Science as an Inquiry

This topic teaches me the attitudes of good scientists, variables, safety rules in the laboratory, hazard symbols, lab equipments, Bunsen burner's 2 types of flames.


Attitudes of good scientists: I learnt that good scientists should be curious, persevere till the end, be optimistic- don't let failure stop you from achieving your goals. Good scientists should also be open-minded: be open to others' suggestions and criticisms. They want to help you  achieve your aims, so don't take their words too harshly and personally. Instead, reflect upon your own mistakes and make an effort to strive better.


The safety rules when in a laboratory: -  Do not tamper with the electrical mains and other fittings in the laboratory.-  Do not eat, drink or play in the laboratory.-  Do not taste any chemicals unless otherwise instructed by the teacher.- Do not pour any unused chemicals back into its container to avoid contamination.-  Handle all apparatus and chemicals carefully and correctly. Always check the label on the container before using the substance it contains.-  Wash your hands after all laboratory work.-  Do not remove any apparatus or chemicals from the laboratory.-   Return the apparatus to their proper storage  places after cleaning.-  Work tidily. Wash up all used apparatus and dispose of the waste correctly. These are the guidelines that are to be followed at all times. I have also had an experience of accidentally smashing a test tube before, but luckily I smashed it in the sink, so it was not that much of a hazard. However, I must still be careful in a laboratory as I will be dealing with more dangerous items like concentrated acid.


Hazard symbols: There are many hazard symbols which are quite easy to recognize and they are used quite commonly in our lives. There is the flammable sign, explosive,corrosive,poison, irritating or stimulating and radioactive signs. These signs help us to recognize unknown substances and how to handle them.


Bunsen burner- The Bunsen burner was invented by scientist Robert Bunsen and his partner Peter Desaga in 1854. The aim was to create a sootless,  non-luminous flame by mixing the gas with air in a controlled fashion before combustion. Now, this design is used in laboratories all over the world. A Bunsen burner has two main types of flames. A luminous and non-luminous flame. A luminous flame -  Occurs when the air-holes are closed insufficient air is allowed to mix with the gas therefore gas does not burn completely.

-  Carbon particles are produced.

-  Orange in colour.

-  Appear flickering and unsteady.

-  Not very hot.     

A non-luminous flame- -  Occurs when the air-holes are opened, allowing sufficient air into the burner therefore gas is burn completely.

-  Blue in colour.

-  Burns steadily.

-  Hotter than Luminous flame.

-  Hottest part of the flame is just above
  the tip of the dark blue zone.

So these are the two types of flames that are normally used. When boiling water, most of us use the non-luminous flame as it is hotter than the luminous flame and it boils the water faster. The former is hence preferred over the latter.

Variables- There are 3 types of variables in science: independent variables, dependent variables and constant variables.

1:Independent variables-

An independent variable is a one whose values are chosen by the experimenter. In other words, the values of these variables are independent of the participant's behaviour.

 For the independent variable to be manipulated, at least two levels must be present in an experiment. The most basic way to manipulate is by creating one experimental group (the group receiving the treatment) and a control group (exactly like the experimental group, except without the experimental treatment). The performances of the two groups in regard to the dependent measure are then compared to assess the effect of the independent variable.

2:Dependent variable-

The variable whose value you observe and record in experimental designs is the called the dependent variable (or dependent measure). In other words, the dependent variable value depends on the behaviour of the participant, rather than being set by the experimenter.

3: Constant variable-

Those factors in the experiment that the scientist attempts to keep constant. 

The control is the experiment with the absence of the independent variable.

So, these are the things I have learnt in 'Science as an Inquiry'. Thanks for reading!