FORM1 SCIENCE Chapter 1

1.1 SCIENCE IS PART OF DAILY

LIFE
What is Science ?
- Science is a discipline that involves systematic observations and experiments on
natural phenomena.
- Science = Scientia in Latin = knowledge
- Formation of rainbows, flash floods, volcanic eruptions, melting of ice, animal
migration, occurrence of day and night, growth, thunder and lightnings, raining and so
on are examples of natural phenomena.
Why is Science important?
- It helps us to understand ourselves and the environment. With rapid development of
science and technology, (transportation, agriculture, medicine, communication), our
quality of life and standard of living have improved.
Science is divided into various fields

Field Study of Examples

Biology Living Things Zoology, Botany,
Microbiology, Physiology
Physics Characteristics of matter Engineering, electricity
and energy
Chemistry Matter and its reaction Pharmacology, Toxicology,
Forensics
Geology Rocks, Soils, Minerals Geochemistry, Geophysics,
Geomorphology
Astronomy Moon, Stars, Planet, the Astrophysics
Sun
Meteorology Weather and climate Hydrometeorology
change
Careers in Science

Biology Physics Chemistry Geology

Zoologist Engineer Pharmacist Geologist
Medical Doctor Astronomer Chemist Environmentalist
Botanist Meteorologist Biochemist Lecturer
Genetic researcher Lecturer Teacher Geophysicist
Nurse Architect Forensic scientist Geochemist
Innovation in technology
- Made our life more comfortable and helps us solve various problems in daily life
- Eg : Invention of robots helps us with household chores such as sweeping the floor
- Eg: Invention of ICT (Information and Communication Technology) devices such
as computer, smartboard, and Internet improves the effectiveness of teaching and
learning.
Q&A
1. What is meant by natural phenomena?
2. State two importance of science in communication.
3. State 3 careers in field of biology.

Answers:
1. A natural phenomenon is an observable event which is not man-made.
2. Invention of telephone allows people to communicate at a distance, Invention of
Internet allows people to search and access a vast amount of information at home.
3. Microbiologist / Doctor / Zoologist / Nurse
1.2 YOUR SCIENCE
LABORATORY
- Science laboratory is a place where science experiments are conducted.
- It contains all the apparatus and materials needed for conducting research or
experiments.
- We should follow all the rules and safety measures when working in the
laboratory.
- We should be able to recognize some standard hazard symbols and dangerous
substances to avoid any laboratory incidents.
Apparatus for containing, collecting and transferring chemicals.

Beaker – To hold large

Test tube – To hold small amount of chemicals and
amount of chemicals liquids

Boiling tube – To heat small Conical Flask – To hold

amount of chemicals large amount of chemicals
and liquids
Apparatus for containing, collecting and transferring chemicals.

Round Bottom Flask – To

hold large amount of
chemicals and liquids

Bell Jar – To enclose sample

and separate it from
surroundings.

Gas Jar – To collect gas

Apparatus for measuring volume of liquids

Measuring Cylinder – To Burette – Measure liquids to Pipette – To measure fixed

measure volume of liquids a accuracy of 0.1cm3 volume of liquids.
Apparatus for filtering and evaporating

Filter funnel – to separate Evaporating Dish – Used to

insoluble solids from liquids evaporate excess solvents to
produce concentrated
solutions.
Apparatus for heating

Bunsen Burner – To supply Wire Gauze – To allow even

flame for heating distribution of heat.
Apparatus for holding and supporting apparatus

Retort Stand and Clamp – Test Tube Stand – To Tripod Stand – To support
To support apparatus during support test tubes. apparatus when heating.
experiment.
Symbols of hazardous materials in laboratory
- Some substances in laboratory are dangerous and must be handled carefully to
avoid any laboratory incidents.
Hazard
Symbol

Meaning Explosive Flammable Toxic or Corrosive Irritant Radioactive

poisonous
Safety Keep them in Keep away Do not taste Avoid direct Use them in These
Measures paraffin oil from fire and these contact with fume substances
and avoid heat sources substances. these chambers as produce
mixing with This can cause substances. If their vapour or harmful
water or other poisoning and accidentally fume can hurt radiation
chemicals death if split on skin, the eyes, nose which can
swallowed wash with and throat. cause cancer,
plenty of must keep
water them in lead
container.
Examples Potassium, Phosphorus, Mercury and Concentrated Chloroform, Uranium,
Butane gas, alcohol and chlorine acids and ammonia, Plutonium and
Hydrogen gas petrol alkalis chlorine radium
Rules and Safety Measures in the Laboratory
Things you should do :
1. Read the instructions first and understand them before starting the experiment.
2. Report all accidents, injuries, breakage, and spillage to your teacher immediately.
3. Always keep the laboratory clean
4. Return the apparatus to their proper places after cleaning.
5. Turn off the taps and switches before leaving the laboratory.
Things you should NOT do:
1. Do not eat, drink, play and run in the laboratory,
2. Do not remove any apparatus from the laboratory without permission.
3. Do not throw solid waste or chemicals into the sink.
4. Do not taste any chemicals unless otherwise instructed by the teacher.
We should follow the safety measures when using the apparatus and chemicals.
1. Check the labels on the chemicals before using
2. Do not ingest any kind of chemicals unless been told by teacher
3. Do not directly touch the chemicals with your hands
4. Always wear safety goggles when heating chemicals
5. While heating substances in test tube, do not point the mouth towards ourselves or anyone else.

In case there is an accident happen, what should we do?

Types of accident
Burns Hold the burned area under the cool
running water for a few minutes
Acid or Alkali splash in the eye Flush the eye vigorously with plenty of
water and seek medical attention quickly
Ingestion of chemicals Spit it out immediately into the sink and
rinse your mouth vigorously with plenty
of water. Seek medical attention.
Inhalation of toxic gas Move away from the gas and get out of
the laboratory quickly for fresh air
Q&A
1. What do you understand about this figure?
2. Predict what will happen when it is placed near to the Bunsen burner that is heating
water.
3. What should be done if your prediction occurs?

1. The bottle contains chemical that is flammable.

2. A fire may occur.
3. Get out as quickly and safely as possible from the fire to a safer place and report to
your teacher.
1.3 PHYSICAL QUANTITIES
AND THEIR UNITS
A physical quantity is a quantity that can be measured.
The common base quantities are length, mass, time, temperature and electric current.
Base quantity SI unit Symbol
Length Metre m
Mass Kilogram kg
Time Second s
Temperature Kelvin K
Electric current Ampere A

These physical quantity are measured in the International System of Units (S.I. units)
Prefixes are added before the S.I. units to represent decimal multiples or
submultiples of units.
- each prefix has its own symbol and value

Prefix Symbol Numerical value Standard form

Giga G 1 000 000 000 109
Mega M 1 000 000 106
Kilo k 1 000 103
Deci d 0.1 10-1
Centi c 0.01 10-2
Milli m 0.001 10-3
Micro µ 0.000 001 10-6
Nano n 0.000 000 001 10-9
The value of base quantity can be convert from one unit to another.
Example 1
2.5 kg = _________g
3500 g = __________kg
Example 2
50 m = ________cm
400 cm = _________m
65 mm = _________m
Example 3
12 min = ___________s
720 s = ____________h
The importance of S.I. units in daily life
- To avoid confusion and misunderstanding in daily life.
- Scientist around the world will have difficulties in exchanging information and
problems if everyone is using their own units.
- Since 1960, scientists have adopted the S.I. units, a standard set of units where they
can share information with greater accuracy and this has made their global
communication much more convenient and efficient.
Q&A
1. Complete the table below:
Physical quantity S.I. Unit Symbol
Mass
Time
Temperature

2. Convert the following values

 1.2 km = _____________m
 12300 mm =______________m
 57cm =______________m
 1.4 THE USE OF MEASURING
INSTRUMENTS, ACCURACY,
CONSISTENCY, SENSITIVITY AND ERRORS
Consistency, accuracy and sensitivity are the three important aspects in
measurement.
Consistency Accuracy Sensitivity
The ability of an instrument in The ability of a measuring The ability of a measuring
measuring a quantity in a instrument to obtain value closest instrument to detect small changes
consistent manner. to the actual value in the quantity that is being
measured
Measuring instruments that have
Actual value
smaller scale divisions are more
sensitive
More Accurate

Less Accurate
Precise Precise Not Precise
Measurements are consistent when Measurements with small or no E.g. milliammeter is more
the reading are close to each other error is said to be more accurate sensitive than ammeter
USING THE RIGHT
MEASURING INSTRUMENTS
1. Measuring length
2. Measuring mass
3. Measuring time
4. Measuring Temperature
5. Measuring Electric Current
6. Measuring Volume
Measuring Length

Definition : Length is the distance between two point

S.I. unit : Meter (m)

Can be also measured in milimeters (mm), centimetres (cm) or kilometres (km)

Unit conversion : 1km = 1000 m

1m = 100 cm
1cm = 10 mm

Measuring Instrument:
1) Metre rule – to measure length of short line
To avoid parallax error, always place your eye vertically above the scale.

2) Measuring tape – to measure longer distances such as height of wall

The smallest division on the scale is 0.1cm / 1mm
Measuring Mass

Definition : The quantity of matter in an object

S.I. unit : Kilogram (kg)

Can be also measured in gram (g)

Unit conversion : 1kg = 1000 g

Measuring Instrument:
1) Triple Beam Balance

2) Lever balance
Measuring Time

Definition : The measured period between two moments

S.I. unit : Second (s)

Can be also measured minutes, days, months and years.

Unit conversion : 1day = 24 hours

1 hour = 60 minutes
1 minute = 60 seconds

Measuring Instrument:
1) Stopwatch
External scale shows time in seconds (s)
Internal scale shows time in minutes (mins)
Measuring Time

Definition : Temperature is a measure of how hot or cold an object is

S.I. unit : Kelvin (K)

Can be also measured degree Celsius (˚C)

Unit conversion : 1˚C = 274.15K

Measuring Instrument:
1) Laboratory Thermometer – smallest scale division is 1˚C 2) Clinical thermometer– smallest scale division is 0.1˚C
Measuring Electric Current

Definition : Electric current is defined as the rate of flow of charges (electrons) through a conductor

S.I. unit : Ampere (A)

Can be also measured in milliampere (mA)

Unit conversion : 1A = 1000 mA

Measuring Instrument:
1) Ammeter
The reading of ammeter must be ‘0’ before using to avoid zero error.
Measuring Volume

Definition : Volume is the amount of space occupied by an object

S.I. unit : Cubic meter (m 3)

Can be also measured in cubic millimeter (mm 3), cubic centimetres (cm3) , millilitre (ml) or litre(L)

Unit conversion : 1cm3 = 1ml

1L = 1000 cm3 = 1000 ml
1 m3 = 1000 000 cm3 = 1000 000 ml

Measuring Instrument:
1) Measuring cylinder
Parallax error occurs when not read perpendicular to the reading scale.
USING MEASURING
INSTRUMENTS WITH HIGHER
ACCURACY
1. Vernier Calipers
Venier calipers are used to measure short lengths, the internal and external diameter
and depth of objects more accurately.
A pair of vernier callipers has two scales: main scale and vernier scale
The main scale has the smallest division of 0.1cm or 1 mm, and the vernier scale has
the smallest division of 0.01cm or 0.1mm.
ZERO ERROR IN VERNIER
CALLIPERS
Systematic error: caused by measuring instrument that are not accurate Eg: Zero
error
Zero error : error that occurs when the measuring instrument does not show zero
before taking the measurement.
ZERO ERROR IN VERNIER
CALLIPERS
To obtain actual reading, zero error should be taken in consideration
Actual reading = Reading of vernier callipers – Zero error
2. MICROMETER SCREW
GAUGE
Micrometer screw gauge is used to measure thickness and diameters of small objects
such as paper, hair wire and metal sheet.
It contains two scales : Main scale and Vernier Scale
The Vernier Scale is divided into 50 equal parts and its smallest division is 0.001 cm
or 0.01mm – Micrometer screw gauge is more accurate than Vernier callipers.
ZERO ERROR IN MICROMETER
SCREW GAUGE
Before using, the spindle should be closed on the anvil without any object placed in
between to find any zero errors
Actual reading = Reading of micrometer screw gauge – zero error
USING ELECTRONIC
MEASURING INSTRUMENT
FOR HIGHER ACCURACY
Invention of various electronic measuring instruments not only facilitates
measurement, but also provide more accurate measurements.
Eg: Digital vernier callipers and Digital micrometer screw gauge
More sensitive measurement, more precise and accurate readings.
 OTHER EXAMPLES

Digital Ammeter Digital Stopwatch Digital Thermometer Electronic Balance

Accuracy: 0.01A Accuracy: 0.01s Accuracy: 0.01˚C Accuracy: 0.01g
HOW TO MINIMIZE
SYSTEMATIC ERRORS AND
RANDOM ERRORS
Error is the difference between the measured value and the actual value of a quantity.
We should reduce measurement error to increase the consistency and accuracy of
measurements
It is classified into two types : Systematic Error and Random Error
SYSTEMATIC ERROR
Systemic errors are errors caused by faulty instruments or changes in the environment
during measurement.
It results in either larger or smaller reading than actual value
It reduces the accuracy of measurement.
Examples:
1. Zero Error
2. Inaccuracy or defects in the measuring instruments
SYSTEMATIC ERROR
How to reduce systematic error:
1. Actual reading = Reading obtained – zero error
2. Systematic errors caused by the defect in an instrument can be avoided by
choosing the correct measuring instrument and by checking the instrument if it is
in good condition before using it.
3. Experiments can be repeated by using different instruments.
4. Experiments should be carried out with care.
RANDOM ERROR
Random errors are the errors in measurement caused by the observer when taking
measurements.
It occurs when the observer reads a scale from an inconsistent direction or is careless
in measurement.
Random error will reduce consistency of a measurement.
Examples:
1. Parallax error
2. Careless
3. Wrong technique of measurement (thimble of micrometer screw gauze squeezed
too tight)
RANDOM ERROR
How to reduce random errors:
1. For accurate measurement, the eye much always be placed vertically above the
scale to avoid parallax error.
2. The eye is aligned perpendicularly to the line on the scale reading.
3. Take repeated readings to get the average readings.
MAKING AN ESTIMATION
BEFORE TAKING THE ACTUAL
MEASUREMENT
1. Estimating Length
Length can be estimated by comparing an object with other object which its lengths
is know

We know that the length of 1 paper clip is 1.5cm

4 paper clips = 6 cm
Therefore, the length of the pencil is 6 cm.
2. Estimating Area
The S.I. unit for area is m2.
The area of regular shapes can be measured using formulae. For example, the area of
a square is length x width.

The area of irregular shapes can be estimated using graph paper method.
Total: 81 square unit
3. Estimating Mass
The mass of small object can be estimated from a large sample size
4. Estimating Volume
The volume of regular and irregular solids can be measured by water displacement
method.
Archimedes discovered water displacement
method while taking a bath. He used this
method to measure the volume of the crown
of the King of Syracuse. He found that the
volume of water displaced is equal to the
volume of the object that displaces the water.
Q&A
1. We should use appropriate measuring instrument and use it in the correct way to
get the most __________and ________reading.
2. Vernier callipers have an accuracy of _____ cm or _____mm.
3. Suggest one suitable measuring instrument to measure the length of a classroom
4. Compare the accuracy between a laboratory thermometer and clinical
thermometer.
5. Explain how to estimate the mass of a piece of A4 Paper
Q&A
6.
A) Name the measuring instrument.
B) What is the diameter of the ball
C) If the instrument has zero error, what need to be done to get accurate reading?
D) If the zero error is 0.04mm, what could be the actual diameter of this ball?
Explain how to get the actual reading.
ANSWERS
1. We should use appropriate measuring instrument and use it in the correct way to
get the most accurate and consistent reading.
2. Vernier callipers have an accuracy of 0.01cm or 0.1mm
3. Measuring Tape
4. A clinical thermometer is more accurate than a laboratory thermometer because
clinical thermometer can measure temperature accurately up to 0.1˚C.
5. Weigh the mass of a ream of A4 paper (450 sheets of paper). Then, a mass of a
ream of paper is divided by 450. In this way, the mass of a sheets of paper is
estimated.
ANSWERS
6.
A) Vernier Callipers
B) 2.53cm
C) To obtain a more accurate reading, zero error has to be taken into consideration.
D)
- If the zero error is a positive zero error, the actual reading should be 2.53 – 0.04 =
2.49cm
- If the zero error is a negative zero error, the actual reading should be 2.53 – (-0.04)
= 2.57cm
1.5 DENSITY
Density of a substance is the mass per unit volume of the substance.
1. The S.I. unit for density is kilogram per cubic meter (kg/m 3 or kgm-3)
2. Another unit often used is gram per cubic centimetre (g/cm 3 or gcm-3)
Formula of density:
Density (gcm-3) =
When the volume of solids is the same, the greater the mass of a solid, the higher the
density of the solid.
RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN
FLOATING AND SINKING
An object that is less dense then a liquid will float on the liquid.
An object that is more dense than a liquid will sink in the liquid.

Density determines the object to float or sink.

Example:
1. Based on the table belowe, predict whether substance X and Y will float or sink in
water. Why?

Substance X Y Water
Density (g cm-3) 0.7 1.2 1.0

2. Do you know why air conditioner are installed at a height in rooms?

Hot air is less dense than cold air.
CALCULATION OF DENSITY
BY USING FORMULA
Density (g cm-3) = Mass (g) / Volume (cm-3)
If we know the mass and volume, by using the formula, we can get the density.

Example
A block of a lead measuring 10cm of length, 5 cm of width and 2 cm of height has a
mass of 1130g. What is the density of the lead block?
Solution:
73.6cm3 of water freezes into ice with a density of 0.92 g cm -3. What is the colume of
the ice?
Solution:
DETERMINING THE DENSITY
OF THE OBJECT USING WATER
DISPLACEMENT METHOD
Density of a regular and irregular-shaped solids can be determined using the water
displacement method.
1. Measure the mass of an object
2. Determine the volume of the object using water displacement method
3. Calculate the density using the formula
DIFFERENCES IN DENSITY IN
EVERYDAY LIFE
1. Ice is less dense than water, so ice will float in water
2. Balloons filled with helium gas float in the air because the density of helium gas is
lower than density of air
3. Oil is less dense than seawater, so it will float on the surface of seawater
4. The density of the Dead Sea is very high that we can float easily on it
5. Timber is less dense than water. So it floats in water. It is transported by rivers to
factories which are built on the river banks
6. Floats help beginners to float in water. Air in float makes the float less dense than
water
INOVATION IN OBJECTS,
FOOD, DRINKS USING
CONCEPT OF DENSITY
Q&A
1. The density of water is 100kg m-3. Calculate the mass of 1 cm3 of water in the unit
of gram.
2.
A) Explain why an egg sinks in water
B) Predict what will happen to an egg in a beaker of water if five spoons of salt are
added to the water.
C) State a natural phenomenon that is related to the phenomenon in 2B
ANSWERS
1. 1 g cm-3
2.
A) Egg is denser than water
B) The egg will float on the water
C) Ice floats on the ocean water
1.6 STEPS IN A SCIENTIFIC
INVESTIGATION
Scientific method is a systematic method used by scientists to solve problems
There are 12 science process skills white require critical and creative thinking to
carry out scientific investigation.
STEPS IN SCIENTIFIC
INVESITGATION
1. Identifying a problem
 Starts a problem based on your observation

2. Forming a hypothesis
 Making a reasonable guess in suggesting explanation for the problem
 The hypothesis must be tested experimentally to determine its validity

3. Controlling variables
 Variables are conditions or factors that can affect the results of an experiment
 There are three types of variables
 Manipulated variable – The factor that should be changed
 Responding variable – The factor that changes according to the manipulated variable
 Constant variable – The factor that should be kept the same/constant during the experiment
STEPS IN SCIENTIFIC
INVESITGATION
4. Planning an experiment
 Planning how to carry out the investigation including procedures, methods of collecting data,
materials and apparatus to be used.

5. Carrying out experiment

 Conducting an experiment to test the hypothesis by following the procedures that have been planned
 While carrying out the experiment, the correct manipulated skills should be practised to get more
accurate and precise date
 We should observe the rules and safety measures at all times while working in the laboratory to avoid
any accidents.

6. Collecting Data
 Information or data obtained through qualitative and quantitative observations are recorded
systematically, accurately and honestly.
 Quantitative data collection should be done very carefully using suitable measuring instruments to
avoid any error that may occur
 Measurements are repeated several times to obtain more accurate and precise average values
STEPS IN SCIENTIFIC
INVESITGATION
7. Analysing and interpreting data
 The data collected are usually organised in a form of table and graph

8. Making a conclusion
 Based on the analysis and interpretation, a conclusion is made whether the hypothesis is accepted or
not.
 If the hypothesis is not accepted, a new hypothesis should be formed and another investigation should
be carried out again.

9. Writing a report
 A complete report, which is an important means of communication among scientists should be written
based on the findings in the experiment.
 The report should include:
 Problem statement - Procedure/ method
 Hypothesis - Observations / result
 Aim/objective - Analysis and interpretation of data / discussion
 Variables - Conclusion
 Materials and apparatus
1.7 SCIENTIFIC ATTITUDES
AND VALUES IN CARRYING
OUT SCIENTIFIC
INVESTIGATIONS
We should practise positive attitudes and positive values in carrying out scientific
investigations.
Positive attitudes and values
Appreciates God’s Interested and curious Cooperative Appreciate and
gift towards the practice clean and
environment healthy living
Flexible and open- Systematic, confident Virtuous Be responsible about
minded and ethical the safety at oneself,
others and the
environment
Appreciate the Honest and accurate Diligent and Realize that science is
contributions of in recording and persistent in carrying a means to understand
science and validating data out task the nature
technology
Q&A
1. What should be done if you have an extra problem statement when carrying out a
scientific investigation?
2. Aisyah found that her experimental data are different from her friends’ results. So,
she changed her results in her experimental report. Is her action reasonable? Explain.

1. Make a new hypothesis and carry out an experiment to test the hypothesis.
2. NO. Aisyah should be honest while recording and validating data.