Chapter 1 Introducing Science Pa ge |1

Chapter 1 Introducing Science

Lesson 1
Section 1.1 Learning Science

Learning Objectives
In this lesson, you are able to,
1. Realize that science is a study about nature.
2. Understand how scientists build scientific knowledge
3. Realize that scientific knowledge should be supported by
experimental result.
4. Realize that scientific knowledge is subject to change as new
evidence is available.
5. Differentiate between scientific discoveries and inventions.
6. Realize how some scientific discoveries and inventions affect the
society and us.
7. Realize how science brings us technological advances and better
ways of living.
8. Realize the need to integrate and apply knowledge and skills of
various science disciplines, mathematics and technology in
solving daily life problems or making a product.
9. Be aware of the impact of scientific knowledge on natural
resource management.
10. Understand the limitations of science.
11. Understand that science may bring us harmful effects if it is
misused
12. Understand that every discovery and invention can be good for
us if they are used properly and can be bad for us if they are
misused.

“Hard work always pays off; mere talk puts no bread on the table.” Proverbs 14:23
Chapter 1 Introducing Science Pa ge |2

A. What is Science?
Learning Objectives
In this section, you are able to,
1. Realize that science is a study about nature.
2. Understand how scientists build scientific knowledge

First Read the textbook 1A page 4 – 6 and answer the following

questions.

Q.1 Science is a study about _____________ − why and how

Learning Journal
things happen around us.

Q.2 There are many branches of science. Match the description

with the appropriate science subject in the following table.

The study of rocks, soil and Note:

Physics  
the structure of the Earth Science is a
The study of the properties,
systematic subject
Chemistry   structure and reactions of
that builds and
substances
The study of the stars and
organizes
Biology   knowledge in the
the universe
The study of matter and form of testable
Geology  
energy explanations and
Astronomy   The study of living things predictions about
the universe.

Q.3 Mathematics is NOT classified as a branch of science (or

Note:
natural science)? Check Wikipedia to find the answer.
Science
mentioned
_________________________________________________ in this notes
_________________________________________________ is also called
“natural
science”.

“Hard work always pays off; mere talk puts no bread on the table.” Proverbs 14:23
Chapter 1 Introducing Science Pa ge |3

B. What is the Nature of Science?

Learning Objectives
In this section, you are able to,
1. Realize that scientific knowledge should be supported by experimental
result.
2. Realize that scientific knowledge is subject to change as new evidence is
available.

First Read Textbook Page 7 – 8 and then answer the following Learning Journal
questions.

Q.4 From a story of Galileo Galilei, what have you learnt about
scientific knowledge?

Scientific knowledge should be supported by__________

_______________________________________________

Q.5 Visit the following website:

https://solarsystem.nasa.gov/planets/dwarf-
planets/pluto/overview/
Before year 2006, Pluto was considered as the ninth planet
of the solar system, but now it is considered as dwarf
planet. What makes it happen? What do you learn from this
news about the nature of science?

_______________________________________________

Scientific knowledge is____________________________ .

“Hard work always pays off; mere talk puts no bread on the table.” Proverbs 14:23
Chapter 1 Introducing Science Pa ge |4

C. Scientific Discoveries and Inventions

Learning Objectives
In this section, you are able to,
1. Differentiate between scientific discoveries and inventions.
2. Realize how some scientific discoveries and inventions affect the
society and us.

First Read Textbook Page 9 and then answer the following Learning Journal
questions.

Q.6 What is “a discovery” and “an invention”?

A ______________________ is something that already existed

and nobody found it before.

An ____________________ is something new and useful that

is created from discoveries.

Q.7 Complete Explore 1.1A in Textbook Page 10.

“Hard work always pays off; mere talk puts no bread on the table.” Proverbs 14:23
Chapter 1 Introducing Science Pa ge |5

D. Technology – the Practical Use of Science

Learning Objectives
In this section, you are able to,
1. Realize how science brings us technological advances and better ways of
living.
2. Realize the need to integrate and apply knowledge and skills of various
science disciplines, mathematics and technology in solving daily life
problems or making a product.

First Read Textbook Page 12 – 13 and then answer the Learning Journal
following questions.

Q.8 Do you think that technology can bring us better ways of

living? Share your view with your classmates.

_______________________________________________

_______________________________________________

_______________________________________________

Q.9 Complete the table.

 ________________________ is the use of scientific

knowledge to solve problems or make a
product.

 ________________________ from different areas

of science and technology is often used
together to solve problems or to make a
product.

“Hard work always pays off; mere talk puts no bread on the table.” Proverbs 14:23
Chapter 1 Introducing Science Pa ge |6

E. Science and Natural Resources

Learning Objectives
In this section, you are able to,
1. Be aware of the impact of scientific knowledge on natural resource
management.

First Read Textbook Page 14 and then answer the following Learning Journal
question.

Q.10 With the help of scientific knowledge, we can use natural

resources in a reasonable way. However, we still heard
some sad news:

What can we do? Share your idea with your classmates.

_______________________________________________
_______________________________________________

_______________________________________________

“Hard work always pays off; mere talk puts no bread on the table.” Proverbs 14:23
Chapter 1 Introducing Science Pa ge |7

F. Can Science Explain Everything?

Learning Objectives
In this section, you are able to,
1. Understand the limitations of science

FIRST Read Textbook Page 15 and then answer the following Learning Journal
question.

Q.11 Can science explain everything?

_______________________________________________

 Science has limitations.

G. Using Science – Good or Bad?

Learning Objectives
In this section, you are able to,
1. Understand that science may bring us harmful effects if it is
misused
2. Understand that every discovery and invention can be good
for us if they are used properly and can be bad for us if they
are misused.

Q.12 Complete Explore 1.1B and Checkpoint 1.1 in Textbook

Page 16.

“Hard work always pays off; mere talk puts no bread on the table.” Proverbs 14:23
Chapter 1 Introducing Science Pa ge |8

Chapter 1 Introducing Science

Section 1.2 Working like a Scientist

Learning Objectives
In this lesson, you are able to,
1. recognize the basic steps of a scientific investigation.
2. learn how to ask questions based on observations.
3. understand that a hypothesis must be testable.
4. understand what a fair test is.
5. identify the variables in a fair test (i.e. independent,
dependent and controlled variables)
6. understand what pattern seeking is.
7. understand what classifying is.

“Hard work always pays off; mere talk puts no bread on the table.” Proverbs 14:23
Chapter 1 Introducing Science Pa ge |9

B. Basic Steps of a Scientific Investigation

Learning Objectives
In this section, you are able to,
1. recognize the basic steps of a scientific investigation.

First Read the textbook 1A page 17 – 18 and answer the following

questions.

Q.1 The following are steps of scientific investigation:

Learning Journal
Step Content
A Designing and conducting experiments
B Proposing a hypothesis
C Making observations and asking questions
D Analyzing results and drawing a conclusion
E Doing background research

Arrange step A – E to show the correct order of basic steps

of scientific investigation. Note:
The correct order is as follows: Through the story of
_______ _______ _______  _______  _______ Penicillin, you should
understand that
1. 1. careful observation
Q.2 What does “hypothesis” mean? is very important to a
successful scientific
_____________________________________________ discovery.
2. 2. the work of scientist
is always abased on the
Q.3 If the results do not support the hypothesis, what will
work of predecessors.
scientists do?

_______________________________________________

_______________________________________________

_______________________________________________

Q.4 Complete Explore 1.2 A in Textbook 1A Page 20.

“Hard work always pays off; mere talk puts no bread on the table.” Proverbs 14:23
Chapter 1 Introducing Science P a g e | 10

C. Observation and Questioning

Learning Objectives
In this section, you are able to,
1. learn how to ask questions based on observations

Q.5 Complete Explore 1.2 B in Textbook 1A Page 21.

Note:
 Scientists ask questions about what they
observe.
 Scientists should know how to ask questions.

D. How to write a hypothesis?

Learning Objectives
In this section, you are able to,
1. Understand that a hypothesis must be testable.

First Read Textbook Page 22 and then answer the following Learning Journal
questions.

Q.6 What are the TWO characteristics of a good

hypothesis? Study the pictures shown at the bottom of
page 22 to find out the answer.

_________________________________________________

Q.7 Complete Explore 1.2C in Textbook Page 23.

“Hard work always pays off; mere talk puts no bread on the table.” Proverbs 14:23
Chapter 1 Introducing Science P a g e | 11

D. Methods for doing Scientific Investigations

Learning Objectives
In this section, you are able to,
3. Understand what a fair test is.
4. Identify the variables in a fair test (i.e. independent, dependent and
controlled variables).
5. Understand what pattern seeking is.
6. Understand what classifying is.

First Read Textbook Page 24 – 29 and then answer the Learning Journal
following questions to understand what a fair test is and the
variables used in a fair test.

1. Fair Testing
Q.8 Complete textbook page 24 – 28.

Note:
The variables in a fair test are classified as
1. the variable to be changed – Independent variable.
2. the variable to be compared – Dependent variable.
3. The variables to be kept constant – Controlled
variables.
 To check whether it is a fair test, you should be able
to identify that ONLY ONE variable to be changed.

“Hard work always pays off; mere talk puts no bread on the table.” Proverbs 14:23
Chapter 1 Introducing Science P a g e | 12

D. Methods for doing Scientific Investigations

[Cont’d]

2. Pattern Seeking

First Read Textbook Page 30 and then answer the following Learning Journal
questions.

Q.9 Have you tried to play pattern game? Look at the patterns
and circle the repeated pattern. Then, continue the pattern.
(a)

(b)

(c)

Note:
 Similarly, scientists may try to find out
patterns from observations and
measurements when it is difficult to do fair
tests.

“Hard work always pays off; mere talk puts no bread on the table.” Proverbs 14:23
Chapter 1 Introducing Science P a g e | 13

3. Classifying

First Read Textbook page 31 and then answer the following Learning Journal
questions.

Q.10 How do scientists classify things into different groups?

Scientists classify things into different groups according

to their ____________________________.

Q.11 In our daily life, can you find another example of classifying?

_______________________________________________

_______________________________________________

Q.12 Complete Checkpoint 1.2 on textbook p.32.

Summary:
Scientists use
1. Fair testing
2. Pattern seeking or
3. Classifying
when doing scientific investigations.

“Hard work always pays off; mere talk puts no bread on the table.” Proverbs 14:23
Chapter 1 Introducing Science P a g e | 14

Section 1.3 The Science Laboratory

Learning Objectives
In this lesson, you are able to,
1. Be familiar with the science laboratory
2. Realize some basic apparatus and equipment available in the
laboratory
3. Be familiar with basic settings of the laboratory.
4. Understand and observe the laboratory safety rules.
5. Identify some potential dangers in the laboratory.
6. Recognize the meaning of some common hazard warning
labels
7. Realize what safety precautions should be taken when
handling different dangerous chemicals.
8. Realize how to handle some common laboratory accidents.
9. Recognize the fire triangle and the various ways of putting out
a fire.
10. Understand that fuel, oxygen and a high temperature are
needed for a fire to start.
11. Apply the principle of the fire triangle to put out a fire.
12. Realize the fire-fighting equipment in the laboratory.

“Hard work always pays off; mere talk puts no bread on the table.” Proverbs 14:23
Chapter 1 Introducing Science P a g e | 15

A. First Visit to the Laboratory

Learning Objectives
In this section, you are able to,
1. Be familiar with the science laboratory
2. Realize some basic apparatus and equipment available in the
laboratory
3. Be familiar with basic settings of the laboratory.

FIRST READ Textbook 1A Page 34 – 35 and then answer

the following questions.

Q.1 Complete Explore 1.3A ‘Knowing the equipment in Journal of Learning

your laboratory’ on Textbook 1A Page 34.
Equipment in your laboratory
First aid box Fume cupboard
Gas tap Water tap and sink
Fire extinguisher Fire blanket
Electric socket Eye wash bottle
Sand bucket

Q.2 Complete Explore 1.3B ‘Drawing a floor plan of your

laboratory’ on Textbook 1A Page 35.

Q.3 Suggest a reason why you should know the basic setting
of the laboratory.

_______________________________________________

_______________________________________________

“Hard work always pays off; mere talk puts no bread on the table.” Proverbs 14:23
Chapter 1 Introducing Science P a g e | 16

B. Laboratory Safety Rules

Learning Objectives
In this section, you are able to,
1. Understand and observe the laboratory safety rules.
2. Identify some potential dangers in the laboratory.

Journal of Learning
FIRST READ textbook 1A page 36 – 37 and then answer the
following questions.
Q.4 (a) Suggest a reason why we should ‘wash our hands
thoroughly (徹底地) after experiments’?

_______________________________________________

_______________________________________________

(b) Suggest a reason why we ‘DO NOT pour dangerous

chemicals into the sink’?

_______________________________________________

_______________________________________________

Q.5 Complete Explore 1.3C ‘Potential dangers in the

laboratory’ on Textbook 1A Page 36.

Summary:
1. We should know the laboratory safety rules in the
laboratory to avoid accidents.

“Hard work always pays off; mere talk puts no bread on the table.” Proverbs 14:23
Chapter 1 Introducing Science P a g e | 17

C. Hazard Warning Labels

Learning Objectives
In this section, you are able to,
1. Recognize the meaning of some common hazard warning labels.
2. Realize what safety precautions should be taken when handling
different dangerous chemicals.

Journal of Learning
FIRST READ textbook 1A page 38 – 40 and then answer the
following questions.
Q.6 Match the description with the appropriate hazard
warning labels in the following table.

Harmful Causes irritation to

  eyes, skin or
respiratory system
Note:
Irritant
Causes hazards to We should read the
  hazard warning labels on
health or even death
the containers of
Corrosive dangerous chemicals
carefully, and must
  Catch fire easily
handle them with care.

Flammable
Causes hazards to
 
health

Toxic Causes an explosion

when heated or
 
shaken violently (激烈
地)
Explosive
  Causes painful burns

Q.7 Complete Explore 1.3D and Checkpoint 1.3A

‘Safety Precautions for handling dangerous chemicals’
on Textbook 1A Page 39 − 40.

“Hard work always pays off; mere talk puts no bread on the table.” Proverbs 14:23
Chapter 1 Introducing Science P a g e | 18

D. What to do in the case of Accidents?

Learning Objectives
In this section, you are able to,
1. Realize how to handle some common laboratory accidents.

FIRST READ textbook 1A page 41 and then answer the

following questions.

Q.8 What should we do immediately when there is an accident

Journal of Learning
happened?

We must (1) _____________________________ and

We should (2) ____________________________________________

______________________and follow his / her instructions.

Q.9 Complete Explore 1.3E ‘What to do in case of accidents?’

on Textbook 1A Page 41.

“Hard work always pays off; mere talk puts no bread on the table.” Proverbs 14:23
Chapter 1 Introducing Science P a g e | 19

E. What to do in case of Fire?

Learning Objectives
In this section, you are able to,
1. Recognize the fire triangle and the various ways of putting out a fire.
2. Understand that fuel, oxygen and a high temperature are needed for
a fire to start.
3. Apply the principle of the fire triangle to put out a fire.
4. Realize the fire-fighting equipment in the laboratory.

FIRST READ textbook 1A page 42 – 44 and then answer the following questions.

Q.10 State 3 conditions to form the fire triangle.

Journal of Learning
_______________________________________________

Q.11 Complete Explore 1.3F ‘Putting out a fire’ on Textbook

1A Page 45.

Q.12 If there is small fire in the laboratory, which equipment

can be used to put out fire?

_______________________________________________

_______________________________________________

Q.13 If a fire gets out of control, we should keep ____________,

follow the fire ______________________________ and
leave the laboratory in a quick and orderly way.

Q.14 Complete Checkpoint 1.3 on textbook page 47.

Summary:
1. In case of fire in the laboratory, we should keep calm,
tell the teacher at once and put out the fire using
suitable ways.
2. Further, you should follow teacher’s instruction.
“Hard work always pays off; mere talk puts no bread on the table.” Proverbs 14:23
Chapter 1 Introducing Science P a g e | 20

Chapter 1.4 Laboratory Apparatus and Basic

Experimental Skills

Learning Objectives
In this lesson, you are able to
1. Recognize common apparatus in the laboratory and their
uses.
2. Realize how to draw sectional diagrams of laboratory
apparatus.
3. Realize how to use appropriate apparatus to transfer
solutions properly.
4. Realize the correct ways of mixing solutions.
5. Realize the skills of lighting a Bunsen burner
6. Use appropriate instruments for measuring length,
volume, mass, temperature and time
7. Use appropriate units to represent length, volume, mass,
temperature and time respectively and know the
conversion between units.
8. Read the scales on rulers, measuring cylinders and
thermometers accurately.

“Hard work always pays off; mere talk puts no bread on the table.” Proverbs 14:23
Chapter 1 Introducing Science P a g e | 21

A. Common Laboratory Apparatus

Learning Objectives
In this section, you are able to
1. Recognize common apparatus in the laboratory and their uses.
2. Realize how to draw sectional diagrams of laboratory apparatus.

FIRST READ textbook 1A page 49 – 52 and then answer the

following questions.
Q.1 Complete Explore 1.4A ‘Knowing common laboratory
apparatus’ on Textbook 1A Page 49 – 51.
Common laboratory apparatus
Bunsen burner Heatproof mat Stand and clamp Tripod
Dropping bottle Electronic balance Test tube holder Test tube
Stopwatch Watch glass Spatula Beaker
Thermometer Conical flask Measuring cylinder Gas jar
Wire gauze Reagent bottle Wash bottle tongs
Boiling tube Evaporating dish Test tube rack Dropper
Glass rod

Q.2 Match the description with the appropriate apparatus for

holding chemicals in the following table.
Reagent bottle 

Test tube 

Dropping bottle   To hold liquids for evaporation

Boiling tube   To store liquids

Conical flask   To hold gases

Beaker   To hold liquids or solids

Evaporating dish   To store liquids that are used in drops

Watch glass 

Gas jar 

“Hard work always pays off; mere talk puts no bread on the table.” Proverbs 14:23
Chapter 1 Introducing Science P a g e | 22

Q.3 Match the description with the appropriate apparatus in

the following table.
Tongs   To hold distilled water for washing

Glass rod   To hold a test tube when heating

Spatula   To support apparatus

Wash bottle   To pick hot objects

Dropper   To transfer a small amount of solids

Test tube rack   To hold test tubes

Test tube holder   To stir liquids

Stand and Clamp   To transfer a small amount of liquids

Q.4 Complete Checkpoint 1.4A on textbook 1A page 51.

Important:
 A sectional diagram is a simple line drawing, which
shows cut through the apparatus.
 It is used for showing laboratory apparatus.
 You must use a pencil to draw.

Q.5 According to Skill Training 1.4 A ‘Drawing sectional

diagram’, draw a sectional diagram for the following
apparatus:
(a) test tube (b) conical flask (c) wire gauze

(d) tripod (e) heatproof mat (f) dropper

(g) beaker (h) watch glass (i) thermometer

(j) Bunsen burner

“Hard work always pays off; mere talk puts no bread on the table.” Proverbs 14:23
Chapter 1 Introducing Science P a g e | 23

B. Basic Experimental Skills [1] –

Transferring and Mixing solutions

Learning Objectives
In this section, you are able to
1. Realize how to use appropriate apparatus to transfer solutions
properly.
2. Realize the correct ways of mixing solutions.

FIRST READ textbook 1A page 53 – 55 and then answer the

following questions. Journal of Learning
Q.6 When we are going to pour solution from the reagent
bottle, we should take out the stopper from the reagent
bottle and place the stopper upside down on the bench.
Why?

_______________________________________________

_______________________________________________

_______________________________________________

Q.7 We should never turn the dropper upside down. Why?

_______________________________________________

_______________________________________________

“Hard work always pays off; mere talk puts no bread on the table.” Proverbs 14:23
Chapter 1 Introducing Science P a g e | 24

B. Basic Experimental Skills [1] –

Transferring and Mixing solutions
[Cont’d]
Q.8 Complete the following diagrams summarizing for the ways of
Journal of Learning
mixing solutions.

(i) S_____ the tube (ii) T___ the base of the (iii) S_________ the test
test tube with an index tube and s___________
finger the solutions up and
down

Q.9 After experiment, all mixed solution must be poured into

the beaker instead of the sink. Why?

_______________________________________________

_______________________________________________

_______________________________________________

“Hard work always pays off; mere talk puts no bread on the table.” Proverbs 14:23
Chapter 1 Introducing Science P a g e | 25

B. Basic Experimental Skills [2] – Heating

Learning Objectives
In this section, you are able to
1. Realize the skills of lighting a Bunsen burner

FIRST READ Experiment 1.4 C Using a Bunsen burner

(Textbook 1A, Page 58 – 61) and then answer the following
questions.

Q.10 Fill in the blanks on the following diagram for different structure
of a Bunsen burner.

(a) ___________________ (b) ___________________

(e) __________________
(c) ___________________

(d) ___________________

Journal of Learning
Q.11 State the correct steps for lighting a Bunsen burner by
arranging the order of the following statements.
1. Slowly turn the collar to make the air hole half open.
2. Turn the collar to close the air hole.
3. Put a heatproof mat under the Bunsen burner.
4. Check if the rubber tubing is tightly connected to the
gas tap.
5. To turn off the flame, close the air hole and turn off
the gas tap.
6. Put the tip of the gas lighter over the chimney. Ignite
the gas lighter and then turn on the gas tap.

Correct order:
_____ _____ _____ _____ _____ ____

Important:
When striking back occurs, you must turn off the
gas tap immediately and must not touch any
part of the Bunsen burner.

“Hard work always pays off; mere talk puts no bread on the table.” Proverbs 14:23
Chapter 1 Introducing Science P a g e | 26

B. Basic Experimental Skills [2] – Heating

[Cont’d]
Q.12 If the Bunsen burner does not light up after the gas tap is
open for a few seconds, what should you do? Journal of Learning

_______________________________________________

_______________________________________________

_______________________________________________

Q.13 According to the result in Experiment 1.4 C Using a Bunsen

burner, complete the following table.

Air hole closed Air hole opened

Shape of
Regular / irregular Regular / irregular
the flame

Colour of
the flame
Brightness
of the luminous / non-luminous luminous / non-luminous
flame

Noise level Quiet / noisy Quiet / noisy

Note:
 The air hole allows air to enter the chimney and mix with
the gas fuel.
 If the air hole is open, more air mix with the gas fuel.
The gas fuel will burn more completely and a non-
luminous flame will be obtained.
 If the air hole is closed, less air will mix with the gas
fuel. The gas fuel will burn less completely and a
luminous flame will be obtained.

Summary:
1. In the laboratory, we often use a Bunsen burner for
heating.
2. We usually use a _______________________________ flame for
heating.
3. We should follow safety rules when using a Bunsen
“Hard work always paysburner.
off; mere talk puts no bread on the table.” Proverbs 14:23
Chapter 1 Introducing Science P a g e | 27

C. Measurement and Recording

Learning Objectives
In this section, you are able to
1. Use appropriate instruments for measuring length, volume, mass,
temperature and time
2. Use appropriate units to represent length, volume, mass,
temperature and time respectively and know the conversion
between units.
3. Read the scales on rulers, measuring cylinders and thermometers
accurately.

FRIST READ the textbook 1A page 67 – 69 and answer the

following question.

Q.14 Complete the following table.

Measurement Instrument Unit commonly Symbol of unit

used
Length Metre
Centimeter
Millimeter
Volume Cubic metre
Cubic
centimetre
Millilitre
Litre
Mass Kilogram
Gram
Temperature Degree Celsius
Time Hour
minutes
Second

Q.15 Complete Checkpoint 1.4 C on Textbook page 78.

“Hard work always pays off; mere talk puts no bread on the table.” Proverbs 14:23
Chapter 1 Introducing Science P a g e | 28

Q.16 Complete the following sentence.

When you use a ruler to measure length, we should read the

scale of the ruler directly _________________________ .

Note:
 Errors in measurement can never be avoided (避
免) but can be minimized (減少) .

Summary:
In this section, you should be able to Journal of Learning
 use suitable instruments and appropriate units
in measurements.

Q.17 How do you measure a 10-cent coin accurately using the

water displacement method? Discuss with your
classmates.

_______________________________________________

_______________________________________________

_______________________________________________

Note:
 When doing experiments, we should choose
suitable instruments. Further, we should use
suitable units to show the measurements.

Q.18 Complete the following conversion of unit.

1km = ______________m 1ml = ________________ cm3

1m = _______________ cm 1L = __________________ml
1cm = _______________mm 1m3 = ________________ L
1 min = _____________s 1 h = _________________ min

“Hard work always pays off; mere talk puts no bread on the table.” Proverbs 14:23