Practicals 1-5 Introduction to Science and the Scientific method.

1P1 Getting to know the Science Laboratory

Today, we learned about the layout of the science lab and the various thing in a Science lab. We learned where all the important features such as first aid boxes, gas taps, power points and fire extinguishers were located in case we needed to use them.We also learned about the standard hazard symbols used to denote explosives, flammable materials, toxic materials, corrosive materials and radioactive materials.

                                     

We also learned how to draw the various instrument used in lab experiments and we took note on how to draw the various equipment such as Bunsen burners, test-tubes and beakers. We also learned about what they were used for and how we should use them. I felt excited as it was my first lab lessons and I greatly enjoyed it.

1P2 Hot stuff with flames

Today, we learned the anatomy of a Bunsen Burner.

There is the barrel, collar, gas tap, air hole, gas jet and base.

We also learned how to light the Bunsen Burner and the possibilities of a strike back.

Then, we learned about the difference between a non luminous flame and a luminous flame. A luminous flame is not as hot as a non luminous flame and only the non luminous flame should be used for heating objects.

Then we carried out our first experiment. We heated a test-tube of water until it boiled and then placed it in a test-tube rack to cool. It was interesting to use the Bunsen burner for the first time.

1P3 Observing and Recording part 1

Today, we did a series of experiments that tested our ability to make observations. The experiments involved dissolving  copper sulfate,  methylated spirits. It was interesting to experiment using many different elements and it was rather exciting to see the result of the experiments. After that, we drew a "space creature" from observations given to us. It was an interesting experience using our imagination creating something that existed within the parameters of a few lines of text.

1P4 Observing and Recording part 2

Today was a very fun lab lesson. We heated a beaker of water using a Bunsen burner and measured the temperature with a thermometer. Then, we recorded the data to plot a line graph. However, i plotted the line graph wrongly, with mistakes like incorrect labelling of data points and drawing multiple lines for the curve.  I hope that i can learn from my mistake and correctly label my graphs so as to prevent losing marks from careless mistakes in the future.

Term 1 Summary

The topic learned in term 1 is Science introduction to Science and the Scientific method.

I learned about the three major elements of science which are attitudes, processes and methods and products. We must have the proper attitudes for learning, the proper process skills to conduct experiments and contribute to Science in order to learn Science. I also learned about the benefits of Science and technology and the abuses of Science technology. I makes me  happy to see the way Science has benefited the world as a whole but in some ways it has harmed the world, peoples and animals alike. We all share this world together and cannot afford to waste resources for convenience and cause pain and suffering to others who share our planet. I also read about the limitations of science. i learned that there are indeed limits that we cannot cross such as seeing the future and time travel, although one day, we might be able to do so.

I also learned about the lab rules and lab protocol. I learned how to react if anything should happen and how to fix any problems. These rules are important because if they are not followed people can get hurt in ways and places more than one.

I also earned about drawing scientist's tools and their purposes. For example,  a fla-bottomed flask is used to contain chemicals when preparing bases if the process requires no heating while the beaker is used to contain chemicals or liquids.

I also learned about Bunsen burners. i learned the difference between luminous flames and non luminous flames and tried them out using the Bunsen burner itself. We learned about the dangers of a strike back and how to heat a liquid in a test-tube. We also learned about the Scientific method and how we can use the individual skills required.

I also learned about the metre rule, parallax error and the various instruments of measurement, such as vernier calipers, micrometer screw gauges and rulers and how to use them. I also learned how to measure area and volume, using instruments like burettes, pipettes and measuring flasks.I learned about concave meniscus and convex meniscus, and most importantly, time measurements.

I also learned about some "special names" for physical quantities, for example newton and volt. It was interesting to learn about these terms and how physical quantities can be defined as. Another thing i learned was the importance of units. I learned terms like base quantity and base unit and formulas to calculate certain things. I learned the difference between mass and weight and the different measuring devices. 

Overall, i greatly enjoyed term 1's science lessons as they were very new to me and allowed me to understand what secondary school science was all about. It showed me how to use a laboratory and lots of different equipment.