<![CDATA[Tutor Niedino: Pri Science Questions and Concepts]]>Hi all,


Thought I'll start a thread on this, as I have come across many common science misconceptions that persist among our children today. As a primary school teacher, I often encounter pupils coming in with misconceptions gained from their incomplete understanding of the scientific phenomena around them. :idea: This would in turn affect their understanding when they go to school.

A very common example is the concept of steam. Steam is actually hot water vapour. MISCONCEPTION ALERT! Since we cannot SEE water vapour, we also cannot SEE steam. What we can see from the kettle when water is boiling is the CONDENSATION of steam when it LOSES HEAT to the cooler surrounding air. Many pupils often misunderstand the \"hot white mist\" to be steam, but they are actually very tiny water droplets (liquid form) rather than steam.

I'll try to maintain a thread on common Science questions, concepts and misconceptions, and how we can guide our children to understand these concepts. Do chip in with your child's questions and misconceptions or misunderstandings as well, and perhaps we can collate them all into a useful piece of information for all parents. ๐Ÿ˜„

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/topic/11066/tutor-niedino-pri-science-questions-and-conceptsRSS for NodeFri, 17 Apr 2026 07:27:17 GMTTue, 18 May 2010 00:51:44 GMT60<![CDATA[Reply to Tutor Niedino: Pri Science Questions and Concepts on Mon, 20 May 2013 19:50:46 GMT]]>

Sun_2010:


for the force question , the inclined plane is incorrect.
In fact inclined plane is a simple machine. It is definitely easier to push things up a slope than lift it.

Yes while pulling a load up the slope we over come friction and gravity. However the force to overcome gravity is lesser as it is only a component of the mass x g.

Unless the inclined plane has extremely high friction in comparison to the weight of the load. But this has to be specifically mentioned as is practically not the case .
You are right!

I should have sketched the diag before my above answer :oops:

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1007009https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1007009Mon, 20 May 2013 19:50:46 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Tutor Niedino: Pri Science Questions and Concepts on Mon, 20 May 2013 09:10:13 GMT]]>

Goodluck8:
Need help


When DDT is used, will the conentration of the DDT level in the food consumers be higher or lower? The school teacher explained that it will be lower as DDT will be expelled from the animals through their faeces. DDt will only kill the insects but not the animals

But i read quite a number of articles and seem it is not true. Can you help me?thanks

Second question
which requires more force : pulling the load up a inclined plane or lifting the same load vertically up? The teacher answer is pulling it up a inclined plane because it need to overcome gravity and frictional force but lifting it up requires to overcome the gravity only.????
for the force question , the inclined plane is incorrect.
In fact inclined plane is a simple machine. It is definitely easier to push things up a slope than lift it.

Yes while pulling a load up the slope we over come friction and gravity. However the force to overcome gravity is lesser as it is only a component of the mass x g.

Unless the inclined plane has extremely high friction in comparison to the weight of the load. But this has to be specifically mentioned as is practically not the case .

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1006819https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1006819Mon, 20 May 2013 09:10:13 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Tutor Niedino: Pri Science Questions and Concepts on Sun, 19 May 2013 14:31:35 GMT]]>For the force qn, since you to need forces, one to move forward n another to move upwards, to move the load up an inclined plane, the resultant force will be greatest among the lot.


As for the DDT qn, the scavenger which feed on the dead insects will have the highest level. Those that eat the scavenger will have lower and so on.

Correct me if Iโ€™m wrong.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1006270https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1006270Sun, 19 May 2013 14:31:35 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Tutor Niedino: Pri Science Questions and Concepts on Sun, 19 May 2013 02:49:40 GMT]]>Hi niedino,

I had sent u a pm. Appreciate if u can respond. Tq

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1006026https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1006026Sun, 19 May 2013 02:49:40 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Tutor Niedino: Pri Science Questions and Concepts on Sun, 19 May 2013 02:24:13 GMT]]>hi Niedino, dropped you a pmโ€ฆjust wondering if you have have chance to read through yet? thanks.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1006024https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1006024Sun, 19 May 2013 02:24:13 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Tutor Niedino: Pri Science Questions and Concepts on Sat, 18 May 2013 13:22:38 GMT]]>Goodluck, is the force qyestion for p6 and is it from school or enrichment centre?

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1005896https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1005896Sat, 18 May 2013 13:22:38 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Tutor Niedino: Pri Science Questions and Concepts on Sat, 18 May 2013 03:35:50 GMT]]>

Goodluck8:
Need help


When DDT is used, will the conentration of the DDT level in the food consumers be higher or lower? The school teacher explained that it will be lower as DDT will be expelled from the animals through their faeces. DDt will only kill the insects but not the animals

But i read quite a number of articles and seem it is not true. Can you help me?thanks

Second question
which requires more force : pulling the load up a inclined plane or lifting the same load vertically up? The teacher answer is pulling it up a inclined plane because it need to overcome gravity and frictional force but lifting it up requires to overcome the gravity only.????
Dear Goodluck,

Apologies for the late reply. Its really been busy. For the first question, I believe that it depends on the amount of DDT. Without the question, I am unable to comment more.

As for the second question, the accepted answer is usually the inclined plane as 2 forces need to be overcome instead of 1. However, if there is a way to reduce the frictional force, e.g. adding wheels, or adding lubricants, then it may be different. I can see where the child must be thinking, if I cannot lift this, perhaps I can push it along the ground. But pushing it up a ramp and pushing it along a flat ground requires a different amount of force.

Hope it helps!

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1005711https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1005711Sat, 18 May 2013 03:35:50 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Tutor Niedino: Pri Science Questions and Concepts on Thu, 20 Sep 2012 09:02:08 GMT]]>Hi I would like to find out more on the marking scheme for PSLE science.


My P4 DD had these type of questions during her SA1 and CA2 exams. One of them were:
They were given 7 things and were told to group them into "good" and "bad" conductors of heat. The correct answer will be 3 items will fall into "good" and 4 items will fall into "bad". Sheโ€™s got 5/7 correct but no marks were awarded at all. So she lost the entire 2 marks. When I checked with her teacher, she said the school were following the marking scheme of PSLE.

Please advise if this is true. Many thanks

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/854287https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/854287Thu, 20 Sep 2012 09:02:08 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Tutor Niedino: Pri Science Questions and Concepts on Thu, 03 May 2012 14:48:11 GMT]]>Why does the electrostatic force of attraction decreases when the size of the ion decreases whereas when the molecules get bigger in a covalent compound, the intermolecular force of attraction increases? It sounds contradicting.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/756006https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/756006Thu, 03 May 2012 14:48:11 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Tutor Niedino: Pri Science Questions and Concepts on Fri, 23 Dec 2011 14:09:04 GMT]]>Dear Parents


I have just posted some tips on my blog on how to answer Section B questions. Unfortunately, its not been posted on the main page yet. Here's the link. http://www.kiasuparents.com/kiasu/conte ... -questions

Here's my tutor profile on kiasuparents which has been verified by ChiefKiasu. http://www.kiasuparents.com/kiasu/conte ... ng-niedino

I have helped many pupils to improve in their Science during this year's PSLE.

I have some classes opening in 2012, if you and other parents are interested, you may want to drop me an email at pinnacleoflearning@gmail.com or pm me for my contact details.

You may also wish to join my mailing list (which I'll start once there are enough interested parents).

Hope it helps

Niedino

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/671411https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/671411Fri, 23 Dec 2011 14:09:04 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Tutor Niedino: Pri Science Questions and Concepts on Sat, 24 Sep 2011 15:32:32 GMT]]>

anneshirleygilbert:
Hello Everyone,


I need some help in crafting a comprehensive answer to this question:
\"What is a control set-up in an experiment? and what is its purpose?\"

I've not read anything from Niedino for a long time. Would really appreciate her input.

Sincerely,
Anne
Hi Anne,

My apologies for the really late response, I've been pretty busy with my work and with the shifting of the forum topics, I got lost initially. I'll try to visit the forum as much as possible. Actually KC provided a very detailed explanation. :goodpost: In the primary school syllabus, a control is basically a setup that has the exact same conditions as the experimental setup, except for the change in one variable, the independent variable or the cause. This is to ensure that the experiment's findings are reliable and due to the independent variable or in other words, the effect is due to the cause.

Do note, many students often write that the reason for having a control is to have a fair test. This is a misconception. Having only one variable changed is to have a fair test. Having a control setup is to ensure that your results are reliable. Repeating the experiment is to reduce the chance of human error.

Hope it helps!

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/593748https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/593748Sat, 24 Sep 2011 15:32:32 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Tutor Niedino: Pri Science Questions and Concepts on Mon, 01 Aug 2011 12:29:57 GMT]]>

anneshirleygilbert:
Hello Everyone,


I need some help in crafting a comprehensive answer to this question:
\"What is a control set-up in an experiment? and what is its purpose?\"

I've not read anything from Niedino for a long time. Would really appreciate her input.

Sincerely,
Anne
Control set-up in an experiment has the exact same conditions as the experimental setups except for the tested variable( changed variable).

Purpose:
To ensure that any changes/difference in the (variable changed/result of the experiment) is due only to the (changed variable) and not due to other variables/factors.

E.g.
Aim of experiment: To find out if the presence of wind affects the rate of evaporation.
CV: presence of wind
Variable measured: amount of water left in a container at the end of the experiment

Control set-up:
Container left in a location without exposure to wind

Purpose of control set-up:
To ensure that any changes in the amount of water left in the container at the end of the experiment(or \"any difference in the rate of evaporation\") is only due to the presence of wind and not due to other variables.

Hope this helps.

Regards,
KC

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/521120https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/521120Mon, 01 Aug 2011 12:29:57 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Tutor Niedino: Pri Science Questions and Concepts on Fri, 29 Jul 2011 03:11:55 GMT]]>Hello Everyone,


I need some help in crafting a comprehensive answer to this question:
"What is a control set-up in an experiment? and what is its purpose?"

Iโ€™ve not read anything from Niedino for a long time. Would really appreciate her input.

Sincerely,
Anne

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/515377https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/515377Fri, 29 Jul 2011 03:11:55 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Tutor Niedino: Pri Science Questions and Concepts on Wed, 11 May 2011 03:21:38 GMT]]>Dear all,


Thanks for the encouragement and support. I have posted my first blog entry in the Kiasuparents forum, titled - Science Misconceptions: An Overview

Here's the link to the first posting.
http://www.kiasuparents.com/kiasu/blogs/niedino

I'll try to share more in the near future and tag to topics.

Hope this will be helpful.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/419160https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/419160Wed, 11 May 2011 03:21:38 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Tutor Niedino: Pri Science Questions and Concepts on Tue, 10 May 2011 06:59:21 GMT]]>

buds:
Niedino:

[quote=\"buds\"]Hi Niedino, once you have compiled misconceptions for one full topic..

I can direct you to create your own blog right here in KiasuParents.com. ๐Ÿ˜„
Lemme know okie?

Thanks buds,

Now's the busy period, so gotta wait till the hols to do some updating.

niedino

No worries.. No worries.. Whenever you're ready. :love:[/quote]Thanks Buds,

BTW, I do have a quite a few misconceptions to share so perhaps you can start showing me how to blog and I'll start blogging in my free time?

Thanks

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/418305https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/418305Tue, 10 May 2011 06:59:21 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Tutor Niedino: Pri Science Questions and Concepts on Tue, 10 May 2011 05:01:04 GMT]]>

Niedino:
buds:

Hi Niedino, once you have compiled misconceptions for one full topic..

I can direct you to create your own blog right here in KiasuParents.com. ๐Ÿ˜„
Lemme know okie?

Thanks buds,

Now's the busy period, so gotta wait till the hols to do some updating.

niedino

No worries.. No worries.. Whenever you're ready. :love:

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/418079https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/418079Tue, 10 May 2011 05:01:04 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Tutor Niedino: Pri Science Questions and Concepts on Tue, 10 May 2011 01:00:56 GMT]]>

jesschan:
Niedino:

Hi moderators and monitors,


I was looking through the posts and it has deviated somewhat from my original intentions. I was and am still a newbie at forum posting. I find it a little difficult now to post up new misconceptions about Science as I do not want them get lost. Should I blog or submit articles instead?

Hi! I am not a moderator or monitor but I think blogging is neater and people can just post questions when in doubt.

Btw, I sent you a PM, not sure if you received it?

Hi Jesschan,

Got your pm and replied to it.

Thanks

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/417719https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/417719Tue, 10 May 2011 01:00:56 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Tutor Niedino: Pri Science Questions and Concepts on Tue, 10 May 2011 01:00:07 GMT]]>

buds:
Hi Niedino, once you have compiled misconceptions for one full topic..

I can direct you to create your own blog right here in KiasuParents.com. ๐Ÿ˜„
Lemme know okie?
Thanks buds,

Now's the busy period, so gotta wait till the hols to do some updating.

niedino

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/417718https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/417718Tue, 10 May 2011 01:00:07 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Tutor Niedino: Pri Science Questions and Concepts on Sun, 08 May 2011 12:46:03 GMT]]>hi Niedino,


pls keep me in the loop too! :lol: I need help in clarifying science concepts.

Thank you v much,
phtthp

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/416724https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/416724Sun, 08 May 2011 12:46:03 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Tutor Niedino: Pri Science Questions and Concepts on Fri, 06 May 2011 12:08:40 GMT]]>Hi Niedino, once you have compiled misconceptions for one full topic..

I can direct you to create your own blog right here in KiasuParents.com. ๐Ÿ˜„
Lemme know okie?

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/415240https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/415240Fri, 06 May 2011 12:08:40 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Tutor Niedino: Pri Science Questions and Concepts on Fri, 06 May 2011 11:13:41 GMT]]>

Niedino:
Hi moderators and monitors,


I was looking through the posts and it has deviated somewhat from my original intentions. I was and am still a newbie at forum posting. I find it a little difficult now to post up new misconceptions about Science as I do not want them get lost. Should I blog or submit articles instead?
Hi! I am not a moderator or monitor but I think blogging is neater and people can just post questions when in doubt.

Btw, I sent you a PM, not sure if you received it?

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/415194https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/415194Fri, 06 May 2011 11:13:41 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Tutor Niedino: Pri Science Questions and Concepts on Fri, 06 May 2011 02:03:13 GMT]]>Hello Niedino,

Would appreciate if I can be kept in the loop too. I realize my lack in science concepts as I study with my daughter. Your input has always enlightened me.

Sincerely,
Anne

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/414511https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/414511Fri, 06 May 2011 02:03:13 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Tutor Niedino: Pri Science Questions and Concepts on Thu, 05 May 2011 07:00:32 GMT]]>Me too , me too

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/413732https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/413732Thu, 05 May 2011 07:00:32 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Tutor Niedino: Pri Science Questions and Concepts on Thu, 05 May 2011 06:04:08 GMT]]>Am super looking forward to it, Niedino! :please:

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/413650https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/413650Thu, 05 May 2011 06:04:08 GMT