School: Pasir Ris Secondary School
    Singapore, Singapore, Singapore

15 students, ages 13-15 worked together to complete this CyberFair project on March 15, 2011. They have participated in CyberFair in the following year(s): 2010

Classes and Teachers: Alvin You Cheng Feng

E-Mail contact:

Our School's Web Site: http://prss.moe.edu.sg

1. Description of Our Community

Singapore, the clean, safe and orderly part of Southeast Asia. Consisting of 4.9 million people all in a mere 700km² piece of land. Though packed with people as its only resource, Singapore's public transportation is easy and convenient, competent to be compared with other large scaled countries. Singapore is highly cosmopolitan and diverse with Chinese people forming an ethnic majority with large populations of Malays, Indians and others. Food is a joy and passion in Singapore, with the different ethnic groups, comes different variety of food and culture, experiencing a new flavor of food and culture everyday.

2. Summary of Our Project

Singapore is not always safe and fine. There are times when an epidemic strikes and takes us by surprise. Though always prepared and ready for battle, when stumbled across an incognito, none of us knows what to do. In the year 2003, SARS struck Singapore by surprise, bringing down many to face sickness and death. Everyone was in fear of crowds and was paranoid of one another. However, there were the doctors and nurses who stood by the front lines, inspiring Singapore with their utmost courage and sacrifices. People of the nation gathered together and participated in a project titled 'Fabric of the Nation'. It brought people closer to one another. Though SARS is history and the 'Fabric of the Nation' is now an local attraction, it will always serve as a reminder to Singapore that when a nation unites, even the world's horror could be defeated with a little effort from everyone. Therefore, our project illustrated how Singaporeans took action in completing the symbolic tapestry and unite one another through the shared memory of our glorious victory against SARS.

3. Our Computer and Internet Access

A. Percentage of students using the Internet at home:more than 50%

B. Number of workstations with Internet access in the classroom:4-6

C. Connection speed used in the classroom:dial-up modem

D. Number of years our classroom has been connected to the Internet:more than 6

4. Problems We Had To Overcome

There was a constant lack of communication and cooperation between members; the lack of time management and technical obstacles. By having a lack of communication, members were unsure of their supposed part of research, thus causing each other to repeatedly research for the identical information. Also, due to miscommunication, much of the research provided were not of use. Thus, everything was disorganized and had to be done all over again. This would mean that all the efforts put in earlier would be in vain. Valuable time was also wasted and the deadline is nearing each day. Moreover, there was no cooperation between us as we felt disappointed, having to redo everything again. With the team spirit gone, nobody bothered to contribute ideas or give feedback needed. When there were meetings, nobody turned up. Not only did we fail individually by lacking responsibility, we failed as a whole being in the same team. Every member of team is highly valued, therefore, with members missing, efficiency of getting work done would decrease. As there was no good time management, we do not keep track of our progress. To add on, we met with some technical difficulties. To solve the problems, everybody sat down together and done some reflecting on their own mistakes. Then, we discussed and concluded that we should work hand in hand efficiently and plan ahead so as to get things done soon. Regarding the technical difficulties, we were able to get rid of the cause that is causing the computer to dysfunction. In a nutshell, with everything well-planned, it should be manageable even if problems start arising.

5. Our Project Sound Bite

Through this competition, we were able to learn numerous moral values such as courage and responsibility that are not taught in school textbooks. It has also enriched our experience as Singaporeans and made us develop a true passion for our homeland.

6. How did your activities and research for this CyberFair Project support standards, required coursework and curriculum standards?

The ability to research relevantly and be very organized to ensure the easy compilation of ideas and research to facilitate better teamwork between the team members was the main skill we learnt throughout the project. We ensured that the research was comprehensible to reach a wider audience, including elementary school students. The education system in Singapore emphasises in raising awareness among the young so they can understand the obstacles faced in the past that shapes Singapore to becoming what it is today. History is an inquiry into the past. The study of History helps students to see their relationship to other societies and the world at large, as well as learning from past experiences. It enables students to appreciate achievements of the past and ensure that the next generation would take these achievements as a role model. In this era of globalization, the study of History enables students to adopt a global perspective and understand the complexity of the world we live in.

1) What information tools & technologies did you used to complete your CyberFair project?

With search engines like Google, we were able to search for the main bulk of sources and complete our research. We also used online blogs, articles to do our research. The online word processor and online conferencing tool, Google Docs was used as a platform to compile the research as the team members had tight schedules and had difficulties meeting up often to discuss about the project. Multimedia creation tools like Adobe Photoshop for image editing and Google Sites was used for web creation. These softwares were indeed helpful in making the design of the website more interesting. We greatly appreciated the existence of these modern technologies as they certainly aided the project tremendously.

2) In what ways did you act as "ambassadors" and spokespersons for your CyberFair project both on-line and in person.

We contacted the MCYS about the current whereabouts of the Fabric of the Nation as well as its history. After knowing that we are doing a project for a competition, they seemed interested as they e-mailed us detailed information about the Fabric of the Nation. Furthermore, as our entire team compromise of 13- 15 years old members, we have little recollection of the SARS, hence we engaged our parents into this project by asking them information about SARS. They showed support by providing us with the information required.

3) What has been the impact of your project on your community?

This project is a portal whereby Singaporean’s perseverance and unity could be projected. When SARS struck the world and caused trauma and chaos, This project is a portal whereby Singaporean’s perseverance and unity could be projected. When SARS struck the world and caused trauma and chaos, Singapore remained calm and faced the problem with a cool-head. Singaporeans all over the island united, believing that by working together, it will allow Singapore to overcome its problems. Through this project, Singaporeans will be able to gain the sense of belonging to the nation that they had during the SARS period. Even during the worst conditions, Singapore was able to overcome the fact that we’re only a small red dot and unite everyone with each and every Singaporean’s efforts, confidence and hope.

4) How did your project involve other members of your community as helpers and volunteers?

Our project involved the support of our parents, seniors and teachers. Our parents are the ones who provided us with moral support as we tend to stay up late to complete the project and they’ll be there rooting for us. Also our seniors would often offer words of advice. We would like to thank Fan Wei Liat, our advisor who gave us constant support throughout the entire competition, giving us much pointers and guidance. On top of that our teachers’, Mr Alvin You and Mr Meryvn Heng, constant effort and encouragements was involved. Also the web sources played a crucial role in our project. Even though information was being paraphrased before use, it was the key towards completing the ‘perfect picture’.

5) Discoveries, Lessons and Surprises (Optional)

Time management and stress levels of group members are to be dealt with greater care such that it would not affect the project’s progress. This project is one of the many stepping stones which would propel the name of the school as well as the club in Singapore. The Cyberfair is a healthy competition and we would definitely recommend others to take part in this once in a lifetime experience.