayat bin Abdullah Lasit, an education officer from Sekolah Menengah PJN Pg Hj Abu Bakar, as Mathematics Tutor and Cikgu Chew Ying Ngo, an education officer from Sekolah Menengah PAP Hajah Masna, as Science tutor.

Primary Students in IMSO, Jakarta By: Syed Rozman

Brunei Delegation during the prize-giving ceremony

Brunei Delegation with Brunei Ambassador during the Opening Ceremony

Group Photos with Parents Camping at Pringayu Camp


STEP FORWARD News

Brunei students competed against 105 participants from 9 countries which included Brunei, Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, Hong Kong, Sri Lanka, Taiwan and the Philippines. Each student sat for three different papers; For Mathematics : Short Answer Test, Essay Test and Exploration Paper; For Science : Theory I, Theory II and Experimental Paper. Besides sitting for the tests, the students had the opportunity to visit Layang-Layang museum, did a two-day camp at Pringayu Camp, Ciawi and celebrated a cultural night at Nikko Hotel. These aimed to promote friendship and cultural exchange among children from different coun-tries. Students representing Brunei were winners of the national-level competition held in April 2007 organized by STEP Centre with the cooperation of Brunei Shell Petroleum Sdn Bhd.

Practising ‘Joget Dua’ to be performed during the Farewell Dinner

Ice-Breaking at Pringayu Camp

From page 14

Visiting Taman Mini Indonesia Brunei’s Participants


STEP FORWARD News

One of the many outcomes from having done the sharing session is the future plan for schools to create activities that promote awareness on environmental issues, which include the protection of the ozone layer. Around 70 Heads of the Science and Geography Departments from thirty secon-dary government schools attended the session. The objectives of the sharing sessions are (i) to share overviews on the running of the Ozone Quiz Competition at the regional level; (ii) to enhance and create initiative among schools to start similar quiz activities at the school level, and (iii) to motivate teachers into creating awareness on environ-mental issues such as the protection of the ozone layer through other possible activities (eg. Set-ting up of Environmental Clubs, Carrying out Recycling Activities; Poster and Art Drawing Compe-tition, etc.). The sharing sessions which were conducted by Cikgu Hj. Fadzil bin Hj. Mohd. Salleh on four con-secutive days at Sekolah Menengah Menglait, Sekolah Menengah Berakas , Sekolah Menengah Sufri Bolkiah and Anthony Abell College has enriched many Science and Geography Departmen-tal Heads with the motivation to introduce the idea of setting up a corner on environment. Next year’s plan is going to be the setting up of a corner on environment pertaining to the theme of pro-tecting the ozone layer. CDs have been distributed to the thirty government secondary schools which contain various resources, in the hope that the materials will be used as references for fu-ture programs.

Sharing Session on the Regional Ozone Quiz Competition By: Haji Fadzil bin Hj Mohd Salleh

Some of the teachers who attended the sharing session at Anthony Abell College, Seria on 8th November 2007.


STEP FORWARD News

The Quiz competition is one of the programmes for ‘Program Peningkatan Pencapain Sains’ (PPPS) organized by STEP Centre to promote interest in learning science subjects and create a healthy sense of competitiveness among schools and students. On 21st August 2007, this competition was held at Sekolah Menengah Sayyidina Umar Al-Khatab. Five students from Menengah One from three different schools competed. Present on that day was Ak Abdullah bin Pg Haji Tengah, Acting Director of Curriculum Development/Acting Deputy Head of Special Education Unit, who was the guest of honour.

Quiz Competition To Increase Interest In Science Subjects By: Syed Rozman bin Syed Hj Abd Rahim

Perticipants from Sekolah Menengah Sayyidina Umar Al-Khattab One of the participants during Round Three

This competition also encourages teachers and students to develop skills such as thinking, communication, processing, learning independently and experimentation, as well as traits such as teamwork, leadership, competency, confidence and creativity. Sekolah Menengah Masin emerged as champions in the competition followed closely by the host SM Sayyidina Umar Al-Khattab and SM Awang Semaun. 619 secondary one students from Sekolah Menengah Masin, SM Sayyidina Umar Al- Khattab and Sekolah Menengah Awang Semaun participated in the preliminary round which was held simultaneously in the three schools on 21st July 2007. The best five were selected for the finals.

The preliminary round which was held earlier The audience also had the chance to participate in the quiz


STEP FORWARD News

Students Show their robot talents Brunei Robotics Olympiad (BRO) 2007 By: Zulbahri bin Achee

Forty-five teams from primary and secondary schools competed in the fourth Brunei Robotics Olympiad 2007 (BRO) which was held at the Pengiran Anak Puteri Hajah Masna Secondary School. Teams were required to create their own autonomous robot using 'Lego Mindstorm' kits to com-pete in two categories — The 'Robo Rally' for primary schools and 'Robo Ambulating Rally' for the secondary level. Presence as guest of honour was Awang Haji Suhaila Haji Abdul Karim, Director of Planning, Re-search and Development at the Ministry of Education. In his speech, he said “encouraging youths to master high technology, ICT and artificial intelligence is vital for Brunei's future growth”. For the 'Robo-Rally' event, 23 primary school (for primary 5 & 6) teams had to build an autono-mous 'vehicle like' robot which were put to the test on a provided track filled with obstacles. Points were awarded based on time as well as mission completion.


STEP FORWARD News

The 22 teams from secondary schools (for Form 1, 2 & 3) competing in the ‘Robo-Ambulating Rally’ were given similar tasks with similar point rules except their robots would have legs instead of wheels. The robot's leg had to imitate motions of limbs of biological creatures. For both events, one hour was allocated for the teams to build and programme their robots. Within that time, teams were allowed to conduct a trial and error test on the competition tracks.

The full result were as follows Primary Level:

Sekolah Rendah Muhammad Alam - SRMA Transformers Sekolah Rendah Binturan – Bintorex System Sekolah Rendah Junjungan – Optimus Prime

Secondary Level Maktab Sains - DMS BOT Maktab Sains - Sunstreaker Sekolah Menengah Menglait – M3B

The competition was jointly organised by the Science, Technology and Environment Partnership Centre or STEP Centre at the Ministry of Education in partnership with the Brunei Shell Petroleum Company.

From page 18


STEP FORWARD News

Microscience Workshop and Seminar By: Zulbahri bin Achee

The three-day microscience workshop and seminar was attended by some 200 teachers from primary, secondary and technical education schools as well as officers from relevant depart-ments under the Ministry of Education . It was jointly organised by the Science, Technology and Environment Partnership (STEP) Centre, UNESCO, and Islamic Education Scientific and Cul-tural Organisation (ISESCO) in collaboration with the SHBIE Faculty at UBD and supported by the department of schools and Brunei Shell Petroleum.

The function was officiated by the Deputy Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Education, Dyg Hajah Norjum binti Haji Md Yusop. The function took place at the Senate Room of Chancellor Hall, Universiti Brunei Darussalam.

The one full-day workshop was held at the science laboratory of SHBIE Faculty, Universiti Brunei Darus-salam and was conducted by Professor John Bradley, Director, RADMASTE Centre. The workshop was at-tended by thirty-five teachers and officers from the Ministry of Education.

The participants at the workshop received their certificates at the closing ceremony. On hand to present the certificates was the head of Human Resource Development Department, Awang Hj Abd Hakip bin Hj Burut.

The participants at the seminar One participant receiving her certificate


STEP FORWARD News

This year was the 3rd National OGDC Discovery camp which was organised in partnership with the Science, Technology and Environment Partnership (STEP) Centre, Ministry of Education, Brunei Darussalam. Participation in the camp was only open to secondary two students. The camp was held at the Oil and Gas Discovery Centre from 11th June to 14th June 2007. Around 76 students from government and non-government schools, from all the four districts participated in this camp. Some of the activities were Discovery Xtremes, Technology Challenge, leadership pro-grammes and so forth. The students were also given the opportunity to visit the Sungai Liang Forest Reserve where they were able to learn about the different types of leaves and animals in this country. Some of the participants had sleepless nights during the four days camp yet they still had the energy to do some physical activities during the day time. “The camp was packed with exciting activities that made us feel tireless”- as was mentioned by one of the participants.

Tiring Yet Enjoying Time during ‘The Oil and Gas Discovery Centre (OGDC) Discovery Camp 2007’

By: Azahan Hj Abd Wahab

Quotes “Try not to become a man of success but a man of value”

Albert Einstein


STEP FORWARD News

A Chance of a lifetime experience for the participants attending ‘ THE INDONESIAN SCIENCE FESTIVAL (ISF 2007)’

Jakarta, Indonesia By: Azahan Hj Abd Wahab

Two students and a teacher were given the opportunity to attend the Indonesian Science Festi-val (ISF) which was held in Jakarta, Indonesia from 13th August to 19th August 2007. The stu-dents were Awangku Abdul Aziz bin Pg Sulaiman , a Primary 5 student from Sekolah Rendah Kuala Belait and Dayang Erna Safrena bte Mustafa, also a primary 5 student from Sekolah Rendah Birau Tutong. These students were accompanied by Cikgu Maria bte Abdullah, a teacher from Sekolah Rendah Sungai Liang. One of the activities that our students participated in during this festival was an exhibition. Our students were able to display and explain their project which was about the Wheel of Light. “Most of the visitors were interested in the project because it involves hands-on activities and at the same time was able to provoke pupils’ thinking through predicting, inferring and discuss-ing.”- as taken from Cikgu Maria Abdullah’s report. Other activities that our students had to participate in were canoeing, leadership and communi-cation skills, visiting places such as Indosat ( Indonesian Satellite) and so on. As commented by Cikgu Maria Abdullah in her report - “Overall, the Indonesia Science Festival is an interesting project which should be done by our Ministry at the National Level to improve the achievements of our students in science and mathematics education in Brunei. The materi-als used in teaching Mathematics and Science in this program is more pupil-centred whereby the students were involved in ‘hands-on’ activities which emphasized on higher order thinking skills. It included analysis, problem solving, classifying, observing, comparing, suggesting hy-pothesis, communicating, inferring, experimenting and summarizing. The students used their own thinking skills to make their own generalizations or conclusions and thus, were actively involved in generating knowledge that were meaningful to them.”


STEP FORWARD News

On 26th November 2007, three students from Sekolah Rendah Muhammad Alam, Seria went to Singapore to participate for the first time in ‘The International Robot Olympiad (IRO) 2007’. The team was assisted by their teacher, Awang Boby Zakri bin Hj Abdul Hamid. The students were Hafiz bin Hj Has-san, Muhammad Abdul Rahman bin Zamri and Habib Shahbuddin Affandi bin Hassuribaini. . This team emerged as the champion for the primary level in the Brunei Robotics Olympiad (BRO) 2007 , a national level competition organized by the STEP centre on 27th August 2007.

TOUGH COMPETITION FOR OUR THREE BOYS PARTICIPATING IN

‘THE 9TH INTERNATIONAL ROBOT OLYMPIAD (IRO) 2007’

By: Azahan Hj Abd Wahab

The competition was held from 27th November to 30th November 2007 at the Institute of Technical Education College East, Singapore. Our team participated only in two categories that were for the Junior League (under 12); Legged Robot and the Ob-stacle Race. For the boys, it was a new experience to compete at the International level. They had to compete with countries which are well known in robotics technology such as Korea, Singapore, Malaysia and China. Although they did not get any medals, the boys showed the spirit to compete with their opponents during the tournament.


STEP FORWARD News

BRUNEI ENVIRONMENT, SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY (BEST) AWARD By Sarimah Abu Bakar

In this program, a group of four secondary students with a teacher supervisor designed a project to develop new products which could be the pioneer for future commercialization. In the process of making a new prod-uct, the field of Environment, Science and Technology should be applied and considered. It is hoped that the experience gained by the young people participating in this program, will contribute to and support the process of diversifying the economic resources of Brunei Darussalam. “BEST AWARD” has been organized by the Science, Technology and Environment Partnership (STEP) Centre, Ministry of Education in-partnership with Brunei Shell Petroleum Company Sendirian Berhad.

A total of 29 projects from 19 schools and colleges were received, with 10 projects selected for the finals. Results are as follows:

Award Name of College / School

Name of Project Name of Students Name of Supervising Teacher

Gold Award SM Sayyidina Hassan Trash Holder

1) Muhd Afifi bin Junaidi

Hjh Suhara Hj Duraman 2) Alwani Imanah Rafieh

3) Sheiela Rapasanan

4) Yeo Siew Cheng

Silver Award Sekolah St Margaret's Nature's Secret Cream

1) Zeba Raisa Hussain

Babita Ramesh 2) Norlela binti Puasa

3) Dahiyah Hj Mohd Yunos

4) Lee Chee Chai

Bronze Award

S Ugama (Arab) M Perempuan Raja Isteri Pg Anak Damit

Production of batik Brunei and Khat design using natural and recycled material

1) Moazzamaatul Faazila bte Ahmad

Siti Khadizah Nohili 2) Nurul Syazwani Suhaili 3) Nurul Fattin Farhanah Hj Abdullah 4) Nurul Safwanah Hj Mohd Sufri


STEP FORWARD News

From Page 24

Dr Hj Mahali bin Hj Momin together with other guests viewing the exhibition and interviewing the participating students.

Silver award winning team posing with their project

PRIZES AND CERTIFICATE PRESENTATION CEREMONY FOR “BRUNEI ENVIRONMENT, SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY (BEST) AWARD”

AND SCIENCE & MATHEMATICS OLYMPIAD NATIONAL LEVEL 2007

By Sarimah Abu Bakar

The Ceremony was held at the Royal Berkshire Hall, Jerudong Golf and Country Club on Saturday, 26 May 2007 / 09 Jamadilawal 1428. Present at the ceremony as the Guest of Honour was Dr Hj Mahali bin Hj Momin, Director General of Education as the personal representative of the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Education. Among others present on the day were directors, senior officials, principals, teachers, students and parents of students who had won.

Results of the Olympiads

Medals / Prizes Recipients Gold Medal Chan Chung Sun (Maktab Duli Pengiran Muda Al-Muhtadee Billah) Silver Medal Zhang Yiran (Jerudong International School) Bronze Medal Abdul Hakim bin Haji Hasnan (Pusat Tingkatan Enam)

Consolations 1. Ong Huoy Shin (Maktab Sains Paduka Seri Begawan Sultan)

2. Lee Huan Hui (Maktab Sains Paduka Seri Begawan Sultan) 3. Abdul Mu'iz Bin Haji Abdullah (Pusat Tingkatan Enam)

Best in Power Theoreti-cal Paper Chan Chung Sun (Maktab Duli Pengiran Muda Al-Muhtadee Billah)

National Mathematics Olympiad (NMO) 2007


STEP FORWARD News

Medals / Prizes Recipients Gold Medal Lim Xin Ying ( Sek. Chung Hwa, BSB) Silver Medal Shaun Sim Sze Jein (Sek. St. Andrew's) Bronze Medal Justin Daniel Yong Jet Min (Sek. St. Margaret's)

Consolations

1. Tang Ying Ting (Sek. St. George's) 2. Muhammad Izam Bin Zakaria (Sek. Antarabangsa Jerudong) 3. Samuel Kong Xi Ming (Sek. Antarabangsa Jerudong) 4. Amir bin Haji Abdul Latif (Sek. Nusa Laila Puteri) 5. Chin Zhi Chu (SM Chung Ching, Seria) 6. Ahmad Syazani bin Mohammad (Sek. Rendah Jigsaw)

Best in Theoretical Paper Lim Xin Ying ( Sek. Chung Hwa, BSB) Best in Experimental Paper Shaun Sim Sze Jein (Sek. St. Andrew's) Motivational Award Ak Abdul Aziz bin Pg Sulaiman(Sek. Rendah Kuala Belait)

Primary School Science Olympiad (PSSO) 2007

Medals / Prizes Recipients Gold Medal Lim Wie Jia (Sek. Antarabangsa Jerudong) Silver Medal Muhammad Afif bin Haji Abdul Razak (Sek. Nula Laila Puteri) Bronze Medal Nurul Bahriah Afiqah binti Haji Matali (Sek. Rendah Rimba)

Consolations

1. Lim Wan Shen (Sek. St. Andrew's) 2. Chin Zhi Chu (Sek. Men. Chung Ching, Seria) 3. Tay Han Cin (Sek. Men. Chung Hwa, BSB) 4. Muhammad Nazri bin Haji Saman (SR PDS) 5. Radin Mas Sofiyahwati binti Radin Mas Mohamad Sufri (SR Jigsaw) 6. Muhammad Shahrezza Alfie bin Masri (SR Yayasan Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah)

Best in Theoretical Paper Lim Wie Jia (Sek. Antarabangsa Jerudong) Best in Experimental Paper Muhammad Afif bin Haji Abdul Razak (Sek. Nula Laila Puteri) Motivational Award Erna Safrena binti Mustafa (Sek. Rendah Birau, Tutong)

Medals / Prizes Recipients

Gold Medals Harris bin Karim (Sek. St. Andrew's) Yap Wei Chin (Sek. Men. PJN Pg Hj Abu Bakar) Yeoh Wei Ling (Sek.Men. Chung Hwa, BSB)

Best in Theoretical Paper 1 Yap Wei Chin (Sek. Men. PJN Pg Hj Abu Bakar) Best in Theoretical Paper 2 Harris bin Karim (Sek. St. Andrew's) Best in Experimental Paper Nurul Amirah binti Haji Abdul Latif (Sek. Men. Rimba)

Primary School Mathematics Olympiad (PSMO) 2007

Secondary School Science Olympiad (SSSO) 2007

From Page 25


STEP FORWARD Activities

Science Crossword Puzzle

Extracted from http://www.sciencecrossword.com


STEP FORWARD

Hari Raya @ STEP Centre (29th October 2007)

STEP’s Centre Annual Dinner @ Sari Wangi Restaurant 15th Disember 2007

Congratulations!!!

Awang Nor Erawadi bin Haji Ibrahim for success-fully completing his MSc Science & Technology for Sustainability from University of Sussex, England.

Welcome Dayang Hajah Rohizan binti Haji Jamadil. Joined STEP Centre on 11th December 2007 as storekeeper

Housekeeping


Answers to Science Crossword Puzzle: Autumn; Aviary; Blubber; Cactus; Cement; Computer; Copper; Drag; Expand; Focus; Hail; Menu; Palate; Pearl; Photon; Rainfall; Skin; Square; Toad; Twin

Documents

STEP FORWARD - 3rd Issue