Introduction to General Science

Introduction to General Science

• General science is about everyday life topics
• The nature of science and branches of science are covered.

The Nature of Science and its Branches

• Science is a body of knowledge plus the processes to expand that knowledge.
• Indigenous Science and Conventional Science are different.
• Science has main branches.
• The branches of science are intertwined.
• Science and technology affect our beliefs, practices, and thought processes.
• Ethiopian and International scientists have made significant contributions.
• Scientific values are important in decision-making and problem-solving.
• Ethical considerations are vital in scientific research.

Why Indigenous Knowledge in Science?

• Indigenous knowledge helps us understand different cultures' identities.
• It allows us to link indigenous knowledge with Western science (to learn to solve practical problems).
• Indigenous people have used traditional methods to treat diseases and preserve food. Examples: extractions of medicinal chemicals from plants and preserving meat.

Branches of Science

• Science includes natural and social sciences.
• Natural sciences study nature examples: Chemistry, Biology, and Physics.
• Biology is the study of living things.
• Chemistry is the study of the properties, composition, structure, and transformation of substances.
• Physics is the study of matter, energy, and their interactions.
• Biophysics relates biology to physics.
• Biochemistry combines biology and chemistry, studying the chemical processes in living organisms.

Science and Technology

• Technology is the use of scientific knowledge to enhance human lives and work.
• Examples of technology include automobiles, TVs, computers, etc.

Science and Technology Relationship

• Science and technology are not identical.
• They function as interconnected concepts and processes (each having distinctive roles).
• Science aims to develop knowledge about the world, and technology develops practical solutions for problems.

Uses of Science and Technology for the Society

• Science and technology are vital elements in everyday life.
• They produce materials with desirable properties and qualities.
• They are used in agriculture, medicine, and various modern industries.

Famous Scientists

• Scientists methodically gather and share knowledge.
• They make hypotheses and test them.
• Key contributors included Marie Curie, Isaac Newton, Michael Faraday, and Albert Einstein

Activities and Exercises

• Students should do these activities together with the given instructions.

Key Words

• Science
• Technology
• Ethical standards
• Indigenous knowledge
• Branches of sciences
• Natural Sciences
• Social Sciences
• Lab equipment.
• Safety Rules

Scientific Procedures and Ethical Considerations

• Scientists must adhere to ethical standards.
• Duty to society, beneficence, conflict of interest, informed consent, and integrity are all key ethical standards for scientists.
• Non-discrimination is important as well for scientists

Different Laboratory Tools and their use

• Triple beam balance: measuring mass.
• Beaker: holding liquids (heating).
• Tongs: Handling hot beakers or crucibles.
• Thermometer: measuring temperature.
• Test tubes: holding smaller amounts of liquids.
• Petri dish: growing or counting bacteria.
• Graduated cylinder: measuring volume.
• Bunsen burner: heating lab objects

Laboratory Safety Rules

• Appropriate attire (goggles, gloves, shoes, and lab coats).
• Tie back loose hair.
• Know locations of safety equipment like fire extinguishers.
• Recognize and follow all safety instructions.
• Be careful with chemicals, and all scientific materials.

Writing a Laboratory Report

• A lab report needs a title, date, introduction, objective, theory, materials, procedure, observation, findings, conclusion, discussion, and references, all done in a clear, well-written format.

Physical and Chemical Properties of Matter

• Substancs have physical and chemical properties.
• Physical properties are observables without changing a substance.
• Examples: color, odor, taste, melting point, density, conductivity.
• Chemical properties describe how a substance changes or resists changes. It cannot be determined by simply looking at the substance.
• Melting point, boiling point, flammability, and reactivity.

Classification of Substances

• Substances are classified as either pure substances or mixtures.
• Pure substances (elements and compounds) have fixed compositions.
• Mixtures are combinations of two or more pure substances (homogeneous and heterogeneous).

General Types of Mixtures

• Homogeneous mixtures (solutions): uniform composition (e.g., salt water).
• Heterogeneous mixtures : non-uniform composition (e.g., sand and water).

Changes of State

• Substances change state when heated or cooled (e.g., melting, freezing, sublimation, vaporization, condensation, deposition.)