Science skills

the transport we use 

the food we eat

Science helps us to understand the world around us, solve problems and to train our minds to think logically and systematically.

the clothes we wear

Everything in our lives is closely linked to science and the discoveries made by scientists all over the world.

the medicines we take

the energy we use

…. All come from discoveries made by scientists .

All great scientists have to start somewhere –just like you, they had to start at the beginning . They had to learn the scientific method for investigating a problem.

Science is about investigating

Scientists have made many important discoveries most of which affect our lives in one way or anther.

All of these discoveries are the results of hard work and careful investigation.

Learning to investigate is the most important part of science.

A science investigation has three main parts

Preparation

This involves

Choosing a problem to investigate .

Writing down what you expect to happen. This is called a hypothesis . The aim of your investigation is to test  your hypothesis.

Being aware of variables. These are things that change and can usually be measured or observed. You should only change one variable at a time and see how it affects other variables. If you change more than one variable at  the  same time it will not be a fair test.

Selecting the right equipment.

Carrying out the investigation

This involves

Using the equipment you have chosen to measure things, like distance , time , weight, area, volume and temperature, accurately.

Choosing the most appropriate ay of recording your results.

Reviewing and reporting on the investigation.

This involves

Writing up that you did and what happened DURING YOUR INVESTIGATION INCLUDING DIAGRAMS OF YOUR APPARATUS.

Explaining your results and saying if your prediction was correct or not.

Suggesting how you could improve your investigation to make it more accurate.

Suggesting what you could do if you had more time.

Laboratory safety

 A science laboratory can be a very dangerous place. Whenever you are working in a science laboratory , it is vital that you work safely, both for  your own sake and that of everyone else in your class.

It is therefore  important to have a set of safety rules.

Look carefully at the pictures on this page. Spot as many difference between them as you can , then write a safety rule about each of them. Write your rules positively by starting with Do this…., Always…, You should…

Taking measurements

When you carry scientific experiments , you  use your senses to make observations. You can  smell gases given off, see  colours  change, and hear fizzes and pops. However , you cannot use your senses for everything, and you cannot trust them always give the correct answers.

Fortunately there are many experiments where you do not have to depend on your senses to make observations; measuring instruments can be  used on this page tou can see some  measuring instruments, what they measure, and the units used.