Understanding Science: Key Concepts
Understanding Science: Key Concepts
1
WHAT IS SCIENCE?
Notes by Sky Zhang (aka Skibidi
Zhang)
Vocab List
Emergency Fire
spill kit extinguisher
and blanket
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PPE (Personal
Emergency gas
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shut off valve
Protective
Equipment
EDGE - Place Bunsen burner on a heatproof mat within a safe distance of the edge of the workbench
TUBE - Check the tube has no cracks and plug it into the gas tap firmly (Don’t be scared of putting it on so far
that its stuck. Trust me, it won’t fit that far in). Make sure that the gas tap is off (off position is an ‘L’ shape of
switch)
AIRHOLE - The collar controls the amount of oxygen that is reacted with the gas (Internal Combustion (IC)) to
create a flame (blue, roaring and safety). Make sure that the airhole is fully closed (safety flame) before you do
anything else
LIGHT THE MATCH - Light the match and hold the stick above the barrel/chimney of the burner.
TURN ON THE GAS TAP - Use your free hand to reach over (careful not to be directly over the burner) and switch
the gas flow on. Once the gas flow ignites because of the matchstick, you can now blow it (not too hard) and
smoosh the blackened tip against the heatproof mat. You can goof around a bit by trying to write your name on
the mat.
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The Independent Variable
The independent variable is the factor that you will change in an
experiment.
Memory tool: The Independent variable is the thing I change
There should only be ONE independent variable in an experiment -
other variables should be controlled (see below). This ensures that
you have designed a fair test.
When you write your results up, the independent variable should be
written in the left column of a table, and plotted on the X (horizontal)
axis of a graph.
The Dependent Variable
Something
to help you
OBSERVATIONS AND
INFERENCES
1.6
Observations vs Inferences
An observation is something that is
perceived using at least one of your five
senses: sight, hearing, smell, taste or touch.
During an experiment in science you use as
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information. Observations can be
quantitative (presented as numbers) or
qualitative (presented as words).
Continuous data
Continuous data is collected by measuring intervals
along a continuum (line). It is data that can be
measured.
There are an infinite (limitless) number of possible
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The independent variable will have a numerical
value e.g. height, weight, temperature, time, etc.
Continuous data should be displayed using a line
graph, joined with a line or curve of best fit.
Discrete Data Graphs
Discrete data
Discrete data is data that can be counted. The values are whole,
concrete, specific and fixed numbers.
The independent variable will be qualitative rather than
numerical e.g. species of fish, males or females, etc.
Discrete data may be represented as a column or bar graph.
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These are commonly used in Biology when looking at the number
of cases of particular diseases.
The memory tool TUPAC can be used to help you remember what to include in a line graph:
T = Title
U= Units
P= Points (accurately plotted)
A = Axes (correctly set up and labelled)
C = Curve or line of best fit
The steps below explain the steps you should follow to create a graph, ensuring that each of the components above are included.
Setting up your graph
Use a sharp, lead pencil to complete all graphs (including titles and labelling your axes).
Unless you are told otherwise, you should put your independent variable on the x axis (along the bottom), and your dependent variable on the y axis
(along the side).
Give your graph an informative title that includes both the independent and dependent variables e.g. The effect of temperature on the growth of
mould over time.
Label each axis with the name of the variable and the unit used to measure it in brackets after the name e.g. Time (seconds).
Setting up your scales
Each axis should be marked into units that cover the entire range of your measurements e.g. if your time ranges from 0 to 19 minutes, you may set the
scales up with 0 as your lowest value and 20 as your highest value.
The scale is then broken into equal increments (amounts) which are marked along the grid.
This means that each mark on your scale is worth the same amount.
You should use numbers that are easy to work with and that make it easy to plot points that fall in between the lines. Good numbers to work with
include 1,2,5, 10, 100, etc. while numbers such as 7 or 11 are hard to work with!
The corner of your graph should be clearly labelled. Note that if the value is different on each of the scales then it must be labelled on each scale.
Plotting your points
Points should be marked with a neat, precise point
such as an X. You should avoid using large, messy
blobs to plot points!
All data that is provided should be included. A point
should only be drawn at (0,0) if this data is provided
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as a point.
If more than one set of data is to be plotted, the
shape of the points should be changed rather than
using coloured pens or pencils to distinguish them. A
key should then be used to identify the data sets.
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example, if crosses are used to plot the first set
of data, the second data set could be plotted using a
neat dot, with a circle drawn around it so you can
see it! That is,
.
Drawing your line
If the points on your graph fall in a line, they should
be connected with a neatly ruled straight line. This is
called a line of best fit. A line of best fit does not
have to go through all plotted points but should go
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close to asName
many points as possible.
If the points show a clear pattern but form a curve,
they should be joined with a smooth curve drawn
freehand. This curve is called a curve of best fit. This
curve will most likely go through all points.
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THE SCIENTIFIC
METHOD
1.9
The scientific method
The scientific method is a way for scientists to study and learn things. It
doesn't matter what the scientist is trying to learn, using the scientific
method can help them come up with an answer. When conducting an
experiment, scientists follow a standard procedure as shown in the
flowchart on the right:
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The first thing to do with the scientific method is to come up with a
question that you want to test. Next, you need to observe and gather
information in order to come up with a prediction (called a hypothesis), or
a number of predictions, to answer the question. Next, you run
experiments to see if your prediction is right.
A key to good experiments is to only change one thing, or variable, at a
time. This way you can check your results and know what you did that may
have changed the answer. Carefully controlling your experiments is an
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important part of the scientific method. We call this a "fair test"
Finally, after running all the tests you can think of, you analyse your data.
You can then determine whether your results have supported your
hypothesis. Many scientists would then make a new prediction and carry
out some more experiments.
Writing a scientific report
When you conduct an experiment, a report should be written up using the following format:
Background information: Before designing an experiment, it is good to do some research so that you understand what is
known about your topic before you start, learn about other experiments that may be related to your experiment and make a
prediction about what you think will happen in the experiment.
Aim: The aim of an experiment is a statement of what you are trying to achieve in a experiment. The aim should be specific
and include reference to both the independent and dependent variables in the experiment. An aim starts with the word "To",
followed by a verb e.g. To determine whether adding fertiliser to a plant will make it grow taller.
Hypothesis: A hypothesis is a prediction of what you think your results will be. It is not a wild guess; it should be formulated
after conducting your research, based on all available information and evidence. The hypothesis can start with the word
"That" e.g. That plants will grow taller when fertiliser is added. Some hypotheses may be phrased as follows: "If (the
independent variable is changed) then (the dependent variable will change)". e.g. If fertiliser is added to a plant, then the
plant will grow taller.
Materials: A detailed list of all equipment, chemicals, etc. that are used in the experiment must be included. Bullet points are a
good way to display your materials list.
Method
A step-by-step method detailing what to do in your experiment should be included. It should be detailed enough that another
person could follow these steps and get the same results that you did. Numbered points are the best way to present this. The
variables for your experiment should be clearly identifiable in your method. You need to show how you will:
change your independent variable
measure your dependent variable
control all other variables
Writing a scientific report
(Continued)
Results:
All data that you collect in your experiment should be presented in your results section. This may be presented as:
Results tables
Graph
A description of results (written as sentences)
Discussion
The discussion is the section where you analyse your results and try to explain why you may have got them. It should
include:
A brief summary of your results
A scientific explanation of why these results were obtained. (You can include some more research in this section).
Limitations of your experiment, including an explanation of any unusual results suggestions for future research
In class, you may be given some questions to answer that will form your hypothesis. In a report, you will write this as
a series of paragraphs.
Conclusion:
This should be a few sentences in which you make a statement about the findings of your experiment. It should
answer the aim of your experiment and should state whether or not your hypothesis was supported by these results.
Bibliography:
You should include a full list of all sources you used to conduct your research.
Appendix:
If you have a lot of data, you may present a summary in your results section and the full set of data collected can
go in an appendix at the end.
Video - The Scientific Method:
Steps and Examples
ERRORS
1.10
Mistakes vs Errors
When we measure or record data, we want our results to be as accurate as possible.
However, sometimes things go wrong. This can happen in two different ways:
through mistakes or errors.
An error, on the other hand, is not just a simple accident. Errors happen because of
limits in how we measure things. Even when we try our best, errors can still happen
because no measurement is ever perfect. Scientists work to reduce errors as much
as possible, but they can never completely get rid of them.
Parallax error
Here are some common types of errors that can occur when taking measurements:
Parallax Error – This happens when you look at a scale from the wrong angle.
For example, if you are measuring liquid in a measuring cylinder and your eyes
are not level with the surface of the liquid, you might read the wrong value
Reading Error
Reading Error – Some measuring tools have scales that are hard to read
accurately. If the marks are too close together or faint, you might misread the
measurement.
Instrument Error
Instrument Error – Sometimes, the tool you are using is not perfectly made or
has small faults. For example, a ruler that has been bent or a thermometer that
is not correctly calibrated will cause errors.
Human Reflex Error
Human Reflex Error – When measuring things that require a reaction, like timing
how fast something happens, human reaction time can cause small errors.
Different people have different reflex speeds, which can affect the results.
Zero Error
Zero Error – This happens when a measuring tool does not start from exactly
zero. For example, if a scale already shows a small weight before anything is
placed on it, all measurements will be slightly wrong.
Error video
POLL!
What was your favourite
topic in this unit?
What is science
Lab rules
Lab equipment
Choose an option!
Making measurements
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Variables
Data - tables
Scientific method
Errors
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SOLUTIONS AND
MIXTURES
2.0
QUIZ!
Is Bose-Einstein
ANSWER ME! Condensate (BEC) a state
of matter?
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Yes
No
Submit
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QUIZ!
Is plasma a state of matter?
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Yes
No
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Submit
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QUIZ!
What is it called when a
solid turns into a gas?
Ionization
Sublimation
Submit
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QUIZ!
What is it called when a gas
turns into a solid?
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Sublimation
Deposition
Solidization
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Submit
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STATES OF
MATTER
2.1
States of matter
All matter on Earth can exist
in one of three main states;
solid, liquid, or gas. The
image below shows how
particles are arranged in
each of these states.
States of matter - The
Water Cycle
Water is one of the few
substances on Earth that
naturally exists in all three
states. At room temperature,
water is a liquid. If water is
heated to boiling point, it
becomes a gas (steam). If
water is cooled to freezing
point, it becomes a solid (ice).
Water on Earth moves
between these states in a
cycle, known as the water
cycle.
THE PARTICLE-KINETIC
MODEL
2.2
QUIZ!
Why does metal expand
under hot weather?
Because ‘physics’.
Submit
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The Particle-Kinetic Model
Let's look at that in more detail, to understand how the particles are rearranged in order for a substance
to change states:
Solids: In a solid like ice, the particles vibrate in place. They don’t move around much, which is why solids
have a fixed shape.
Liquids: In a liquid like water, the particles move around each other more freely. This is why water can
flow and take the shape of its container.
Gases: In a gas like oxygen, the particles move quickly and are far apart. They fill the entire space
available, which is why a balloon can expand when filled with air.
The Particle-Kinetic Model
The information next to this summarises the
(continued x2)
properties and arrangement of particles in
solids, liquids and gases:
Solids are very rigid and have a fixed
volume and shape. They only move a
little in reaction to a change in heat or
energy.
Liquids are not rigid and don't have a
fixed shape but have a fixed volume.
They move over the top of one another
as energy is added (think about how
much boiling water moves!).
Gases are not rigid, and don't have a
fixed shape or volume. They disperse
themselves in the space they are in. The
bounce off each other and have a lot of
movement as more energy is added.
Predicting Behavior with
the Particle Model
The particle model helps us understand how matter
behaves when conditions change. For example:
Adding Heat:
Ice to Water: When you heat ice, the particles gain
energy and start to vibrate faster. Eventually, they
break free from their fixed positions, and the ice
melts into water.
Water to Steam: If you continue to heat water, the
particles gain even more energy and move so fast
that they escape into the air as steam.
Increasing Pressure:
Compressing a Gas: If you take a balloon and
squeeze it, you’re applying pressure. The gas
particles inside the balloon are pushed closer
together, making the balloon shrink. If you squeeze
too hard, the balloon may pop!
Benefits and Limitations of Using Models
Why Do We Use Models in Science?
Makes Science Easier to Understand: Models help us picture things we can’t see, like tiny particles or
things that are too large to see like the solar system.
Helps Us Make Predictions: Scientists use models to guess what might happen if we change something,
like heating ice.
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Explains Everyday Observations: The particle model explains why water boils, why balloons pop, and why
ice melts.
Limitations of Models
They Are Simplified: Models don’t show every detail. For example, the particle model doesn’t show
different types of atoms.
They Might Not Always Be Accurate: Some materials don’t behave exactly like the model predicts.
They Don’t Show Everything: The particle model doesn’t explain electricity, magnetism, or how atoms
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Why the Particle Model is Useful
Helps Explain Solids, Liquids, and Gases: It shows why ice keeps its shape, water flows, and air spreads
out.
Explains Changes of State: It helps us understand melting, freezing, boiling, and condensation.
Used in Science and Engineering: Scientists and engineers use the model to study materials and invent
new things.
Benefits and Limitations of Using Models
(Continued)
Particle-kinetic model
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DIFFUSION
2.3
Diffusion
Diffusion is the movement of particles
from an area of high concentration to
an area of low concentration until
they are spread evenly.
Concentration Gradient
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