1. An observation is using your senses to take in details without forming conclusions, while an inference is forming a conclusion based on observations. 2. The document provides examples and definitions for key scientific concepts like classification, measurements using tools like rulers and thermometers, and states of matter being solid, liquid, or gas depending on molecular motion. 3. Formulas are given for finding area by multiplying length by width, with practice problems provided to work through the steps.

1. Unit 0: Prologue The Nature of Science Note Packet #1
Name:____________________________ Period:_____ Date:_________
1. An observation is:
__________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________
When you observe, you use your ____________ to take in everything that is happening
around you, paying close attention to detail.
Examples:
i. The rock is smooth and round.
ii. Our Classroom has only one blackboard.
iii. Make an observation: ____________________________________________
2. An inference is
__________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________
In other words, when you infer, you form a conclusion based on something you
____________________.
Examples:
i. The round and smooth rocks must have been carried here by running water.
ii. Since the dog is wagging his tail, he must be happy.
iii. Make an inference: ______________________________________________
3. A prediction is:
__________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________
Examples:
i. An angular rock will eventually become rounded if it stays in the stream.
ii. Ms. Gill will wear something stylish tomorrow.
4. Classification: _________________________________________________
We can organize or classify objects according to some pattern or trend or common
characteristics.
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2. Unit 0: Prologue The Nature of Science Note Packet #1
5. Measurements: The purpose of this guide is to guide you through converting units
in the metric system!
a. What are some measurable properties?
__________________ __________________ __________________
__________________ __________________ __________________
b. How do we make measurements?
•Our senses are limited by how sensitive or by how accurate they are. To get more
detailed information, we use instruments, such as rulers, thermometers, x-rays and
telescopes
c. The Metric System & Unit Conversion:
The fundamental units of the metric system are:
For Mass ______________________
For Length ______________________
For Liquid Volume __________________
By changing the prefix used with each unit you can change the size of the unit. We will
use the following prefixes. (There are others for both larger and smaller units.)
_________ _________ _________ basic unit ________ ________ _________
You can remember this by the following sentence.
__________ ________ _________ _______ ________ ________ _________
To convert from any unit to any other unit count how many spaces are between
them and move the decimal point that far in the same direction.
Let’s look at the meter stick! How many meters (m) are in a meter (m) stick?___
How many centimeters (cm) are in a meter (m)? ___________
How many millimeters (mm) are in a centimeter (cm) ?__________ Now if there are
100 cm in a meter and 10 mm in a cm how many mm are in a m? __________
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3. Unit 0: Prologue The Nature of Science Note Packet #1
Decimals are used because they are easier to convert than fractions! In the metric
system we use abbreviations! Let’s fill them in below!
Length Mass Liquid Volume
meter__________ gram__________ liter__________
millimeter_______ milligram______ milliliter______
centimeter______ -------------- -------------
kilometer_______ kilogram_______ kiloliter________
Let’s practice some unit conversions now! Convert the following!
1. 10 mm = ________________ cm 2. 1 km = ________________ m
3. 1000 ml = ________________ L 4. 12 g = ________________ kg
5. 3.9 kg = _________________ mg 6. 89.3 cm = _______________ mm
6. Rounding: The first step in rounding is figuring out what place to round to and where
that place is located. You must remember these place values:
2 , 6 4 3 , 9 7 5 , 8 6 4 . 9 3 1
Rounding Procedure:
Step 1: Find the location of place that you are asked to round to. Lets call it: Sparky.
Step 2: Look at the number to the right of this place lets call it the Boss.
Step 4: If the boss is a 4 or lower, leave Sparky alone. If the Boss is 5 or higher, round
the Sparky up one value.
Here is a rhyme to help you remember:
“Four and below, let it go. Five and above give it a shove”
For Example: Round 7.289 to the nearest tenth: Answer: 7.3
Practice: Round to the nearest Round to the nearest
Round to the nearest tenth: hundredth: ones:
1) 29.45: _______ 4) 0.745: ________ 7) 30.19: __________
2) 711.319: ________ 5) 1.67234: _______ 8) 8,799.99: ________
3) 9.999: _________ 6) 10.4637: _______ 9) 2.94: __________
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4. Unit 0: Prologue The Nature of Science Note Packet #1
7. Mass :
__________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________
•It is how much “stuff” the object is made of, the number of atoms in it.
a. How do we measure mass? Can we count the atoms one by one?
Nope!!! Instead we use a triple beam balance that gives us a value usually in grams.
b. Is Weight the same as Mass?
Weight is NOT the same as mass, but weight is used to measure the mass of an object
on the Earth. Think about what would happen if you weighed your self on the moon. You
would weight less because there is less gravity pulling you down onto the scale, even
though your mass did not change.
To play with an interactive virtual triple beam balance like we did in class go to:
http://www.touchspin.com/chem/DisplayTBB.html
To find out your weight on other planets and moons visit this site:
http://www.exploratorium.edu/ronh/weight/
8. Inertia:
__________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________
We will learn more about this concept when we learn about Sir Isaac Newton and his
three laws!
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5. Unit 0: Prologue The Nature of Science Note Packet #1
9. Temperature:
__________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________
Typically the faster the molecules vibrate with in a sample of
matter the hotter it is. Let’s model this with our hands!
There are 3 different systems to measure temperature:
1) English Units: Fahrenheit Degrees (F°)
2) Metric Units: Celsius Degrees (°C)
3) Kelvin Units (K)
Fahrenheit Celsius Kelvin
Water Freezes
Water Boils
Absolute zero
10. States of matter
What variable determines the 3 states of
Matter? ________________________
The three phases of Matter are:
___________________
___________________
___________________
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6. Unit 0: Prologue The Nature of Science Note Packet #1
11. Area:
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
Formula for Area= L x W
L: Length, the longer dimension of an 2 D object usually measured in meters,
centimeters or millimeters.
W: Width, the shorter dimension of a 2D object.
Note that the units will always end up squared! Example: 4mm x 2mm = 8mm2
Lets practice finding the area! Always follow these Steps:
Step 1: Write the formula Step 3: Plug in the numbers,
Example: Area = L x W WITH UNITS.
Example: A=4mm x 2mm
Step 2: List all the variables
including the unknown, WITH UNITS. Step 4: Calculate WITH
Example: L = 4mm W= 2mm A= ? UNITS. Example: A= 8mm2
7 cm 4m
9m
7 cm
Step 1:__________________ Step 1:__________________
Step 2: _________________ Step 2: _________________
Step 3: _________________ Step 3: _________________
Step 4:__________________ Step 4:__________________
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7. Unit 0: Prologue The Nature of Science Note Packet #1
12. Volume:
-The amount of _______ a 3D object takes up!
-For solid cubes and boxes Volume is equal to: ____________________.
-Note that, depending on the size of the object the units may be either cm3 or m3
either way the its expressed in cubic units.
-But for liquids, volume is measured in _________ using a beaker or graduated cylinder.
There are rules to reading beaker or graduated cylinder:
1. Read it at eye level 2. You must read the meniscus to obtain an accurate
result. Due to cohesion (sticky) properties of fluids, the
edges of the fluid touching the glass will slightly rise.
Meniscus: 73 mL
Factors that affect Volume: Fluid Displacement
1) Temperature •It is easier to measure irregular
Heating a material will cause it to expand and shaped objects using fluid
take up more space because the molecules need displacement.
more room to move around. Therefore
increasing temperature will increase volume.
_________________  In order to
Cooling a material will result in the opposite. measure this irregularly shaped
So decreasing temperature will decrease rock you would drop it in a beaker
volume. ____________________ filled with water and measure the
Think about how your rings fit in the winter… change in volume or how much
they seem to be bigger! water the object displaces.
2) Pressure:
Increasing pressure will force molecules closer
together there by decreasing volume.
______________________
Decreasing pressure will allow molecules to
spread out and take up more space thereby
increasing volume. _________________
Let’s model this with a sponge. Page #___

8. Unit 0: Prologue The Nature of Science Note Packet #1
13. Density:
__________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________
• It tells us how tightly packed the molecules are, or how close to each other they are.
If they are packed tightly, the density is high.
•The unit for measuring density is
grams per cubic centimeter, or g/cm³
•Density = Mass
Volume
So how do you solve a math problem in science class using a formula?
Step 1: Write the formula
Example: Density = Mass/Volume or D=M/V
Step 2: List all the variables including the unknown, WITH UNITS.
Example: D=?
M = 38.0g
V = 12.0cm3
Step 3: Plug in the numbers, WITH UNITS.
Example: D=38.0g/12.0cm3
Step 4: Calculate WITH UNITS.
Example: D=3.2g/cm3
Example: If an object has a mass of 13.4 grams and a volume 5.7 cm3 what is the
density? Write out each step next to the corresponding number
1. 3.
2. 4.
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9. Unit 0: Prologue The Nature of Science Note Packet #1
14. More on Density:
•Each pure substance has its own particular density and it can be used to help identify
that material at room temperature.
•For example, liquid water has a density of 1g/cm³ because 1cm³ of water weighs 1
gram. One cm³ of water also occupies 1ml.
•solid quartz has a density of 2.7 g/cm³ Mixtures do not have a precise density.
-Fluids tend to layer based on their density, with less dense fluid on top of more dense
fluid. Can you think of any examples? ____________________________
Let’s check out this video:
•http://www.eram.k12.ny.us/education/components/docmgr/default.php?sectiondetailid=
17500&fileitem=4738&catfilter=445
13.Factors that affect Density
A. Temperature: Why does density matter?
•Cooling a material causes its If a warm gust of wind meets cold air,
molecules to move closer together, will the warm air go above or below the
making its volume decrease and cold air?
causing its density to increase. •Since hot air is less dense it will rise!
___________________ •And Cold air sinks because it is denser
•Heating a material causes its than warm air
molecules to move apart making its •A similar process happens when
volume increase and causing the you boil water 
density to decrease.
___________________
•Note that Mass is staying the same!!!
B. Pressure:
•Increasing the pressure (squeeze) on
a material causes its molecules to get
pushed closer together, decreasing
This rising and sinking of fluids due to
the volume, making the density
density and temperature differences is
increase. __________________
called _________________________.
•Decreasing the pressure causes the
We will touch upon this concept many
opposite effect, since molecules move
times through out the year.
further apart, it becomes less dense.
•Again, note mass remains the same!
______________________________________________
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10. Unit 0: Prologue The Nature of Science Note Packet #1
15. Density at Different Phases
•As a material is heated, it changes from solid to liquid.
• More heat changes the liquid to gas. The molecules move farther apart, so the volume
increases, causing the density to decrease.
General Rule of Thumb: Solids are most dense, gases are least dense
The ONLY exception to this rule is water!!!
•As water cools, its volume decreases until it
reaches 4° C.
• As it cools from 4° C to 0° C, its volume actually
increases, so it becomes less dense again.
•Water is most dense at 4°C, but is still a liquid.
•This is due to my buddy Mr. Hydrogen Bond, you
will meet him in Chemistry
•Water at 0°C is solid ice, but is less dense than
water, so ice floats!!
•Water is the only material whose solid form will
float in its liquid form.
•This is why the top of a puddle, or a lake freezes
first.
16. Does size affect density of an object?
•You can NEVER change the density of a material by cutting it into pieces.
•Since change both volume and mass, the ratio will remain the same, therefore
each small piece will have the same density as the original large one.
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11. Unit 0: Prologue The Nature of Science Note Packet #1
17. Let review some crucial relationships!!!
•Temp. Volume Density l •Pressure Volume Density
l
l
•Temp. Volume Density l •Pressure Volume Density
You must understand and know these by heart!!!
18. Graphing:
•Direct Relationship: •Inverse Relationship: Variables “move
both variables “move in the same in opposite directions”. One variable
direction” They both increase or both goes up and the other goes down.
decrease.
•Constant Variable: •Parabola:
One variable changes, but the other remains As one variable increases, the
the same. other increases and then
decreases.
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12. Unit 0: Prologue The Nature of Science Note Packet #1
19. More on charts and Graphs:
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13. Unit 0: Prologue The Nature of Science Note Packet #1
20. Change:
•When something observed is different from when it was last observed
Frames of reference to study change: Rate of Change:
•What has caused the change? •How fast did the change happen?
•Time and Space.
•An example is: The Earth’s moon How much a measurable aspect of the
changes because we observe it in environment, called a field, is altered
different locations in the sky and in over a given amount of time – years,
different phases at different times hours, or seconds.
during a month.
Cyclic Change Non-cyclic Changes:
•Changes that repeat over and over in a •Changes that do not repeat at all or do
known period of time. not repeat in a known period of time.
•Examples are: seasons, sun motions,
moon and tides •Some examples are: Earthquakes and
•Most changes are cyclic and they are Hurricanes.
very good to use when we are trying to
make predictions
Cyclic: repeats at known intervals
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14. Unit 0: Prologue The Nature of Science Note Packet #1
21. Scientific Method:
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
Steps: Examples:
1. State the Problem. I observe two plants growing in my
-always in the form of a house. One is taller than the other.
question ______________________________
______________________________
______________________________
1. Are both plants the both plants the
same species
2. Gather information.
2.
-observations, research,
______________________________
brainstorming
__________________________
3.
______________________________
__________________________
3. Develop a Hypothesis. Write you hypothesis here:
-based on observations and ______________________________
research ______________________________
-Statement, NOT a question! ______________________________
-can be tested
Class hypothesis:
______________________________
______________________________
______________________________
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15. Unit 0: Prologue The Nature of Science Note Packet #1
4. Test your Hypothesis ______________________________
-design an experiment ______________________________
-make sure your experiment test your ______________________________
hypothesis. ______________________________
______________________________
______________________________
______________________________
______________________________
______________________________
______________________________
_
5. Observe & Record Data
Use tables and note to record
observations and measurements.
6. Analyze & Interpret Results
-Use graphs or charts to see trends in
data.
7. Conclusion ______________________________
-based on observations and results. ______________________________
______________________________
______________________________
______________________________
______________________________
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16. Unit 0: Prologue The Nature of Science Note Packet #1
22: Experimental Design:
When designing an experiment, a scientist must test only one factor at a time.
Variable: one _____________________________________________ being tested.
Control Group Experimental Group
_____________________ conditions Identical to ________________ group
EXCEPT for one __________________
being tested
Used for ___________________ Used to generate results.
Independent Variable:
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
Dependent Variable:
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
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17. Unit 0: Prologue The Nature of Science Note Packet #1
23. How to make a graph
It's probably better to do a graph in pencil first, then in pen.
1. Collect your data. After you have it all in one place, you should have one
independent variable (like time) and one dependent variable (like something you measure
as a function of time). Here are some points we will use as an example; we've measured
position of a ball as a function of time:
time (s) position (cm)
1 3.0
2 3.4
3 4.8
4 5.0
5 5.3
2. Determine the range of your data. In order to determine how big a graph to
make, we need to determine how much the numbers vary. In this case, time varies from 1
to 5 seconds, and position varies from 3.0 to 5.3 cm. We have to make sure that there is
enough space on the graph to fit all the data.
3. The independent variable (time, in this case) will go on the x-axis (the one
parallel to the bottom of the page), and the dependent variable (position, in this case)
will go on the y-axis (parallel to the left hand side of the page). So, draw axes that are
big enough for all the data.
4. Give your graph a Title. Titles of graphs are usually "Y versus X"; so in this
case, our title is "Position versus Time." (NOT position divided by time, or position minus
time.)
5. Label your graph and your axes. THIS IS VERY IMPORTANT! When
presented with your graph, other people should be able to figure out what is plotted
without asking you.
6. Labels on the axes must have units! So, in this case, the label on the x axis
(the one on the bottom) should be "Time (seconds)" and the label on the y axis (the one
on the left) should be "Position (centimeters)."
7.Remember to write the numbers on the graph, too. The numbers should be
evenly and logically spaced - what I mean by this is the following: for our position data
here, the y-axis should be marked off in increments like (1,2,3,4,5,6) or (2,4,6,8), NOT
(1.3, 2.6, 4.8,...) or anything else weird.
8. Plot your data. Now, go ahead and place your data points on the graph. Make
them big enough to be seen, but not big enough to look like you were eating pizza while
making your graph.
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18. Unit 0: Prologue The Nature of Science Note Packet #1
9. Draw a "line of best fit." THIS DOES NOT MEAN CONNECT THE DOTS!
Only rarely will a graph need to have the data points connected by a jagged line. Usually,
it is best to guess at a (straight) line that goes as near as possible to as many points as
possible. (See example.) THE ORIGIN IS NOT ALWAYS INCLUDED AS A POINT! And,
sometimes there will be a LOT of scatter and it might not be clear where a line should
go. Now you're done with your graph, but you're not finished yet.
10. Think about what your graph means. What type of relationship do the
variables have?
F ree P lain G raph P aper from http://incom petech.com /graphpaper/plain/
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