Wednesday, January 20, 2010

Math-History of numbers

Hi everyone,

From the Math video, I learnt that:

-using a whole lot of symbols is confusing

-most civalisation use symbols, but some use objects

-there are many ways to solve a problem


Below is the information from the Math Powerpoint:


The numbers were represented by letters but not in the dictionary order (known as huruf al jumal which meant "letters for calculating" )

abjad is just the first four numbers (1 = a, 2 = b, j = 3, d = 4).

The numbers from 1 to 9 were represented by letters,

then the numbers 10, 20, 30, ..., 90 by the next nine letters (10 = y, 20 = k, 30 = l, 40 = m, ...),

100, 200, 300, ... , 900 by the next letters (100 = q, 200 = r, 300 = sh, 400 = ta, ...).

There were 28 Arabic letters and so one was left over which was used to represent 1000.

pastedGraphic.pdf

(this is the 1st version)


The numbers changed their form somewhat 100 years later when this copy of one of al-Biruni's astronomical texts was made.

pastedGraphic.pdf

(in 1082..)


Note that 2 and 3 were rotated by 90 degrees, as you will see later


pastedGraphic.pdf

(This is almost the numbers that we use today, except for the numbers 4 and 5)



Saturday, January 9, 2010

Reflection on the orientation camp

Hi everyone,

Below are the questions from the booklet and answers.
(I don't see any post featuring any more questions about the camp)

What are the 3 main points or more that I have learnt from all the activites?

- Each and every one of the team members is important
(as we make out the whole team and never leave any of them behind)

-Suceeding is not important
(what matters is you've tried your very best)

-Team means:
Together
Everyone
Achieves
More

How can these pointers be of help to you?

-These pointers can help me when we're doing projects, or when we fail to suceed

If you were to have another chance to try out all the activites, which one will you choose? Why?

-I would try out the flying fox. Though the journey up seemed scary, coming down was kind of like the best part. It reminds me of when the going gets tough, but when you have finished you feel so elated.

If there is one thing that you can change about yourself, what would that be?

-It would be my fear of heights.

Thats all for now, I have to rush off to attend something, Bye!



Wednesday, January 6, 2010

Amazing Race Reflection

1) I understand that not only we can use our Macbooks to find and learn information, we can also learn by looking at books, ask from people and so on.

2) It is important as we need to be widen our horizon for information. To widen our horizon for information, we need to make more new friends, connect with the community and eventually, help us with our schoolwork and projects.


Tuesday, January 5, 2010

Reflection of the Teamwork Challenge

  • What do you understand about the school value "Forging Excellence"?
I understand that one must do just well in one subject (e.g. Math), but must do well in all subjects and give our VERY best in everything (e.g. greeting our teachers in a no-so-monotone way)
  • What are the strengths that you think you possessed which can help you to achieve excellence?
I think that my confidence can help me achieve excellence.
  • What other attributes and attitudes do you think you should cultivate to excel in the things you do?
Having a lot of confidence, not giving up halfway, focusing on the project and not doing something else, and not being indecisive.
  • How can you contribute to help your class succeed?
I can help by participating in all the activities and make all of the classmates co-operate.


Monday, January 4, 2010

My personal reflection on the Bridge Building Activity

Do note that the questions I'm answering is from the whiteboard. It differs from the questions in the post.
And I've kind of re-phrased the questions I typed.



Is it difficult to work with new people?

-No it isn't. Its just that you need to break your personal boudaries and really, get to know some people in my class.

How did I overcome my worry? My "shyness"?

- Well, I wasn't worried or shy about making new friends or even saying hi to them. (Because I've introduced my self to a lot of people, and got used to it) As I read somewhere, "the world doesn't have strangers, its just people you haven't met" (I did re-phrased this, but this is the main thing)

How did I contribute to the project?

-I helped them to stick things together, cut items that need to be cut, and gave a few ideas to help with the constrution.

Why is it important to participate?

-So that you can experience how to create this, learn teamwork, communication skills that may help us in the future when we need to do a project/assignment in a team/pairs.

What is the one important skill I learnt and how can I apply it in class?

-The skill is communication. I can apply it when we do projects/assignment or anything that requires teamwork, its important so as to reduce conflicts and improve teamwork and hand in the finished product on time.