There's a class official outing to either Sungei Buloh Nature Reserves, OR, Bukit Timah Hill..
This outing is to learn about the natural vegetation in Singapore.
This outing is being made compulsory. It will be on 10th of June 2009. Its actually a remedial day. From 8am onwards.
More details on how much to pay, etc, will be given at a later date.
Sungei Buloh Nature Reserves actually have a more interesting agenda. Which is a more lively place, with the availability to make use of wireless learning in SBNR itself.
it includes learning more about mangrives, flora and fauna, and the forest insside it.
Therefore, do all of u agree with SBNR?? Please reply via tagboard.
Thank You.
Wei Xin
Below is the respective information of the 2 places..
Re: Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserves
Sungei Buloh is more about its mangroves in it. Many other species of birds actually fly in as a stopover while migrating. Not about its mangroves, flora and fauna can also be studied there.
There are some small huts covered for visitors to rest and observe the surrounding flora and fauna away from the sight of the reserve’s resident and migratory animals and birds.
There are also a few new additions to the reserves such as the otters. They could be easily spotted as they move on group of fives.
Will there be tours around Sungei Buloh?
Yes! Pre-booked guided tours are available with a maximum group of 15 at the price of $60. But, there is also a free guided tour around. Same amount of people per group also.Alternatively, you could engage STB Certified Nature Guide.
What’s more about Sungei Buloh?
- Wireless Learning Trail @ Sungei Buloh
The wireless learning trail at Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve is the first of its kind in the parks of Singapore, and possibly in the region. It is a public-private partnership initiative involving NParks, IDA, MOE and iCELL Network Pte Ltd.
It was inspired by the desire to enhance the learning experience and create new ways to deliver educational programmes that would:
- Appeal to the young and technology-savvy Singaporeans,
- Bring learning beyond conventional classrooms and,
- Be less dependent on traditional manpower-intensive methods of nature education.
However, a nominal fee of $3 is charged for the rental of each portable device, payable to iCELL, which is managing the learning trail. This is to cover administrative charges and maintenance of the wireless network. iCell may impose a fine of S$250 for the loss or deliberate mishandling of the equipment.
Number of Students
As time is required to complete the activities at each station, students are advised to spread themselves out on the trail instead of concentrating at one location. This will also ensure that the UMPCs are operating at its most optimal level.
Getting the most out of the Wireless Learning Trail @ Sungei Buloh
Pre-trip Activities
The pre-trip checklist contains instructions on activities that teachers can ask students to carry out before their field trip. It includes information on the reserve such as mangrove vegetation and its adaptation to harsh conditions. Teachers can also inculcate in students, important values and attitudes through understanding the importance of preserving our unique natural heritage.
On the Trail
Three different field activities have been integrated into the learning trail, namely field-recording observation, annotation and sketching activities. Students will be able to go through these activities at different locations along the trail.
Post-Trip Activities
After completing the trail, students can share what they have experienced or learnt with their peers in school. Through these activities, a more holistic approach is adopted towards developing an appreciation of the natural environment among students.
Wireless Field Investigations
Schools who want to embark on a more comprehensive scope of discovery of the wetland reserve can apply for a research permit from NParks. A fieldwork workhop to familiarise teachers with the field techniques and equipment is also available at the Training Administration System on the Intranet (TRAISI). Schools can contact the Ministry of Education's Humanities and Aesthetics Branch (Geography Unit) at tel 6879 6768 for more information.
Information for Teachers:
For students who require more guidance, it will be advisable for teachers to go through the pre-trip activities with their students and break down the tasks among the groups. The tasks, which include planning for the budget and working out the programme schedules for the field trip, help to build valuable real-life skills, which will be useful even when students are working on other projects.
To keep students make the most out of their learning experience, teachers may want to go through how to use the recording templates before embarking on the trail.
Teachers can also consider stretching the number of learning activities over a few site visits to Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve, so that students can focus on one specific skill during each visit.
Instructions on how to access the information via the 2-D barcodes on the trail
Please ensure that the webcam is plugged securely onto the UMPC.
Activate the barcode scanner programme on the UMPC. This will trigger a viewer of the webcam.
Along the trail, look for 2-D barcodes which are placed in strategic locations. To access the information embedded in the barcodes, adjust the distance of the webcam to allow the barcode to fit into the viewer onscreen.
The programme in the UMPC will automatically detect the 2-D barcode. An URL will appear along with a pop-up and you will hear an audio cue.
Select the URL listed in the pop-up and the information will be displayed in your UMPC.
Repeat steps 3 - 5 when you see another 2-D barcode along the learning trail.
In very sunny weather, the detection of the barcodes could be hampered by reflection. It would be useful to shield the 2-D barcodes while using the viewer to scan the codes.
Please take good care of all equipment on loan, including the UMPCs and webcams. Parts of the equipment may be detachable or become loosened with use.
For assistance, please call the iCELL Customer Helpdesk at Tel: 6309-4525.
Re: Bukit Timah Hill
Bukit Timah Nature Reserve was one of the first forest reserves established in Singapore. When the government of the Straits Settlements commissioned a report on the state of the forests, it was recommended that several reserves be created. Thus, in 1883, Bukit Timah Nature Reserve was established. In 1951, it received more protection under the Nature Reserves Ordinance which was enacted under the National Parks Act.
The 163-hectare reserve retains one of the largest tracts of primary rainforest left in Singapore.
The forest has been a botanical collecting ground for more than a century, where the first known specimens of many species of Malayan plants were obtained. Dr David Bellamy, a renowned conservationist, once pointed out that the number of plant species growing in the Bukit Timah Nature Reserve is more than that in the whole of North America!
Bukit Timah Nature Reserve is also home to Singapore's highest hill at 163.63 m. Composed mainly of granite, Bukit Timah Hill was once an active quarrying site in the mid-1900s. One abandoned quarry has been developed as a park - Hindhede Nature Park. It is now a popular spot with visitors who come to enjoy the quarry's scenic beauty and have some fun with the more challenging play equipment.
Bukit Timah Nature Reserve Visitor CentreBegin your forest exploration with an orientation visit at the Visitor Centre. A self-guiding exhibit features essential information about the native flora and fauna of the nature reserves. The Visitor Centre is open from 8.30am to 6.00pm daily.Here, there are amenities like an information counter, restrooms, telephones, first aid and specialty shop. Car parking is available from 5.30am to 7.30pm daily. However, as lots are limited and the reserve is especially popular on weekends, public transport may be the better alternative.
I hope you'll know more.. so please make a wise choice..
