Hello everyone!

I reckoned some of you would have finished your major exams (GCE O-Levels, IP, IB and IGCSE). Congrats! It’s time for your to enjoy your holiday before you embark on the next stage of your academic and knowledge pursuance.

It has been a while since you last hear from me. We (Winners Education Group) just came back from our educational trip to Northern Vietnam (Hanoi City, Sapa and Halong Bay, etc) and we have learned alot about their:

• Educational system for Primary, Secondary, High School and Universities
• Educational levels as compared to other developed and developing nations
• History and Literature
• Language and Economy

And, of course – i saw several interesting Chemistry Phenomenon – Chemistry reactions and actions that are related to our everyday life!

Halong Bay – an UNESCO World Heritage Site has 2000+ limestone structures that are formed due to the wave and wind erosion of one huge island, over thousands and thousands of years.

We also saw villagers selling home-made Corn Wine along the streets! This corn wine has 50% v/v alcohol (ethanol) content!

And apparently some villagers used it to power and run their cars and motorbikes! Chemistry students! Ready for actions?

Question 1:
Why are the advantages of using ethanol over petrol as fuels for vehicles? State two advantages.

We also saw villagers making knifes and mechanical tools using metals. These shows the property of Malleability of Metals.

There are many more Chemistry Phenomenons observed……but now, i would just like to share with you some highlights of the trip:

2 Days of trekking on Sapa mountains was pretty tough, but the beautiful scenery and conversations with local villagers and other travelers was well worth it. Learned alot!

This picture was taken when i was touring around the Primary School in Sapa village, which is supported by Unicef. Well Done! It provides every child with the opportunity of basic education and literacy and this will improve the livelihood the villagers.

Once they have a secondary education, the child (about 15-16 years old) will be given many options to work or to continue their high school. The picture below shows our Sapa Tour Guide which is only 16 years old, but she speaks very good english and is very professional and passionate about her job. I am inspired by her!!!

That’s all for now. If you are interested to find out more about my trip and see more photos, do connect with me on my Facebook.Related Articles:

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• Chemistry Phenomenon: Chemistry Experiments in The Laboratory
• Chemistry Phenomenon – Reaction when Sodium Reacts with Water
• Dec Holidays ‘O’ Levels Chemistry Headstart & Revision Mastery Workshops – Successful Completion

The exam you have been preparing for the last 4-5 years is finally here.

In 3 days time, it will officially kick start the O-Level 2010 exams and in 7 days time, you will be taking the Pure Chemistry or Combine Science Chemistry Paper 2 (Written Paper).

I wish you the BEST for your O-Level Examination.

Youtube video link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZyJL2z6xO2wRelated Articles:

• ‘do your best for exams’ video for all my readers
• O Level Chemistry – How to Learn Quickly & Effectively
• O Level Chemistry – Studying very hard lately?
• Chemistry Phenomenon – Reaction when Sodium Reacts with Water
• O-Level Chemistry Examination: What is it actually?

It is a pleasant surprise that the video has over 36,000 views after a short one-and-a-half year. Saw many encouraging and interesting comments also.

Set A: COCA-COLA ZERO + MENTOS MINTS
vs.
Set B: PEPSI MAX + MENTOS MINTS

You can check out via the youtube link HERE

As in all chemistry experiment, we have tried to keep all parameters/conditions the same (if not similar):
1. Surrounding Temperature the same
2. Surrounding Pressure the same
3. Volume is the same (both are 1.5L by volume)
4. Equal amount of Mentos Mints were added

PS: Let me know how you feel about this experiment. I would love to hear from you.

PS: Another experiment (failed) also has over 10,000 views.  Check it out HERE.Related Articles:

• Chemistry Phenomenon: (Version 2) COKE + MENTOS vs. PEPSI + MENTO
• Chemistry Phenomenons – Famous Coke + Mentos Rxn (Version 1)
• O Level Chemistry: Mole Calculations – Limiting & Excess Reactants
• O Level Chemistry: Introduction to Periodic Table (Video – Part I)
• Chemistry Phenomenon – Reaction when Sodium Reacts with Water

If you would like to sing along, here is the LYRICS

Enjoy!Related Articles:

• Chemistry Phenomenon: Mentos + Coke VS Mentos + Pepsi Experiment on Youtube
• O Level Chemistry – Periodic Table Mini Series (Additional Video Tips)
• Chemistry is Fun – The Atom Song
• O Level Chemistry – Studying very hard lately?
• More Professionals Switch to Teaching – Is It Good or Bad?

Click HERE for direct URL if you can’t view the above video

Whether you are a:

Students that didn’t do so well in GCE ‘O’ Levels Exam (or other exams) last year and landed in a course or school that you don’t have a choice apparently

• Students that are facing the GCE ‘O’ Levels Exam this year 2010 (or other exams) but are struggling with the sheer amount of workload i.e, tests, worksheets, assignments, remedials, mock exams, whatever…
• Educators (Principals, Teachers, Tutors, Trainers, Coaches) that work closely with kids, teenagers, young adults
• Parents that consistently wonder why you cannot connect with your growing-up child, and crying over why your child has change beyond recognition, and did so many things against your wish…

Please do not give up!

Recall what he said: “If I fail, I will try again and again and again. It’s not the end. It all matters on how you going to finish. Are you going to finish strong? You will find the strength to get back.”

On a separate note;

In previous post, i have discussed about the role and elements that a good teacher (educator) should have.
Personally, i feel that the Passion & the Ability to Inspire is the key element that separates a true educator and an instruction-based teacher. Go share the videos with your students and friends. Share with anyone and everyone! =)

PS: Do you happen to know of a motivational video or story. Do share with us here. Drop me a comment. Would love to hear from you. =)Related Articles:

• Is Teaching just about giving information & instructions?
• Secrets: Why you need to master Organic Chemistry in GCE O Levels?
• O Levels Chemistry Tips Blog Marathon – Day 1
• Teacher’s Day 2010
• What Help Do You Need?