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Day 1 |
Day 2 |
Day 3 - 4 |
Day 5 |
Day 6 |
Day 7 |
Lab |
Vocabulary Test
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Take this Science Pre Test.
The test serves two purposes. First - it gives an indication of how much you already know about Science. Second - a comparison with the post test at the end of the year will show how your understanding of Science has improved.
Are you a positive thinker? Answer these questions to find out.
Science Class
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What is science? |
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Science can be defined as a never ending search for truth. Truth is based on a set of facts and our understanding of those facts. A good scientist must be ready to accept new facts as they are discovered and modify what is "true" in light of these facts. Even though science in school is usually taught in classes that are limited to a certain area, such as chemistry or physics, science is science, no matter what topic is involved. Science is being done whenever the scientific method is used.
All students of science should have an understanding of the basic science history timeline. |
Pure science is the gathering of information that adds to the body of human knowledge. Pure science is not directly concerned with the practicle use and application of the information. Applied science, also known as technology, is the practicle use of scientific information.
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General Science is the first year science class at Brock Middle School. Students are expected to be familiar with computers and some of their applications when they enter this class. During the school year, those skills will be polished and used in class. If you're not that good with them, don't worry, I'll help you.
Chemistry and physics are the "physical sciences".  Chemistry, the study of the structure and properties of matter. (1st semester)
Physics, the study of the relationships between matter and energy. (2nd semester)
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Students are expected to work at a pace that stretches their abilities. Advanced students have an opportunity to do bonus activities if they are working ahead of schedule. You should be familiar with the grading system for this class.
Notes:
Keeping records in an organized fashion is important in science, as well as most other "real world" situations. When scientists make important discoveries, their work and experiments must be able to be reproduced by others. The only way to do this is by following the original records of the work.
To gain experience in record-keeping, and to demonstrate improvement through the course of the class, each student is required to keep a folder of notes.
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A daily entry in your folder is required for this class. You must have the proper folder and begin keeping daily records before the end of this week.
Review the folder grade rubric.
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to answer the following questions.
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What is applied science? |
Concept mapping: 
A concept map is a way of organizing and describing related ideas. Concept maps can be drawn in many different ways. What is important is that yours has meaning to you and helps you understand the information gained during research.
The map begins with the central topic or theme of the research. This central theme is then broken down into important areas. Each of these areas might be broken down as well, depending on the complexity of the research topic. Once the map is complete, you have identified the areas that will be used in reporting your research.
A concept map is provided for each week of class, with the basic theme at the bottom of the page. While these maps might not represent an assigned research topic, they do serve as examples as you learn to make your own concept maps and use them in your research.
Demonstrating technology skills:
Citizens of the twenty first century must be able to use technology. You have already learned to use many tools of technology at Brock Schools. Science students are expected to use these tools when doing their science assignments. This site provides much of what you will need to be successful this year. It is important that you study the student page that explains how to use the BMS science curriculum.
What is the main threat to safety in our lab?
Laboratory experience is essential in all science classes. Experiments are carried out to test a hypothesis formed through researching a particular problem. Although the results of an experiment should not come as a complete surprise, you must always be prepared for the unexpected. For this reason, safety is always a concern with any lab. To insure that you and your classmates will not be injured in science class, be very familiar with the SHS science lab safety procedures.
The laboratory equipment used in this class is not complex, but each piece of labware has a specific purpose and should be used properly. This not only protects the equipment, it also improves safety in the lab.
Most of the chemicals used in Science Class will be diluted to the point that they are not immediately dangerous. However, care should be taken not to get chemicals on your skin and clothing. Every chemical has its own special properties that require certain precautions. Material Safety Data Sheets are available for every chemical in the BMS chemical inventory. While there is a link to this inventory on the science homepage, this symbol
will be found on several weekly concept pages. It is linked directly to the chemical inventory and MSDS.
Test Your Concept Understanding: 
Use the BMS science lab page
- What PPE must always be worn when you are working at a chemistry lab station?
- What is the most common accident in the science lab?
- A glass beaker is dropped, shattering over your lab table. What are you to do?
- Is sodium hydroxide a carcinogen (an agent that cause cancer)?
The answer to question #4 is on the material safety data sheet, MSDS, for sodium hydroxide. Use the lab equpiment
- What is the most versatile piece of glassware at our chemistry lab stations?
- Read the lab technique for measuring the volume of a liquid with a graduated cylindar. What volume is represented by this picture of a 10 milliliter graduated cylindar?
- What is the purpose of the "bumper ring" on a graduated cylindar?
- A "striker" is used to light a laboratory burner. What is it "not" used for?
- Where is the "hottest part" of a laboratory burner flame?
Why is science research done?
The scientific method is an organized way to figure something out.
Any question or problem can be solved using the scientific method
Chemistry
Career Choices
Study this scientific method page
Test Your Concept Understanding:
- Use the basic chemistry lab equipment page
- What container is used to hold a chemical for "strong" heating?
- Describe two uses for a watch glass.
- What two pieces of glassware are used to measure the volume of liquids?
- How are liquids drawn into a pipet?
- Answere these questions about the scientific method:
- What is the first step in the scientific method?
- What is the purpose of an experiment?
- How are a scientific law and a scientific theory different?
- What is the purpose of a control in an experiment?
- Why is research done in the scientific method?
- Who is Richard Feynman?
- Explain what Mr. Feynman means by "Cargo Cult Science".
- What are the eight evaluation criteria
What is the independent variable in an experiment? Calculators:
A scientific calculator will make your life easier this year in physical science class. Can you find the calculator program on your computer?
All scientific experiments will produce some results that require careful observation to understand. Many times, these observations will be in the form of measurements called "data". To intrepret the results of an experiment, it is necessary to be able to evaluate this data. Although there are several ways to display data, making a graph is one way to help make data visual.
There are several type of graphs. Each type works best with a particular type of information.
- Line graph - shows trends or how data changes over time. This is one of the most useful graphs for scientific data.
- Bar graph - displays information collected by counting.
- Circle or Pie graph - shows how a fixed quantity is broken down into parts.
Whether making or intrepreting graphs,
Science is a search for truth.
The methods of science can be used to solve any problem, not just those related to science subjects in school.
Applied science is the practical use of scientific information.
Today's technology is an example of finding practical applications for knowledge gained from pure science.
Lack of pre-lab preparation is the main threat to lab safety.
You cannot be safe and successful doing a science experiment if you haven't researched the problem carefully.
