Applied Learning Programme (ALP)
Applied Learning Programme (ALP)
APPLIED LEARNING PROGRAMME (ALP) - SUSTAINABILITY
Our Applied Learning Programme (ALP) provides our students with the opportunity to delve into STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) fields while applying design-thinking skills to solve real-world issues. Through the engaging activities, we seek to cultivate a scientific mindset in our students.
Sustainability is the key theme of our programme. Our students, as future-ready and active citizens, partake in discussions and experiences with peers, teachers and industry partners as they strive to keep Singapore sustainable for our future, in line with one of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals – Affordable and Clean Energy.
Sustainability is the key theme of our programme, as we seek to instill mindset of keeping Singapore sustainable for our future generations. The activities designed aim to be in line with one of United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals – Affordable and Clean Energy.
Students make use of the Design Thinking framework and learn to solve problems using scientific knowledge. They collaborate and communicate with different stakeholders such as school, family and community as well as engineer solutions that add value and seek to solve problems in these areas.
All these are accomplished through design-based science activities that the ALP Committee and Science Department has collaboratively crafted with STEM Inc.
Junior Solar Sprint – Secondary One Students
In Secondary One, students design and fabricate toy solar cars that are suitable for children 7-10 years of age. Students are taken through a series of hands-on experiments to learn science and engineering concepts which they apply in the design and fabrication of their solar car.
| Concept | Activities |
|---|---|
| Mechanism concepts | - Investigations on pulleys, friction, and speed - Aerodynamics |
| Electrical concepts | - Circuit design and assembly - Energy conversions |
| Structural concepts | - Layout of components and its effect on weight distribution and car performance |
| Environmental awareness and clean energy concepts | - Design and fabrication of solar-powered car |
In order for students to understand the relevance and make meaning of their learning, learning journeys are also incorporated within the curriculum to enable students to witness the applications and potential of STEM concepts.
Clean Energy Innovation – Secondary Two Students
In Secondary Two, students are exposed to various clean energy sources through a series of hands-on activities and experiments. Thereafter, they apply the science and engineering concepts learnt in their innovation of a toy/gadget that runs on clean energy.
| Concept | Activities |
|---|---|
| Clean energy concepts | - Research and presentation of alternative sources of energy - Investigations on dynamo, turbine, hydrogen fuel cell, biofuel |
| Electrical concepts | - Exploration of new electrical components such as breadboard, capacitors, light-dependent resistor (LDR) and force-sensitive resistor |
| Innovation and design thinking | - Design and fabrication of toy/gadget powered by clean energy |
Additional Workshops
Beyond the school’s ALP curriculum, students get to participate in additional workshops conducted by external partners and vendors.
2018 – Sec 2 Workshop by Fablab, Singapore University of Technology and Design (SUTD)
In 2018, the Secondary 2 students also had the opportunity to undergo a 2-day workshop conducted by Fablab, Singapore University of Technology and Design (SUTD) where they had the opportunity to engage in hands-on activities and create gadgets demonstrating STEM understanding. Such activities are aimed at triggering thinking beyond the classroom and developing joy of learning.
Applied Sciences and Engineering – Secondary Three Students
In Secondary Three, students are given the opportunity to deepen their science knowledge in specialised areas of interest and apply their knowledge in real-life applications based on end-user needs.
The programme aims to promote joy of learning and broaden students’ interest various in STEM-related industries. In addition to learning new skills in Science and Technology, students are encouraged to think creatively and inventively as they build their prototypes for the showcase. They also got the opportunity to go on a learning journey to A*Star and Seletar Airbase to see how scientists and aviation engineers work.
Programmes offered each year are as listed below:
2021 – 3D Printing, Drones and Life Sciences
2019 – Biotechnolgy and Aeronautical Engineering
2018 – Robotics, Sustainable Infrastructure and 3D Printing
2017 – Robotics & Mechatronics, Biotechnology and Applied Food Sciences
2021 – Drones, Cosmetics and 3D Printing
Our Secondary 3 Express students participated in a six-week Applied Learning enrichment programme in 3D Printing, Drones and Life Sciences in 2021. Students took turns to participate in all three programmes, exposing them to more industries and broadening their learning experiences.
2019 – Biotechnology, Aeronautical Engineering
In 2019, our Secondary 3 Express students concluded their nine-week Applied Learning enrichment programme with a project showcase at the end of Term 1. The students were exposed to skills in Biotechnology and Aeronautical Engineering fields. In addition to learning new skills in Science and Technology, students were encouraged to think creatively and inventively as they built their prototypes for the showcase. They also got the opportunity to go on a learning journey to A*Star and Seletar Airbase to observe how scientists and aviation engineers worked.
2018 – Robotics, Sustainable Infrastructure, 3D Printing
In the Robotics module, students were equipped with multi-disciplinary knowledge in robotics and programming to enable the design and development of high-tech modern robotic devices using Lego Mindstorm. Students also learned to navigate through microcontroller applications and programmable logic controllers. As a result, students were able to create prototypes that are useful for everyday life such as automated trash collectors to clear tables in restaurants and robots that could sort recyclable wastes based on material.
In the Sustainable Infrastructure module, students are taught how energy efficiency can be applied in the design of buildings. Using the Microbit software, students invent solutions using green building technologies and practices such as automated lighting and energy saving appliances.
In the 3D Printing module, students are equipped with the fundamental understanding of material science. They enhance their practical skills through the designing and manufacture of prototypes using the 3D printing software. Students are also exposed to the relevance and importance of 3D printing in today’s medical and scientific fields.
Tier 2: Opportunities for Students with Higher Interest and Ability in STEM Fields
Students with higher interest and ability in STEM fields are given opportunities to further develop their passion and potential in STEM and Design Thinking. These include opportunities to attend STEM symposiums, showcase projects at national platforms, take part in national competitions as well as embark on overseas learning experiences.
Participation in National Competitions
Through the participation of students in competitions, we aim to provide students with additional opportunities to further develop critical thinking, problem-solving abilities and interpersonal skills to work in collaborative environments as they are mentored by teachers in small group settings.
2021: Nanyang Polytechnic e-Science and Technology Challenge
Every year, Nanyang Polytechnic School of Engineering invites students to participate in challenges to fuel their critical and creative thinking while promoting the benefits of an engineering and science education. In 2021, our students took part in four challenges.
STEM Festival at Victoria Junior College (VJC)
East Zone Science & Technology Centre @ VJC organises the annual STEM Festival @ VJC to encourage students from schools to be actively engaged in the learning and applications of Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) through a series of activities and events.
Our students participated in the virtual Amazing Race Competition in 2021 and emerged First Runner Up in the competition. During the competition, students had to apply their Biology, Chemistry and Physics knowledge and analytical skills to solve problems in a race against time.
Our students also participated in the marine aquascaping competition during the festival in 2018 where they learnt to appreciate the diversity of marine flora and fauna by establishing a marine ecosystem and build homes for marine creatures in a balanced aquatic environment.
Shell NXplorers 2020
NXplorers 2020 is a competition championed by Science Centre Singapore and Shell Singapore for young people to develop sustainable solutions to food, water and energy challenges.
Our students decided to tackle the food waste problem that is happening in Singapore.
Schools Challenge 2019
Under the Applied Learning Programme (ALP), several of our students were selected to represent LVSS in the Schools Challenge 2019. Schools Challenge is co-organised by Junior Achievement Singapore (JA Singapore) and JP Morgan, supported by Tampines GRC and Housing & Development Board.
Schools Challenge - Live Smart @ The East is a STEM-focused social innovation programme for lower secondary students. The programme aims to broaden students’ interest and learning of various STEM disciplines, encouraging them to co-create innovative and practical solutions that improve the living environment for residents in the east and help to transform the east into a pioneer Smart City in Singapore. Throughout the programme, each student team was mentored by business volunteers from JP Morgan and supported by SUTD student leaders.
Over the 5-month period, the groups thought of innovative solutions to problems that were surfaced by interviewees. Some innovations included automated dustbins that could close shutters and alert cleaning crew when they were full to prevent overflowing bins at community areas, role-playing games to immerse and educate players about local culture and also a smart device to remind the elderly to consume medication on time.
Overseas Learning Experiences
With the aim of increasing global awareness and encouraging entrepreneurial spirit, the programme exposes students to real-world applications of STEM through the launch of an overseas learning experience programme under the Applied Learning Programme.
Key highlights of the overseas learning experience include site-visits to real-world applications of STEM, immersion programmes at overseas colleges and exploration of learning institutes.
Destinations under the Overseas Learning Experience of the Applied Learning Programme have included Cairns & Townsville, Australia (2019), Townsville & Brisbane, Australia (2018) and Kuala Selangor (2019 & 2018).
Cairns & Townsville, Australia (2019)
Townsville & Brisbane, Australia (2018)
Kuala Selangor, Malaysia (2018 & 2019)
Opportunities for Project Showcase
In light of the learning experiences that they have undergone, students embark on opportunities that allow them to share with others what they have learnt from their projects, prototypes and also personal reflections. Through such platforms, they are also able to acquire communication skills to present ideas clearly and coherently and become confident speakers.
Opportunities to participate in more STEM-Related Workshops
Students are also given opportunities to enroll in more STEM-related workshops that help to develop and strengthen their passion for STEM and help students identify future courses and careers that they may be interested in.
Engineering Solutions: Air Pollution Workshop in collaboration with James Dyson Foundation
In collaboration with James Dyson Foundation, students participated in an 8-week programme that introduced them to engineering. They also explored how engineers can solve global challenges, focusing on the problem air pollution.
Tinkering Workshop by Stanford Professor
