Intro To Science Flashcards
What is science?
Science is the study of our surroundings through experiment and observation.
Latin word for ‘knowledge’ = scientia.
What are the different branches and sub-branches of science?
- BIOLOGY: study of all living things. “Biologist”.
- zoology (study of animals),
- botany (study of plants),
- ecology (study of ecosystems),
- biotechnology (study of how organisms can be used to create products of value to society),
- anatomy and physiology (study of the structure and functions of living things). - CHEMISTRY: interaction of substances with each other and with energy. “Chemist”
- organic chemistry (study of carbon-based chemicals such as those found in fossil fuels)
- medicinal chemistry (the design and development of medicines). - PHYSICS: study of forces, energy and matter (excluding the interactions studied in chemistry). “Physicist”.
- atmospheric physics (study of weather and climate),
- atomic physics (study of atoms),
- astrophysics (study of space). - EARTH & SPACE SCIENCE: study of Earth and space; study of rocks, stars, volcanoes and the non-living resources around us.
- Geology, “geologist”
- astronomy, “astronomer”
- climatology, “climatologist”
What is the importance of scientists conducting experiments?
To prove or disprove a hypothesis or ideas of the scientists.
The data gathered during the experiment will provide evidence that the hypothesis is true or false.
This data contributes to our understanding of the world and how things interact within it.
Who is David Unaipon, and what did he contribute to science?
Indigenous inventor, writer, political activist.
He fought to improve conditions of Aboriginal people.
He created an improved hand tool for shearing sheep, a centrifugal motor, a multi-radial wheel, and a mechanical propulsion device. “Australia’s Leonardo (Da Vinci)”.
His face is found on the Australian $50 note.
He received the Coronation Medal in 1953, for being a leading citizen. He was the only Aboriginal in SA to receive it.
What is David Unaipon’s continuing impact in science and society?
Besides being inventive, David Unaipon was also a political advocate of equality for Aboriginal people.
He assisted inquiries and commissions into Aboriginal welfare and treatment.
In 1927 when his book of Aboriginal legends, ‘Hurgarrda’ was published, he became the first Australian Aboriginal author.
How can you work safely in a lab?
- Always follow your teacher’s instructions.
- Never eat or drink in a lab.
- Wear PPE (personal protective equipment): safety glasses (protection from glass/chemicals), lab coats (protection from stains/chemicals), gloves (protection from harmful substances).
- Always wash your hands after you have removed your gloves to be extra safe.
- Always wear enclosed footwear to make sure that nothing can fall onto your feet and hurt you.
- Use a safety mat/heatproof mat whenever you are using a Bunsen burner to prevent damage to the bench and other equipment.
Why is it important to have lab safety rules to follow?
To ensure the health and safety of the lab technicians/students.
There are lots of hazards (dangers) in a lab. Common hazards incl. something that you could trip or slip on, or
cut or burn yourself on.
Measuring Tools
LENGTH (e.g. mm)
- ruler
- measuring tape
- trundle wheel
- laser distance measuring tool
VOLUME (e.g. mm^3)
- measuring cylinders
- pipette
TEMPERATURE (e.g. deg. C)
- digital thermometer
- glass thermometer
- data logger probe
TIME (e.g. h/m/s)
- Stopwatches
MASS (e.g. kg)
- electronic balances
- spring balances
How do you remain safe in a lab while using equipment?
Remember these important safety points when using a Bunsen burner:
- Tie long hair back and secure loose clothing such as school ties.
- Roll up sleeves if they are too long.
- Never leave the Bunsen burner unattended.
- Turn the Bunsen burner to a yellow safety flame when not heating.
- Place the Bunsen burner on a heatproof mat.
- Wait for all equipment to be cool before handling.
What is the process for lighting a Bunsen Burner?
Method
- Place the Bunsen burner on a heatproof mat.
- Attach the Bunsen burner rubber tubing to a gas tap.
- Ensure the Bunsen burner hole is closed to give a safety flame (bright yellow flame that’s not as hot and can be easily seen. The flame is yellow because the gas does not mix in the barrel with oxygen from the air when the airhole is closed).
- Strike a match away from your body.
- Turn on the gas.
- Bring the match up towards the tip of the barrel mouth to light the flame.
- Shake out the match and place on the heatproof mat.
- When heating anything, twist the collar to open the airhole and produce a blue flame. The gas mixes with oxygen in the barrel when the airhole is open.
- When the Bunsen burner is not being used for heating, twist the collar to close the airhole and produce a safety flame.
- Ensure the gas is turned off at the end of any Bunsen burner practical.
Describe the history of the Bunsen Burner
Invented in 1855 by Robert Bunsen (German chemist and teacher).
He invented the Bunsen burner as he thought it would help him with chemistry.
Peter Desaga was at the same University, and helped create it.
What is the purpose of the Bunsen Burner?
It’s a common lab instrument that produces a hot, sootless, non-luminous flame.
The Bunsen Burner allows for precise regulation of the mixing of gas and oxygen in its central barrel before combustion, which ignites the flame.
What is an investigation?
A specific test of how one thing impacts another.
Explain what independent, dependent, and controlled variables are.
Variables: any factor that can affect the experiment
Independent = changed in any investigation
Dependent = measured in any investigation
Controlled = kept the same in any investigation (does not include “person doing the test”, “stopwatch”). Controlled variables affect the reliability and validity of the test.
What is a hypothesis?
A prediction based on two variables for any given scientific investigation.
