MOONSHOT ACADEMY

MOONSHOT ACADEMY

Irene Chi

Biology Teacher, Science Research Supervisor

Graduated from China Agricultural University with a Ph.D. in Microbiology. During the doctoral program, she participated in a joint Ph.D. training program at the University of Sheffield in the UK.

She teaches biology courses, including Biology Project and Principles of Biology, while also involved in the preparation and instruction of scientific research project courses.

Research focuses both domestically and internationally on microbial metabolic engineering and the analysis of photosynthetic mechanisms in photosynthetic bacteria. Passionate about education, enjoys innovative ideas, excels in experimental education, and aims to inspire students' appreciation, interest, and competence in natural sciences.

Curriculums3

BIOL2001: Biology Project

This introductory course cultivates learners' understanding of biology through inquiry-based investigations and project-based learning, as they explore the two topics: Taxonomy and Health.

Biology is the study of life. The diversity of species makes biology both an endless source of fascination and a considerable challenge. Through the learning of the first topic, learners will know how to simplify the study of numerous species and use their knowledge to protect the living organisms and the environment they share with us.

The second topic is health, which is a concern for everyone. Learners will get to understand that human health is a consequence of the relationships and interactions between biological processes in our bodies, our lifestyles, and the conditions we live in.

BIOL3002: Principles of Biology

This course integrates both Pre-AP biology and Chinese high school biology curriculum, which is structured around the core and component ideas: Ecosystems, From molecules to organisms, Heredity, and Biological evolution. You will develop essential biology knowledge by applying science practices (see below) through inquiry-style experiences that will provide you with an organizational framework for connecting knowledge from across disciplines into a coherent and scientifically based view of the world. You will develop the habits of mind that are necessary for scientific thinking and that allow you to engage in science in ways that are similar to those used by scientists.

SCIE5001: Scientific Research Methodology

AI, NANO, and DNA, three words that probably have been regarded as KEY WORDs in your science class. But have you ever wanted to try and experience them in real life? If your answer is "YES," Scientific Research Methodology (SCIE5001) is intended for you.

This course is highly suitable for learners who aim to conduct independent research in STEM at MSA. In the course of STEM Research Methodology, learners have the chance to investigate two different cutting-edge scientific topics, design and conduct experiments in different fields to develop credible and valid evidence-based essays, and deliver oral and visual presentations, both individually and as part of a team. Ultimately, this course aims to build a solid base and equip learners with the transferable skills to be successful in SCIE5002 - STEM Research Project- 1, where learners are required to conduct independent research and produce their own scholarly work.

Projects5

How does adjusting the amount of the additives of sorbitol, glycerin, and titanium dioxide affect the properties of CMC-gelatin-agar plastic?

Disciplines/Subjects: Materials Science and Engineering; Polymer Chemistry; Environmental Science; Microbiology Key Themes: Sustainable Alternatives to Petroleum-Based Plastics This research investigates the impact of different additives on the properties of biodegradable plastics made from carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC), gelatin, and agar. The study focuses on sorbitol and glycerin as plasticizers to improve the plastic's ductility, and titanium dioxide (TiO2) to enhance its color. The researchers found that glycerin and sorbitol effectively increased the plastic's flexibility. They also observed that TiO2 successfully adjusted the film's color, making it whiter. The study concludes that adjusting the additive amounts is crucial for achieving a balance of desired properties in CMC-gelatin-agar plastic6. The research suggests that this type of biodegradable plastic has the potential to replace traditional petroleum-based plastics, contributing to environmental protection.

The Possible Correlations Between an Individual’s Attributes and the Time Theory One Tends to Choose

Disciplines/Subjects: Philosophy; Psychology; Cognitive science Key Themes: The Interplay of Individual Attributes and Time Perception This research examines the relationship between individual attributes, such as personality traits, academic interests, multiple intelligences, and preferences for different time theories. The research employed a survey to assess participants' agreement with statements about time, correlating their responses with their scores on personality and intelligence tests. It also included a behavioral experiment where participants arranged cards representing different time concepts, followed by interviews to understand their reasoning. The study found a potential correlation between academic interests and preferred time theories. Participants with interests in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) fields tended to favor non-dynamic time theories, while those interested in SHAPE (Social Sciences, Humanities, Arts, Physical Education, and Education) fields leaned toward dynamic time theories. However, the research did not find a significant correlation between personality traits and time theory preferences.

Using Physarum Rigidum to Determine the Fire Evacuation Routes for Fire Cases during Lunchtime at Moonshot Academy

Disciplines/Subjects: Mycology; Biophysics; 3D Modeling Key Themes: Biologically Inspired Solutions for Real-World Problems This research explores the use of slime mold, specifically Physarum rigidum, to model optimal fire evacuation routes in a school building. The study used a 3D-printed model of the school and simulated fire scenarios using a repellent substance, pyruvic acid, to guide the slime mold's growth. Lucy placed oat flakes at potential exits, representing attractive destinations for the slime mold. The experiment demonstrated that the slime mold successfully navigated the model, avoiding the repellent and connecting to the oat flakes, revealing potentially efficient evacuation routes. The study concludes that slime mold can be a valuable tool for designing and evaluating fire evacuation plans. It also highlights the potential of slime mold as a model organism for studying complex problem-solving behavior.

Phenological Investigations: Understanding Plant Responses to Environmental Changes

Disciplines/Subjects: Phenology, Botany, Ecology Key Themes: Phenology, Plant Physiology, Data Collection and Analysis, Environmental Changes Students will take on the role of phenologists, scientists who study the timing of biological events about environmental conditions. This project will involve observing and documenting the phenological stages of various plant species on the school campus, and analyzing how environmental factors influence these stages. This real-world task allows students to engage in authentic scientific inquiry and produce meaningful outputs that could be used for ecological studies or shared with the local community.

Cell Membrane Permeability Project

Disciplines/Subjects: Biology Key Themes: Cell membrane, permeability, homeostasis In this project, students will investigate how various solutes (such as salt or sugar) can affect the permeability of cell membranes in beetroot cells. This will involve designing and conducting experiments, analyzing data, and presenting the findings.