Introducing Science

1.1 What is Science? Science is the study of the world around us through observation, experimentation and analysis. There are 3 main areas of study in Science: Physics Chemistry Biology

technology that allowed 1.2 What is Technology? Technology is the application of scientific knowledge for practical purposes. But it is the use of technology that allowed us to build a submarine made of iron that can float and sink in water. Science may explain why iron sinks in water.

Group work Form a team of four students Discuss and state 3 advantages of science and technology For example, mobile phones make communication easier 3 disadvantages of science and technology For example, cars that uses petrol as fuel increases air pollution

Benefits of technology Technology has improved our lives in many ways. These include: the invention of medicines such as antibiotics to fight diseases; the development of food crops that are pest and disease resistant; the invention of bicycles, automobiles, ships and aircraft for transportation; and the invention of the telephone, computer, radio, and television for communication and dissemination of information.

Abuses of technology Though science and technology have made our lives better, sometimes they can cause harm to society and the environment, especially when misused. For example, should you blame the soldiers or the weapons they use for the lives during battles?

Can technology solve all our problems? Despite the many benefits of technology, it cannot solve all our problems. For example, technology cannot stop natural disasters such as earthquakes and hurricanes from happening.

Laboratory rules Throughout the lesson: Do not enter the science laboratory without the teacher’s permission. No food or drinks are to be consumed in the science laboratory. Be serious at all times in the science laboratory. Do not play or tamper with the equipment. Keep your desk clean and tidy.

Laboratory rules Before you begin the experiment: Seek your teacher’s permission before carrying out any experiment. Read all instructions carefully before each experiment. Prepare all apparatus and arrange them such that you will not knock them over while doing the experiment.

Laboratory rules During the experiment: If you are not sure of how to use any equipment or how to proceed, ask your teacher for help. Never try to second-guess your way through an experiment. Never smell or taste chemicals unless your teacher gives permission. Wear goggles when heating or mixing reactive chemicals.

Laboratory rules During the experiment: Never point your test tube at your laboratory mates while heating liquids. Extremely hot liquids sometimes shoot out of test tubes. Wipe all spills. Ask your teacher if you need to dilute the spills if it involves chemicals, like acids, with water before wiping.

Laboratory rules After the experiment: Wash all apparatus after use and return to their proper places. Dispose of waste materials in proper waste bins. Never throw solids or corrosive liquids in the sink. Wash your hands thoroughly before leaving the science laboratory. Do not remove chemicals and apparatus from the science laboratory.

How many hazards can you spot?

Hazard symbols Hazard symbols alert you to chemicals that are potentially harmful. Explosive Substance will react violently when heated or struck e.g. flash powder.

Hazard symbols Biohazardous Poisonous substance of a biological nature e.g. some medical waste, microorganism, virus or toxin Irritable Substance produces vapours or fumes which irritate the eyes, nose and throat e.g. phenol, chloroform Radioactive Substance emits radiation e.g. radioactive carbon, uranium

Hazard symbols Corrosive Substance will eat away other substance e.g. sulphuric acid, potassium hydroxide, calcium oxide Flammable Substance catches fire easily e.g. petrol, kerosene, alcohol, hydrogen Toxic Substance is harmful in small doses e.g. methanol, cyanide, mercury, carbon monoxide, chlorine

Apparatus and equipment Each type of apparatus or equipment has a particular function in the science laboratory. Glassware allows us to make clear observations and follow the changes that take place. Equipment allows us to make accurate measurements to test the hypothesis.

Apparatus and equipment Bunsen burner For raising a flame above the table surface high enough for heating

Apparatus and equipment Retort stand For supporting apparatus during experiments

Apparatus and equipment Tripod stand For supporting apparatus during heating

Apparatus and equipment Test tube For containing small amounts of chemicals for heating For mixing solutions/liquids

Apparatus and equipment Round-bottomed flask For mixing and heating chemicals to produce a gas when heating is required

Apparatus and equipment Filter funnel For transferring liquid into containers with a small opening For separating solids from liquids by the use of filter paper

Apparatus and equipment Boiling tube For containing chemicals For collecting and holding liquids

Apparatus and equipment Beaker For containing chemicals For collecting and holding liquids

Apparatus and equipment Conical flask For containing and mixing chemicals and liquids to produce a gas when heating is not required

Apparatus and equipment Gas jar For collecting gas

Apparatus and equipment Bell jar To separate the set-up for an experiment from the surroundings

Apparatus and equipment Evaporating dish To evaporate the liquid in a solution over a Bunsen burner

1.5 The Scientific Method Step 1: Make observations Step 2: Analyse, infer and predict Step 3: Plan experiments to test your hypothesis Step 4: Record and analyse your results Step 5: Discuss with others Step 6: Summarise your results and draw conclusions Step 7: Communicate your findings with others

A Problem Investigate how temperature affect the amount of time to dissolve sugar What are the variables? Independent Variable – Variable that I change Dependent Variable – Variable that I measure/observe Controlled variable: Variable that does not change 2009 S1 Science: Investigating Science Lesson 3

A problem Plot a graph to determine the relationship When plotting the variables on the graph: Independent variable is on the horizontal axis Dependent variable on the vertical axis How do you think the graph would look? Try it and compare with your friend’s

Miscellaneous http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Science http://www.futureforall.org/ http://www.ksu.edu/biology/pob/modern_attitudes.html http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Science_lab http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scientific_method