Science

Inspiring Inquiry, Igniting Innovation

Science in Action: A Year of Breakthroughs

2025 was a year defined by action, exploration, and tangible impact for the Science Department at Springfield Secondary. Moving beyond the textbook, our students immersed themselves in the living, breathing world of science. From engineering solutions for community health to advocating for climate resilience, Springfielders proved that they are not just students of science, but active practitioners ready to tackle global challenges.

Our goal this year was to dissolve the walls of the classroom, allowing students to experience the rigour and excitement of real-world scientific application. Through our revamped programmes and competitive achievements, we witnessed a cohort of young scientists who are bold, innovative, and deeply engaged with the world around them.

Student Innovation: Transforming Ideas into Reality

This year, our students shone brightly on the national stage, translating their curiosity into award-winning innovations. The highlight of 2025 was undoubtedly the success of our student-led research teams, who demonstrated that age is no barrier to solving complex problems.

Champions of Sustainability: Climate Crisis Challenge

Environmental stewardship was a key theme for our students this year. The journey began at the Climate Crisis Challenge 2025, where the team comprising Zhou Qingyang (3F), Chio Yi Ying Celesse (2C), and Playsa Terapa (2B) demonstrated exceptional critical thinking with their project titled "Waste Not, Want Not: Combating Food Waste and Mosquito Infestation in Singapore."

For this challenge, the team focused on the foundational element of their research—creating a mosquito-repelling candle using food waste. Their impactful work clinched the Bronze Award, laying a strong foundation for further innovation.

Triumph at NXplorer 2.0

Championed by Science Centre Singapore and Shell Singapore, this platform empowers young people to develop sustainable solutions to food, water, and energy challenges.

Building on the initial success of the mosquito-repelling candle, a new team Xu Haibo (2D), Wu Yee Man Win (3F), Ng Gigi (3F), and Zhou Qingyang (3F) developed a took "Humidity-Triggered Candle Warming Lamp" for the NXplorers 2.0 competition, and combined the innovation with the mosquito-repelling candle. This resulted in an automated lamp that would be turned on when humidity levels increased, and the heat from the lamp would cause the mosquito-repelling candle to emit a mosquito-repelling scent.

The team secured $2,500 in seed funding to further refine this sophisticated solution and swept 2 awards on Judging Day:

The Excellence in Making Change Happen Trophy 🏆
The People’s Choice Award 🎖️ (awarded for the highest number of votes from attendees)

A Culture of Inquiry: Research Excellence

Beyond our major award winners, the spirit of scientific inquiry thrived across the department. Our students showcased their rigorous research at prestigious platforms like the Singapore Science and Engineering Fair (SSEF), the 26th International Elementz Fair, and the A*STAR-VJC Science Fair.

We commend Goh Jun Qi (4F), Moola Sathish Babu Deeksha (4F), and Nyan Shin May (4F) for being named finalists at SSEF and presenting at the International Elementz Fair with their project, "Designing More Effective Sound Barriers." Also representing the school at both platforms were Faith Cheng Qin Yu (4F), Wayne Lim Jun Feng (4F), and Hashini Vinoth Kumar (4F), who investigated sustainability in "Utilising Common Food Waste To Make Paper."

At the A*STAR-VJC Science Fair, two teams made us proud with their focus on sustainable alternatives. Zhou Qingyang (3F) and Wu Yee Man Win (3F) presented "Bricks Out of Food Waste: A Study On Sustainable Construction Alternatives," while Sofia Binte Moehammad Ariffin (3E), Ayra Nadynn Binte Aris Fadillah (3E), and Safeera Farzana Binte Kasran (3F) explored agricultural solutions in "Effectiveness Of Mango Seed Extracts As Biopesticides."

STEMania: Learning Through Doing

To bring a fresh energy to our curriculum, we launched STEMania, a series of level-specific programmes designed to challenge students physically and intellectually.

Sec 1 STEMania: Our newest students embarked on an immersive journey where they applied Science and Math concepts to solve real-world, inquiry-based challenges. Working effectively in teams, they demonstrated exceptional collaboration and communication skills to complete complex, time-based problem-solving tasks. This intense experience helped them develop resilience and adaptability when facing unfamiliar challenges, while allowing them to recognize the deep interconnectedness of STEM disciplines through integrated, hands-on learning.
Sec 2 STEMania: In Secondary 2, the excitement accelerated with the Springfield Grand Prix. This dynamic challenge required students to apply their STEM knowledge to program mBot cars to navigate a complex race track. Beyond coding, teams had to design and construct a functional bridge for their mBots to cross. Students collaborated effectively to optimize performance and solve problems in real-time to win the Grand Prix.
Sec 3 STEMania: For our Secondary 3 cohort, STEMania was about taking flight. The Power Glider Challenge demanded a synthesis of aerodynamics and physics, challenging students to build and refine their own aircraft designs. It was a test of resilience and engineering acumen, proving to students that failure is often just the first step toward flight.

Staff Development: Leading by Example

Our teachers believe in walking the talk! To ensure our curriculum remains vibrant and relevant, the Science department staff embarked on an enriching professional development journey to the Singapore Oceanarium. This immersive visit allowed our educators to deepen their understanding of marine biodiversity and conservation. Armed with fresh insights and real-world examples, our teachers are excited to apply this learning in the classroom, bringing the wonders of the ocean to life for our students.

As we look back on 2025, we see a department that has truly come alive. Through STEMania, our research initiatives, and our teachers' commitment to lifelong learning, our students have shown that science is not just a subject to be studied, but a tool to build a better future. We are immensely proud of their growth and look forward to the discoveries that await in 2026.