Laurie E. Westphal - Stress-Free Science: A Visual Guide to Acing Science in Grades 4-8

Library of Congress Control Number:2019954824 Copyright 2020, Prufrock Press Inc. Edited by Katy McDowall Cover and layout design by Allegra Denbo ePub ISBN: 978-1-64632-018-9 No part of this book may be reproduced, translated, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, microfilming, recording, or otherwise, without written permission from the publisher. For more information about our copyright policy or to request reprint permissions, visit https://www.prufrock.com/permissions.aspx. At the time of this books publication, all facts and figures cited are the most current available. All telephone numbers, addresses, and website URLs are accurate and active. All publications, organizations, websites, and other resources exist as described in the book, and all have been verified.

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Special thanks and lots of love to: Ken and Irene Westphal, my mom and dad. You have always been there for me, excluding the backyard swing incident, of course.

Table of Contents Introduction Science is a way of thinking much more than it is a body of knowledge. Carl Sagan A s Carl Sagan stated, the study of science is much more than just facts and knowledge; yet without the specialized vocabulary that accompanies the scientific concepts and processes, you may find yourself at a disadvantage as you strive to express yourself scientifically. That is where Stress-Free Science comes to the rescue. This visual guide is much more than a list of words and definitions. The vocabulary used in science is vast. Many of the words resemble commonly used words; however, their scientific usage may be very different.

There also are many science words that are new and difficult for students to remember. These are the terms found in this guidethose new and seemingly difficult words or those that have significantly different definitions than common language. You will also find common examples, graphics, and illustrations to build your understanding. This book also addresses other information that will help you on your way to becoming a scientific thinker. You will find diagrams and graphics of the different cycles studied in the science classroom. There also is a reference guide devoted to commonly used formulas and units used in science.

This book has an entire section devoted to the equipment and glassware that you may work with in the science classroom, including a definition and visual (for easy identification) and if appropriate, specific directions for the equipments usesuch as how to transport liquid in an eyedropper without blowing air into the liquid and turning it upside down. In addition to equipment, there also is a quick reference section to assist you with the various steps of the scientific method, from creating testable questions to writing procedures and how to visibly present data through the creation of different types of graphs. You can quickly flip to the instructions on multiple line graphs and be on your way to producing your own. These quick reference pages are meant to assist you in the steps of the scientific method in a quick, concise way. Once you use a reference like this book, youll agree that it truly is absolutely essential. It will be the reference material you will use again and again to supplement and reinforce topics throughout your science classes.

Visual Definitions by Topic SCIENTIFIC EQUIPMENT Anemometer A weather instrument used to measure wind force and speed. Barometer A weather instrument used to measure atmospheric pressure. Below 29 is considered rainy or stormy, while 30 or above is considered fair weather. Beaker A container used to transport, pour, or mix liquids. It cannot measure an exact amount of liquid. Bunsen Burner A small burner used in the laboratory.

It is connected to a gas source and uses a very hot flame. When heating, the hottest area is at the top of the inner core. Compass An instrument used to find direction. It usually is made of a magnetic needle that is free to move until it is lined up with Earths magnetic field. Compound Light Microscope A light microscope that has more than one lens that is used to magnify a small object or specimen. Erlenmeyer Flask A flat-bottomed, cone-shaped flask used for mixing and heating liquids. Erlenmeyer Flask A flat-bottomed, cone-shaped flask used for mixing and heating liquids.

A stopper can be used to seal it. Eyedropper A tube with a rubber bulb on the end that is used to pull liquid into the tube. It is used for transporting small amounts of liquid. See for instructions for using an eyedropper. Eyewash Safety equipment that is used to flush or wash the eyes in case something gets into them during a lab experiment. Fire Blanket A blanket that be used to put out a small fire or wrap around someone in case of fire.

They are usually stored in red bags or boxes.