Over-education?

This question was taken from a P6 assessment book from a reputable publisher. Can you spot the obvious mistake?

This is an experiment to measure transpiration and not respiration. Respiration produces carbon dioxide and water. It’s transpiration that causes the plant to lose water. It irks me that the folks who try to “improve” on the standard of education in Singapore by teaching way beyond the syllabus during my time can’t even get the basics right.

Wake up! Stamps are all stickers now. The adhesive is hydrophobic. There is a different method for removing it which you may want to check out.

Is fibreglass really used to make the body of ships? I thought they’re only used in small boats and kayaks. Ships?

Finally, my posting on genetics being tested for PSLE has seen some lively discussion at Facebook. In fact, the subject was changed from genetics to the digestive system. 2 parents versus one teacher. Can you tell who is who?

Then, there’s a question that goes: “What is meant by biotechnology?”

Huh? yao mo gao chor ah? I thought this would come up as a question for discussion in General Paper, but hey, they want a P6 student to explain it in one sentence and worth only 1 mark to boot.

The “model answer”?

Biotechnology means making use of living organisms to produce new things.

Yeah, right. I sure love to apply “biotechnology” to make use of living things called yeast cells to produce something nice and new. Sure, the process of brewing will fit into the broadest definition of biotechnology, but when we talk about biotechnology today, we’re talking about genetic engineering and highly intellectual stuff like modifying organisms to make them produce drugs or human hormones.

When will these folks ever learn that if you can’t teach adequately at this stage, then leave it out until a more appropriate time?

Looks like I’m really going to have a hard time writing this science book.

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