Curriculum

Integrated Science

Unit 1 Introduction to Science, Technology and Society

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Unit 2: Living Things and the Environment

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Unit 3 Introduction to Materials and their Properties

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Unit 4 Sexual Reproductive Health

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Text lesson

Lesson 1 The Nature of Science

Learning Objectives

At the end of this lesson you should be able to:
distinguish between science and technology
use the scientific method

Investigation1.0 The interaction of science, technology and society

To understand the interaction of science, technology, and society, it’s important to define each term. Science is knowledge that explains and enhances our understanding of the universe. Scientists explore the world by asking questions about phenomena. They use scientific knowledge to develop technology, creating useful products like cars and solar panels that benefit society.

1.1 Impact of technology on society

Learner, I hope you grasp the distinction between science and technology. With that in mind, how has technology influenced society and life?

Please share your thoughts in the space provided.

______________________________________________

While we often discuss technology’s positive impacts, it’s essential to also consider its negative effects. Let’s compare these impacts:

In the past, people relied on walking and basic transport, leading to longer journeys and less comfort. Modern technology enables quick travel, like two days from Africa to Asia. However, earlier lifestyles involved more physical activity, contributing to better health compared to today’s sedentary habits
The internet has revolutionized access to knowledge, allowing instant updates from around the world without the need for physical exploration. However, it also brings challenges like internet gambling and hacking. Additionally, traditional handwritten letters have been overshadowed by the rapid communication of emails and social media, leading to faster interactions.
The cellular phone enables real-time global communication, a capability not available in the past.

Technology simplifies life, leading to increased reliance and reduced effort. This ease may diminish the value of achievements as the enjoyment of hard work decreases.

1.2 Technology, health and environment

Industrial manufacturing impacts the environment by disturbing habitats and causing pollution. Transport logistics further contribute to road congestion and air quality issues, necessitating measures to protect public health. Additionally, prolonged computer use can lead to eye strain; users should take breaks and have biannual eye exams to address potential vision problems. Excessive activities such as gaming and texting can lead to arthritis in the hands. Taking regular breaks to stretch fingers and palms is crucial for prevention. Before bed, avoid bright screens from computers or gaming devices, as they can hinder sleep.

2.0 Doing Science

Learners have been introduced to the role of a scientist, who makes discoveries through investigations using the scientific method. This method relies on observations, tests, and analyzed results to gain reliable knowledge, which can lead to scientific laws or theories, rather than instincts or faith. The scientific method involves several steps before a law or theory can be proposed, summarized in a table that illustrates its application.

Table 1: The Scientific Method

THE STEPS TAKEN

EXAMPLE

Observation(s)– a scientist may notice a problem which needs a solution. The scientist will write this problem down so that an investigation can be done to try and have solutions to the observed problem

A scientist may feel so hot and uncomfortable in summer wearing a black shirt than when wearing a white shirt.

Questioning-the scientist will ask questions about the observation made. These questions are also written down.

The scientist may ask ‘Why do I feel uncomfortable in a black shirt than a white one?’

Hypothesising with a guess to answer the questions asked. This is an intelligent sort of scientific guess which can possibly answer the question asked. This guess is called a hypothesis. The hypothesis is the best possible guess made before an investigation or a test is carried out. This guess may be a result of what the scientist has experienced in the past or may be using a known law or theory.

The possible answer may be that the white shirt is older than the new one!

Carrying out the investigation(experimenting) –experimenting tries to prove the hypothesis There are steps well laid down on how the experiment is to be carried out so that accurate results can be obtained. A fair test should be done and this is obtained by controlling variables. A variable is an attribute of an investigation that is able to change. To obtain a fair test, a number of variables are written down for a particular investigation and only one variable is tested while the rest are kept the same. The one variable that is changed is the one that is indicated in the hypothesis. In this case the test will be fair in that the results obtained will be as a result of only the tested variable.

The scientists may decide to carry out the investigation as below:

• Buy 2 new shirts

• One black and one white

• Both short sleeved

• Made of the same material

The only one variable that is changed is the colour and all other variables are made to be the same and this will make the investigation to be fair.

Data collection – data is the information collected form an investigation, the data is also called results. The results have to be collected from the beginning of the experiment to the end. The data is presented in table which has columns and rows and this makes it easy for other scientists to use the results.

Thermometers may be placed inside the shirts and temperatures taken before taken out to the sun and while in the sun temperature measured after every 2 minutes for a period of 20 minutes. The table can be a table of time in minutes and temperature in degree Celsius.

Data analysis – this involves studying the data and making sense out of it. The data may be analysed by plotting a suitable graph, or chart so that the trend can easily be obtained from this.

From the results a graph of temperature against time may be plotted and the corresponding values of temperature and time plotted for the 2 shirts. From the graphs, the temperature from the black shirt would show a fast increase and higher values in temperature than the thermometer from

the white shirt

Drawing conclusions-this involves the process of drawing a generalization from the information obtained from the results

The conclusion here is that black colours absorb heat than white colours.

The initial hypothesis was incorrect, prompting scientists to formulate a new one and restart their investigation. If the new hypothesis is validated, the investigation is repeated multiple times to calculate averages, enhancing accuracy. This process leads to reliable conclusions that can be published as laws or theories for use by other scientists. Using appropriate measuring instruments improves investigation accuracy over relying on sensory observations.

In this , scientists opted for a thermometer over touch due to individual sensing differences. A reliable, calibrated instrument provides consistent results and supports reproducibility in scientific research. Let’s embark on a new adventure! At the beginning of this lesson, I mentioned essential lab rules for safety. Now, let’s explore these important guidelines!

3.0 Working safely in the laboratory

A laboratory is a space for scientific investigations, where safety guidelines must be followed to prevent hazards and ensure safety.

3.1 Common hazards in the laboratory

Hazards are perilous elements that can lead to injuries. Common laboratory hazards can be categorized into three distinct groups.

(a) Physical hazards – these hazards are those that can harm you in the laboratory and you can see their effect with your eyes

These includes :

Cut from razor blade or a knife.
Shock from a high voltage (very powerful) electric sources.

(b) Chemical hazards – these hazards happen due to the effects of your encounter with chemical. Chemicals have different effects on the body because there are different kinds of chemicals. Common chemical hazards includes:

Skin burn from sulphuric acid, this acid is the one contained in a car battery
Irritation form smelling ammonia gas
High energy radiation sources can also cause harm to the body but the effects are not readily visible.

Example of a hazardous chemical in the home is handy andy. Handy andy contains ammonia which irritates the nose. This is why handy andy is diluted before using it.

(c) Biological hazards – these are hazards that may be caused by contact with some animals and plants. Some animals and plants have or produce some chemicals which can be harmful to our health. These includes:

Some animals and plants can cause allergies. Allergies are bad reactions from our bodies to some substances that may be in a plant or an animal. Different individuals have different reactions to different animals or plants, e.g. Kago may be allergic to cats while Loago is not or Kabo may be allergic to a certain pollen grain while Sethunya is not!
Some animals and plants carry diseases such that if we come into contact with them, we may contact those diseases, so for this reason we must avoid being in contact to such animals and plants while unprotected.

It is essential to wash your hands thoroughly after using chemicals.

Note: Scientists don protective clothing and gloves when working with plants or animals.

3.2 Safety symbols

In a laboratory, various chemicals are stored, particularly those that can be harmful. These dangerous substances are marked with safety warning labels or symbols. A few examples of these are shown below.

Symbol	Explanation
	The selected symbol shows a skull and crossbones with the word toxic underneath. It warns that the substance can be very dangerous if it enters the body, especially through swallowing. It signals that the material can cause serious harm and must be kept away from the mouth and handled with great care.
	Certain substances, like mercury and methanol, are poisonous if ingested and should not be eaten or come into contact with the mouth; immediate medical consultation is necessary if this occurs. Flammable substances, such as paraffin and cooking gas, should be kept away from open flames to prevent fires. Laboratories are equipped with fire extinguishers containing carbon dioxide gas to extinguish fires.
	Certain substances, like mercury and methanol, are poisonous if ingested and should not come in contact with the mouth; immediate medical attention is necessary if this occurs. Flammable substances, such as paraffin and cooking gas, must be kept away from open flames to prevent fire hazards. Laboratories are equipped with fire extinguishers containing carbon dioxide gas for fire emergencies.
	These chemicals can explode if mishandled, such as when unreacted magnesium metal and water are placed in a hot environment.
	Chemicals like hydrogen peroxide and ammonium permanganate can cause substances to gain oxygen, potentially leading to explosions.
	The labeled chemicals can corrode skin or cloth upon contact. Common examples include battery acid (sulfuric acid) and hydrofluoric acid, which can cause blindness and is stored in plastic containers due to its ability to dissolve glass.

3.3 Safety rules

Laboratory work requires adherence to safety rules to ensure a safe environment, despite the presence of hazardous chemicals. Following these rules, which include essential DO’S and DON’TS, is crucial for maintaining safety in the lab.

THE DO’S

Do Wait outside the room until you are told to enter Do Wear protective clothing while in the laboratory Do Heat liquids slowly and rotate the test tube to avoid overheating one area
Do Wash hands and arms up to the elbows before leaving the laboratory Do Report any gas and water leakage, breakages, and accidents promptly to the laboratory supervisor.
Clean the apparatus at the end of the experiment
Clean the table top with water immediately a chemical spills.
Exercise caution while using electrical apparatus.
Follow the instructions as given out by the teacher.
Clean the apparatus at the end of the investigation.
Check the label of the chemicals to be used in any investigation and apply

(b) THE DON’TS

Here are the actions you should avoid while in the laboratory. These include:

Do not run in the laboratory.
Do not drink, eat, or chew anything in the lab.
Do not touch chemicals with bare hands unless instructed to do so.
Do not dispose of any insoluble substances in the sink.
Do not panic in the laboratory, even in the event of an accident.
Do not inhale any substances unless directed by your instructor.
Do not return unused chemicals to the stock bottle unless permitted.
Do not point the open end of a heated test tube at anyone, including yourself!
Do not place hot glassware on wet surfaces.
Do not handle any apparatus until instructed by the teacher.

To ensure laboratory safety, appropriate techniques must be followed, especially when using flames, such as with a Bunsen burner. This apparatus consists of metal and a gas-carrying tube. Key steps include managing the air hole to control airflow into the burner for effective use.

Strike a matchstick or use a lighter.
Bring the flame close to the mouth of the Bunsen burner.
Gradually turn on the gas tap until a flame appears at the burner.
To enhance the flame, adjust the gas tap to increase the gas supply to the Bunsen burner.

A lit Bunsen burner looks like like the illustration shown below:

Figure 1: Bunsen burner

When the air hole is closed, the flame is bright yellow and unsteady.

Figure 2: Unsteady flame

When the air hole is completely open the burner gives out the hottest blue flame that is also steady in blowing.

Figure 3: Steady flame

When the air hole is half open a medium flame is produced.

The Bunsen burner heats liquids in test tubes, beakers, or other flame-safe devices. Proper handling of the test tube requires specific steps to ensure safety.

Do not fill the test tube more than one-third full.
Use a test tube holder to hold the test tube securely.
Begin heating at a low heat setting.
Continuously rotate the test tube to ensure even heat distribution.
Avoid clamping the test tube above the Bunsen burner and leaving it unattended.
Point the open end of the test tube away from yourself and others.

Summary

Let us see some of the main points that we covered in this lesson. We learnt that:

Science is the investigation of the world and all that is in it.
Technology is an application of the processes of Science. That Science has made our life more comfortable, easier and more faster since we use machines in the production of goods and as a means of transport.
Technology has both advantages and disadvantages. Some of the disadvantages include the health challenges that it can bring and the fact that it can also encourage laziness because of heavy dependence on machines.