Topic 1: Investigating
Latin word scientia, meaning knowledge.
Before the 1600s, early scientists were often called philosophers; because:
• They had limited technology to investigate the world around them
• They merely applied their reasoning to make sense of what they saw.
There are many disciplines of study in science.
Earth scientists (geologists) study the Earth:
• Investigate how rocks and mountains form.
• Some seismologists study earthquakes.
• Palaeontologists study fossils and ancient rocks.
• Vulcanologists study volcanoes.
Biologists study living things.
• Investigate how living things function and how they interact.
• botanists and horticulturists study plants.
• Zoologists and veterinarians study animals.
• Microbiologists study microscopic living things.
• doctors and dentists use their knowledge of biology to help keep people and their teeth
healthy.
Psychology is the study of human behaviour.
• Psychologists study the causes of behaviour, including the emotional, social and
developmental factors involved.
Physicists study different types of energy.
• investigate and explain things like movement, heat, nuclear energy, light and electricity.
• Some engineers use their knowledge of physics to make sure buildings are strong and
cars are safe.
Astronomers study the night sky.
• They are concerned with planets, moons, stars, comets and other objects in space.
Chemists study how substances react with each other.
, • Investigate and explain why some substances behave differently from others and how
they can best be used.
• Industrial chemists might look for ways to make better paints or plastics.
• Pharmacists are chemists who work with chemicals that are used to treat illness and
disease.
A mix of science
The boundaries between the different sciences are often crossed:
• Physicists work with medical staff to develop the bionic ear.
• Physicists and geologists work together to locate underground mineral deposits using
sound waves.
• Chemists work with biologists to develop medicines such as antibiotics.
Specialising
Within each scientific discipline, scientists specialise in a specific area.
In psychology, neuropsychologists study the different areas of the brain better to understand
brain functions such as memory and learning.
Sports psychologists advise athletes on self-image and on maintaining the motivation to persist
and succeed in their chosen sport.
Science and technology
Scientific discoveries have helped improve our quality of life. The term ‘technology’ refers to
devices that use scientific ideas to make life easier.
Remember
1. Describe what scientists do.
2. Define the term ‘technology’.
The science laboratory
It is filled with a range of equipment to help you undertake scientific investigations safely.
Laboratory equipment
Equipment Use
Beaker Container for mixing or heating liquids and other
substances
Bosshead Holds the clamp to a retort stand
Bunsen burner Heats substances
,Clamp Holds objects at the required height on a retort stand
Conical flask Container for mixing substances or collecting filtered
substances
Evaporating dish Container for heating small amounts of substances over a
Bunsen burner
Filter funnel Used with filter paper to filter substances
Gauze mat Supports a container over a Bunsen burner while it is
heated
Heatproof mat Protects benches from damage
Measuring cylinder Used to measure the volume of a liquid accurately
Retort stand Used with a clamp and bosshead to hold equipment at the
required height
Safety glasses Protect eyes
Spatula Used to pick up small amounts of solid substances
Stirring rod Used to stir mixtures
Test tube Container for holding, heating or mixing small amounts of
substances
Test-tube holder Holds a test tube while it is being heated
Test-tube rack Holds test tubes upright
Thermometer Measures temperature
Tongs Used to hold small objects while they are heated or to pick
up hot glassware
Tripod Supports a gauze mat over a Bunsen burner
Watchglass Holds small quantities of solids
Investigating safely
Always …
• follow the teacher’s instructions
• wear safety glasses and a laboratory coat or apron, and tie back long hair when mixing
or heating substances
• point test tubes away from your eyes and away from your fellow students
• push in chairs and keep walkways clear
• inform your teacher if you break equipment, spill chemicals, cut or burn yourself
• wait until hot equipment has cooled before putting it away
• clean your workspace — don’t leave any equipment on the bench
• dispose of waste as instructed by your teacher
• Wash your hands thoroughly after handling any substances in the laboratory.
Never …
• enter the laboratory without your teacher’s permission
, • run or push in the laboratory
• eat or drink in the laboratory
• smell or taste chemicals unless your teacher says it’s ok. When you do need to smell
substances, fan the odour to your nose with your hand
• leave an experiment unattended
• conduct your own experiments without the teacher’s approval
• put solid materials down the sink
• pour hazardous chemicals down the sink (check with your teacher)
• put hot objects or broken glass in the bin
Handy hints
• Use a filter funnel when pouring from a bottle or container without a lip.
• Never put wooden test-tube holders near a flame.
• Always turn the tap on before putting a beaker, test tube or measuring cylinder under
the stream of water.
• Remember that most objects get very hot when exposed to heat or a naked flame.
• Do not use tongs to lift or move beakers.
Working with dangerous chemicals
• Always wear gloves and safety glasses when using chemicals with this symbol.
Corrosive substances can cause severe damage to the skin and eyes. Acids are examples
of corrosive substances.
• These substances are easily set on fire, so keep them away from flames. Methylated
spirits are flammable.
• Chemicals with this label can cause death or serious injury if swallowed or breathed in.
They are also dangerous when touched without gloves because they can be absorbed by
the skin. Mercury is a toxic substance.
Heating substances
Many experiments require heating.
In school laboratories, heating is usually done with a Bunsen burner.
• A Bunsen-burner flame provides heat when a mixture of air and gas is lit.
• Always tie hair back, and wear safety glasses and a laboratory coat or apron when using a
Bunsen burner.
• Heating containers, Beakers and evaporating dishes can be placed straight onto a gauze
mat for heating.
Latin word scientia, meaning knowledge.
Before the 1600s, early scientists were often called philosophers; because:
• They had limited technology to investigate the world around them
• They merely applied their reasoning to make sense of what they saw.
There are many disciplines of study in science.
Earth scientists (geologists) study the Earth:
• Investigate how rocks and mountains form.
• Some seismologists study earthquakes.
• Palaeontologists study fossils and ancient rocks.
• Vulcanologists study volcanoes.
Biologists study living things.
• Investigate how living things function and how they interact.
• botanists and horticulturists study plants.
• Zoologists and veterinarians study animals.
• Microbiologists study microscopic living things.
• doctors and dentists use their knowledge of biology to help keep people and their teeth
healthy.
Psychology is the study of human behaviour.
• Psychologists study the causes of behaviour, including the emotional, social and
developmental factors involved.
Physicists study different types of energy.
• investigate and explain things like movement, heat, nuclear energy, light and electricity.
• Some engineers use their knowledge of physics to make sure buildings are strong and
cars are safe.
Astronomers study the night sky.
• They are concerned with planets, moons, stars, comets and other objects in space.
Chemists study how substances react with each other.
, • Investigate and explain why some substances behave differently from others and how
they can best be used.
• Industrial chemists might look for ways to make better paints or plastics.
• Pharmacists are chemists who work with chemicals that are used to treat illness and
disease.
A mix of science
The boundaries between the different sciences are often crossed:
• Physicists work with medical staff to develop the bionic ear.
• Physicists and geologists work together to locate underground mineral deposits using
sound waves.
• Chemists work with biologists to develop medicines such as antibiotics.
Specialising
Within each scientific discipline, scientists specialise in a specific area.
In psychology, neuropsychologists study the different areas of the brain better to understand
brain functions such as memory and learning.
Sports psychologists advise athletes on self-image and on maintaining the motivation to persist
and succeed in their chosen sport.
Science and technology
Scientific discoveries have helped improve our quality of life. The term ‘technology’ refers to
devices that use scientific ideas to make life easier.
Remember
1. Describe what scientists do.
2. Define the term ‘technology’.
The science laboratory
It is filled with a range of equipment to help you undertake scientific investigations safely.
Laboratory equipment
Equipment Use
Beaker Container for mixing or heating liquids and other
substances
Bosshead Holds the clamp to a retort stand
Bunsen burner Heats substances
,Clamp Holds objects at the required height on a retort stand
Conical flask Container for mixing substances or collecting filtered
substances
Evaporating dish Container for heating small amounts of substances over a
Bunsen burner
Filter funnel Used with filter paper to filter substances
Gauze mat Supports a container over a Bunsen burner while it is
heated
Heatproof mat Protects benches from damage
Measuring cylinder Used to measure the volume of a liquid accurately
Retort stand Used with a clamp and bosshead to hold equipment at the
required height
Safety glasses Protect eyes
Spatula Used to pick up small amounts of solid substances
Stirring rod Used to stir mixtures
Test tube Container for holding, heating or mixing small amounts of
substances
Test-tube holder Holds a test tube while it is being heated
Test-tube rack Holds test tubes upright
Thermometer Measures temperature
Tongs Used to hold small objects while they are heated or to pick
up hot glassware
Tripod Supports a gauze mat over a Bunsen burner
Watchglass Holds small quantities of solids
Investigating safely
Always …
• follow the teacher’s instructions
• wear safety glasses and a laboratory coat or apron, and tie back long hair when mixing
or heating substances
• point test tubes away from your eyes and away from your fellow students
• push in chairs and keep walkways clear
• inform your teacher if you break equipment, spill chemicals, cut or burn yourself
• wait until hot equipment has cooled before putting it away
• clean your workspace — don’t leave any equipment on the bench
• dispose of waste as instructed by your teacher
• Wash your hands thoroughly after handling any substances in the laboratory.
Never …
• enter the laboratory without your teacher’s permission
, • run or push in the laboratory
• eat or drink in the laboratory
• smell or taste chemicals unless your teacher says it’s ok. When you do need to smell
substances, fan the odour to your nose with your hand
• leave an experiment unattended
• conduct your own experiments without the teacher’s approval
• put solid materials down the sink
• pour hazardous chemicals down the sink (check with your teacher)
• put hot objects or broken glass in the bin
Handy hints
• Use a filter funnel when pouring from a bottle or container without a lip.
• Never put wooden test-tube holders near a flame.
• Always turn the tap on before putting a beaker, test tube or measuring cylinder under
the stream of water.
• Remember that most objects get very hot when exposed to heat or a naked flame.
• Do not use tongs to lift or move beakers.
Working with dangerous chemicals
• Always wear gloves and safety glasses when using chemicals with this symbol.
Corrosive substances can cause severe damage to the skin and eyes. Acids are examples
of corrosive substances.
• These substances are easily set on fire, so keep them away from flames. Methylated
spirits are flammable.
• Chemicals with this label can cause death or serious injury if swallowed or breathed in.
They are also dangerous when touched without gloves because they can be absorbed by
the skin. Mercury is a toxic substance.
Heating substances
Many experiments require heating.
In school laboratories, heating is usually done with a Bunsen burner.
• A Bunsen-burner flame provides heat when a mixture of air and gas is lit.
• Always tie hair back, and wear safety glasses and a laboratory coat or apron when using a
Bunsen burner.
• Heating containers, Beakers and evaporating dishes can be placed straight onto a gauze
mat for heating.
