Basic 8 · Science · Term Preparation
Preparing for the Term in Science
In this topic you will prepare for the term by recalling scientific skills, working safely in the laboratory and practising how to observe, investigate, record and present findings.
By the end of these notes you should be able to:
- Recall the skills scientists use
- State safety rules for practical work
- Plan a small investigation and record the results
What you already know
- Science process skills (Basic 7)
Copy everything that has a blue line on its left into your notebook. The other parts are for reading.
Lesson 1
- Strand
- Diversity Of Matter
- Sub-strand
- Term Preparation
Introduction
Science is more than a set of facts. It is a way of asking questions and testing answers using evidence.
1. Science Process Skills
| Skill | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|
| observing | using the senses carefully | noting the colour of a solution |
| measuring | using instruments | reading a thermometer |
| classifying | grouping by features | grouping mixtures |
| hypothesising | suggesting a testable idea | Salt dissolves faster in hot water. |
| experimenting | testing an idea | stirring salt in two cups |
| concluding | deciding what results show | Hot water dissolves salt faster. |
2. The Scientific Method
- Ask a question.
- Suggest a hypothesis.
- Plan and carry out a test.
- Record the results.
- Analyse the results.
- State a conclusion and share it.
3. Fair Tests
A fair test changes one thing at a time. The factor you change is the independent variable, the one you measure is the dependent variable, and everything else is kept the same. If you test how temperature affects dissolving, you must use the same amount of salt, water and stirring in each cup. If you change two things together, you cannot tell which one caused the result.
4. Why Evidence Matters
Scientists do not accept a claim just because many people repeat it. They ask for evidence. This helps you in daily life too, such as when you see a health message on social media. Ask where it came from and what evidence supports it.
New words
- hypothesis
- A testable suggested explanation.
- variable
- A factor that can change in an experiment.
- evidence
- Facts that support a claim.
- conclusion
- What the results show.
Summary
- Scientists use skills such as observing, measuring and experimenting.
- A fair test changes one variable at a time.
- Conclusions must be based on evidence.
Class activity: Fair Test Planning
- Choose a question about dissolving sugar.
- State what you will change, measure and keep the same.
- Share your plan with the class.
You need: Beaker, Hand lens, Safety goggles
Exercises
Answer in your exercise book first, then check your answers.
1. A testable suggested explanation is a…
- A. hypothesis
- B. conclusion
- C. result
- D. variable
Show answer
Answer: hypothesisIdea to test.2. In a fair test you should change…
- A. one factor at a time
- B. all factors
- C. no factors
- D. two factors
Show answer
Answer: one factor at a timeControl.3. Conclusions should be based on evidence.
- A. True
- B. False
Show answer
Answer: TrueScience.4. A factor that can change in an experiment is a ______.
Show answer
Answer: variableFair test.5. Name three science process skills.
Show answer
Answer: Observing, measuring and classifying.Any three.6. Why must only one variable be changed in a fair test?
Show answer
Answer: So that you can tell what caused the result.Cause and effect.
Lesson 2
- Strand
- Diversity Of Matter
- Sub-strand
- Term Preparation
Introduction
A laboratory contains glass, heat and chemicals. Careful behaviour keeps everyone safe.
1. Laboratory Rules
- Enter the laboratory only with permission.
- Do not eat, drink or taste anything.
- Wear protective clothing and tie back long hair.
- Read all instructions before starting.
- Keep your bench tidy and walkways clear.
- Report every accident and breakage at once.
- Wash your hands after practical work.
2. Hazard Symbols
| Symbol | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|
| flame | flammable | ethanol |
| skull and crossbones | toxic | some pesticides |
| corrosive | burns skin and metal | concentrated acid |
| exclamation mark | harmful or irritant | some cleaning agents |
Safety: Never heat a test tube pointing towards yourself or anyone else. Never smell a chemical directly; waft it gently towards your nose.
3. Common Apparatus
| Apparatus | Use |
|---|---|
| beaker | holding and mixing liquids |
| measuring cylinder | measuring volume |
| test tube | small-scale reactions |
| Bunsen burner | heating |
| filter funnel | separating solids from liquids |
| thermometer | measuring temperature |
4. First Aid
Cool small burns with cold running water for several minutes. For chemicals on skin, rinse with plenty of water. If chemicals enter an eye, rinse it with clean water and tell the teacher immediately. Do not touch broken glass with bare hands. Knowing what to do keeps a small accident from becoming a serious one.
5. Working Safely as a Team
Decide who will collect apparatus, who will measure and who will record results. Move calmly around the room and keep bags away from the bench. Clean and return everything when you finish.
New words
- apparatus
- Equipment used in a laboratory.
- hazard
- Something that can cause harm.
- corrosive
- Able to burn or eat away materials.
- flammable
- Able to catch fire easily.
Summary
- Laboratory rules prevent accidents.
- Hazard symbols warn of dangers.
- Report accidents and apply simple first aid immediately.
Class activity: Safety Poster
- Choose five laboratory rules.
- Make a poster with drawings.
- Display it in the laboratory.
You need: Beaker, Hand lens, Safety goggles
Exercises
Answer in your exercise book first, then check your answers.
1. Which apparatus measures volume?
- A. measuring cylinder
- B. thermometer
- C. tripod
- D. spatula
Show answer
Answer: measuring cylinderVolume.2. The flame symbol means…
- A. flammable
- B. toxic
- C. corrosive
- D. harmless
Show answer
Answer: flammableFire.3. You may taste chemicals in the laboratory.
- A. True
- B. False
Show answer
Answer: FalseNever taste.4. Something that can cause harm is a ______.
Show answer
Answer: hazardDanger.5. State three laboratory rules.
Show answer
Answer: Do not eat or drink, tie back hair and report accidents.Any three.6. What should you do if a chemical splashes on your skin?
Show answer
Answer: Rinse with plenty of water and tell the teacher immediately.First aid.
Lesson 3
- Strand
- Diversity Of Matter
- Sub-strand
- Term Preparation
Introduction
An experiment is of little use if nobody can read the results. Clear records let others check your work.
1. Writing a Practical Report
| Section | What it contains |
|---|---|
| title | what was investigated |
| aim | the question |
| materials | apparatus and substances |
| method | steps in order |
| results | observations and measurements |
| conclusion | what the results show |
2. Tables and Graphs
Results tables have clear headings with units. Bar charts compare separate categories, while line graphs show how something changes. Label both axes, include the units and use a suitable scale. A graph makes patterns easier to see than a list of numbers.
Using results
A learner measures the time for 5 g of salt to dissolve at different temperatures: 20 °C, 90 s; 40 °C, 60 s; 60 °C, 35 s. What pattern do the results show?
- Compare the times as temperature rises.
- The time falls from 90 s to 35 s.
Answer: Salt dissolves faster as temperature increases.
3. Accuracy and Repeating
Repeat measurements and take an average to reduce the effect of errors. Read a measuring cylinder with your eye level with the bottom of the curved surface, called the meniscus. Always record what you actually see, even if it is not what you expected. Unexpected results can lead to new discoveries.
4. A Small Investigation
To prepare for the term, try this. Place equal amounts of water in two cups, one in the sun and one in the shade. Measure the temperatures every ten minutes for an hour. Record them in a table and draw a line graph. State what you found and explain it. This small task uses all the skills you will need this term.
New words
- aim
- What an experiment sets out to find.
- method
- The steps followed in an experiment.
- meniscus
- The curved surface of a liquid.
- average
- The sum of values divided by their number.
Summary
- Practical reports follow a clear structure.
- Tables and graphs show patterns.
- Repeating measurements improves reliability.
Class activity: Water in the Sun
- Set up two cups of water, one in sun and one in shade.
- Record temperatures every ten minutes.
- Draw a graph and state your conclusion.
You need: Beaker, Hand lens, Safety goggles
Exercises
Answer in your exercise book first, then check your answers.
1. Which section lists the steps of an experiment?
- A. method
- B. title
- C. aim
- D. conclusion
Show answer
Answer: methodSteps.2. A line graph best shows…
- A. change over time
- B. separate groups
- C. hazards
- D. apparatus
Show answer
Answer: change over timeTrends.3. Results should be recorded honestly.
- A. True
- B. False
Show answer
Answer: TrueIntegrity.4. The curved surface of a liquid is the ______.
Show answer
Answer: meniscusMeasuring.5. State four parts of a practical report.
Show answer
Answer: Title, aim, method and conclusion.Any four.6. Why do scientists repeat measurements?
Show answer
Answer: To reduce the effect of errors and make results more reliable.Reliability.
Homework
- Write a practical report on any simple experiment you do at home.