Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Moam - Info - Igcse Coordinated Sciences 0654 Combined Science 0 - 59cc8a591723ddab3bbdfff3 PDF
Moam - Info - Igcse Coordinated Sciences 0654 Combined Science 0 - 59cc8a591723ddab3bbdfff3 PDF
Science Department
IGCSE
Name________________
Albert Einstein
"Not everything that counts can be counted, and not everything that can be counted counts."
-2-
Contents
Useful Websites 5
Course Assessment 7
Plagiarism 8
Referencing 8
Periodic Table 36
Notes for use in Qualitative Analysis 37
Studying Effectively 39
Glossary 40
-3-
Ernest Rutherford Niels Bohr
“If your result needs a statistician then you should “An expert is a man who has made all the
design a better experiment” mistakes which can be made in a very narrow
field”
“If I have ever made any valuable discoveries, it “I was captured for life by chemistry and by
has been due more to patient attention, than to crystals”
any other talent”
"The elements, if arranged according to their “The value and utility of any experiment are
atomic weights, exhibit an apparent periodicity of determined by the fitness of the material to the
properties." purpose for which it is used, and thus in the case
before us it cannot be immaterial what plants are
subjected to experiment and in what manner such
experiment is conducted.”
-4-
Useful Websites
1. http://www.cambridgestudents.org.uk
The official CIE website which contains: Past papers, revision tips, study checklists,
exam advice, online competitions.
2. http://www.rsc.org/education/teachers/learnnet/alchemy/index2.htm
From the RSC - good for resources including videos on industrial process
3. http://www.rsc.org/chemsoc/timeline//pages/timeline.html
4. http://www.s-cool.co.uk/default.asp
5. http://www.bbc.co.uk/schools/gcsebitesize/science/
BBC Bitesize Revsion → general revision → tests
6. http://www.channel4.com/science/
Very good site; also has a question facility called "Ask an Expert"!
-5-
IGCSE Course Overview
Both Coordinated Sciences and Combined Science cover all three sciences: Biology, Chemistry and Physics.
One third of each course is spent on each science. Both courses use the same textbooks and every year 10
student and every year 11 student will be issued with both books at the start of the year. The text books are:
Balanced Science 1 (ISBN 0521599792) and Balanced Science 2 (ISBN 0521599806) published by
Cambridge University Press. Other texts are used to support these text books.
The units of work in years 10 & 11 cover all areas needed to progress to an advanced course of study (IB
Diploma) in one of the sciences. All students are taught the extended/supplement syllabus for the duration of
the course.
-6-
Course Assessment
Both courses last for two years. Students are continuously assessed through coursework, homework,
experimental work and end of unit tests. The final examinations at the end of year 11 are externally assessed.
All students will sit three exams: Paper 1 and Paper 2 OR 3, and Paper 6.
All students sit these two papers: All students sit one of these papers (i.e. paper 2
OR paper 3). Which paper students sit is based on
Paper 1 (multiple choice) grades achieved and is determined near the end of
• 40 multiple choice questions based on core the course.
material.
• 45 minutes. Paper 2 (short answer)
• 40 marks total. • Short answer questions on core material.
• Worth 30% of the final grade. • 1 hour 15 minutes (Combined) OR 2 hours
• Period table is included. (Coordinated).
• Calculators are allowed. • 100 marks total.
• Dictionaries of any sort (definition/treanslation • Worth 50% of the final grade.
or paper/electronic) are NOT allowed. • Paper translation dictionaries only are
allowed.
• Calculators are allowed.
and
Paper 6 (alternative to practical) or
• Short answer questions based on
experimental work. Paper 3 (short answer)
• 1 hour • Short answer questions on extended material
• 60 marks total. • 1 hour 15 minutes (Combined) OR 2 hours
• Worth 20% of the final grade. (Coordinated).
• Paper translation dictionaries only are • 100 marks total.
allowed. • Worth 50% of the final grade.
• Calculators are allowed. • Paper translation dictionaries only are
• Periodic table is NOT attached to the exam allowed.
paper (not allowed). • Calculators are allowed.
• Periodic table is included.
-7-
9th April 2008
Dear Parents,
I write to you on a serious matter. The issue of plagiarism is becoming more common across Schools
worldwide and I think it would be helpful if I set out what plagiarism is and why it is so important to
avoid.
A common definition of plagiarism is:
“Plagiarism is the practice of claiming or implying original authorship of (or incorporating material
from) someone else's written or creative work, in whole or in part, into one's own without adequate
acknowledgement. Unlike cases of forgery (in which the authenticity of the writing, document, or
some other kind of object itself is in question), plagiarism is concerned with the issue of false
attribution.” (Wikipedia 2008)
Plagiarism is essentially cheating. If a pupil uses someone else’s work without acknowledgement, he
or she is implying that it is their own work – and that is not the case. This is not a minor matter.
With the increased use of the internet and the increasing assumption by some students that their work
must be ‘perfect’, a number of students simply search for content on the Internet and then ‘cut and
paste’ paragraphs or whole articles which they then hand in as either their own work or as ‘research’.
This practice is not acceptable.
There is nothing wrong with using the comments of others or the ideas of others in your own work –
but these must be properly acknowledged. There are a number of ways in doing this, and I cite a
common one below:
“God’s Word does more than give being. It sets limits and provides life. Apple seeds do not produce plum trees. They
grow up into apple trees and they do this at the Word of the Lord.”1
If you look at the bottom of this page, you can see that the above quote is identified by
- the title of the book
- the author
- the publisher and date of publication
- the page number
If you look at the beginning of my letter there is an alternative option of placing the source in brackets after the quote.
Whatever choice a pupil makes, they should be consistent. A useful test is to check whether the information provided is
enough for a reader to check the source without difficulty.
Pupils often make two false assumptions when they think they need to plagiarize:
The work submitted must be perfect. This is not the case. Homework or research should reflect the pupil’s best effort, but
does not need to be perfect to gain high marks.
A pupil has left it too late to write something themselves and decides that handing in a piece copied from the Internet is
better than handing in no homework at all. This is not the case. Plagiarism creates a problem that is much larger than an
apology to the teacher for late homework.
If a pupil does submit plagiarized work, it is very likely to be detected. This is for the following reasons:
- the work might use language which is more advanced than the pupil normally uses in their work
- the ideas or concepts are too complex for the pupil or explained in a way that is different to the way the pupil
normally explains things
- the question is not properly addressed and there is a lot of irrelevant material included
- a number of students might submit the same piece of work
Schools also have access to an additional software system to which work is routinely submitted. Pupils should also be
aware that teachers (and Co-Principals) have a great deal of experience in spotting plagiarism.
1
Reclaiming the Future of Christian Education, A.E.Greene, ACSI 1998, page 83
-8-
The penalties for plagiarism are severe. At a minimum, the work in question is not marked and given a zero grade. Other
sanctions may also apply. If plagiarism is attempted in work submitted for an examination subject (such as at IGCSE or
the IB), penalties include the loss of an entire examination subject (and in the case of the IB, the loss of the Diploma). In
examination years, penalties can also be financial as the School needs to move a pupil from one examination unit to
another and this cost will be passed on to parents.
Plagiarism in later life (at university or in a profession) is not a risk worth taking either. Students lose their degrees,
writers have had to withdraw books from circulation and even governments have had to apologize. Politicians have had to
abandon their political careers when they were found to be using words taken from the speeches of others without
acknowledgement.
There is no need for plagiarism. We have been given the ability to think, decide and write for ourselves. Let us use these
abilities.
Yours,
Dr Barkei
Co-Principal
-9-
Marie Curie
- 10 -
YCIS Science Safety Rules
Gubei Campus
As part of the IGCSE Science Courses offered at YCIS you will be working in the laboratories regularly. Many
laboratory activities require the use of hazardous chemicals and materials. To ensure that work in laboratories
is done in a safe environment, the following rules must be followed:
1. You must follow all safety instructions stated by your teacher. This involves wearing safety
glasses/goggles and lab coats. Sometimes additional safety requirements will be required. Long hair must
be tied back and no open footware is allowed.
2. You must only do the experiment/procedure that you have been instructed to do. Do not touch any other
objects/equipment/chemicals.
3. Books, purses, backpacks, etc. must be stored in an area designated by your treacher.
4. Do not do the following in a laboratory EVER: eat food, drink beverages, chew gum or run.
5. Work areas and equipment should be kept clean and tidy at all times. Bring only materials specified by
your instructor to the work area.
6. Dispose of all waste materials in an appropriate manner as designated by your teacher. This means do
not pour anything down the sink unless you are told to by your teacher. Do not return chemicals to their
original containers unless you are specifically instructed to do so.
7. Read chemical labels very carefully. Make sure that you have the correct substance in the correct
concentration. Check the label twice before removing any of the contents. Follow the instructor’s safety
instructions for handling hazardous materials.
8. Never take chemicals, supplies, specimens, or equipment out of the laboratory without the knowledge and
consent of your teacher.
10. Never point the open end of a test tube being heated at yourself or others.
13. Used glassware goes in the dirty glassware container located in each laboratory.
14. Know the locations of fire extinguisher, fire blanket, eyewash, safety shower, and first aid kit.
3. If a chemical should splash in your eye(s) or on your skin, immediately flush with running water from the
eye wash/safety shower for at least 15 minutes. Notify your teacher immediately. You must also see the
nurse (on the ground floor of A block).
4. Treat burns immediately by putting the burned area under cold water. You must also see the nurse (on
the ground floor of A block).
- 11 -
IGCSE Experimental Programme
All students are required to complete IGCSE experiment programme. This is structured to cover the scientific
theory and techniques required by the syllabus. It is also designed to prepare students for the programmes of
study at IB level. The laboratory work completed in years 10 and 11 counts for 20% of the final grade. Students
complete two types of experimental reports: short answer and formally assessed experiments.
You could be assessed on all four criteria or one or two or three of the criteria. Your teacher will advise you
prior to each lab which aspect you will be assessed on.
- 12 -
Guide to Writing Experimental Reports
Design (D) Total: /16
1 – Defining Formulate a focused research question (RQ).
the problem
and selecting The research question must be short and concise (one sentence). It should contain the
/2
the variables dependent and the independent variables. It should be written after the words: “Research
Question”
Gives a qualitative hypothesis and justifies it with scientific reasoning and a calculation if
appropriate.
The hypothesis should be written after the words: “Hypothesis”. Below this comes the /2
scientific reasoning and calculation if appropriate. At the minimum, your report should
contain one internet reference and one book reference.
There are three classes of variables: independent (the one you change), dependent (the
one you measure) and the control variables (the ones kept constant by you or are
assumed to be constant such as external pressure on a calm day or the force of gravity). /2
In this section you need to overview the possible investigations and then decide on the
variables you will change (independent) and measure (dependent). See selecting variables
below.
2 – Selecting States the independent variable (the one you These can be grouped together and listed
/1
variables change). with bullet points like this:
States the dependant variable (the one you Independent variable: Length of string
Dependent variable: Time taken for /1
measure).
States the controlled variable(s) (the one(s) one complete swing
that must be kept constant). Constant variables: Size of swing,
mass, temperature, air resistance, /2
force due to gravity
Designs a method that allows for the effective control of the variables.
This is the method of the experiment. What will you do first and second and so on. This
/2
should be done using bullet points. Be sure to add a sentence noting that when the
independent variable is changed, all other variables are held constant.
Designs a method that allows for the collection of sufficient relevant data.
To gain full marks for this criterion you need to state that three trials will be done and the
results averaged to give the final number for the measurement. Repeats are two or more
/2
measurements of the dependent variable, with the same level of the independent variable.
Repeats help you to assess whether your results are reliable or not.
- 13 -
Data Collection and Processing (DCP) Total: /18
1 – Collect Record all raw data (qualitative and/or quantitative)
and organise
raw data Usually the data that you collect will be quantitative - measurements with the correct
units. You should record these measurements as accurately as possible during your
experiment. This is usually done manually using a results table on paper. If working
with a partner, do not rely on them to record the results - do it yourself. After the
experiment, you should draw up a clear and accurate results table. Show every result
that you obtained, not just the mean results. Repeat results should be numbered. The
column headings on results table should show both the quantity being measured with /2
the correct units.
Pays attention to units, significant figures and decimal places in final answer.
/2
Extracts relevant data from the graph if drawn (intercept, gradient etc.).
/2
This must be indicated on the graph.
3 – Presenting Presents the processed data appropriately (correct choice of graph, bar chart etc.).
/2
processed
data Chooses an appropriate scale and plots points/displays processed data correctly/adds
trendline. /2
Uses correct labels, units and line of best fit drawn (if graph chosen).
/2
- 14 -
Conclusion and Evaluation (CE) Total: /18
1 – Concluding States a valid conclusion which relates to the What trends are shown by the data?
initial problem or hypothesis What is the explanation for the observed
differences or relationships? /2
Identifies trend and patterns in the results How does the data compare with data from
similar experiments in textbooks or /2
Explains the results scientifically using scientific journals?
relevant secondary sources.
What conclusions can be drawn from the
investigation? (if any!)
/2
As in Design (aspect 1 – see above) you
should use a reference here giving a
literature value for the result so you can
calculate the percentage error.
2 – Evaluating Comments on the reliability and accuracy of
the results obtained This section should be listed under the
title: “Evaluation”) /2
Identifies weaknesses and errors in the You need to address the points on the left:
procedure Consider the following:
- 15 -
Manipulative (MS) Total: /6
1 – Technique Is competent in the use of the technique(s) If you have done enough practical work in
and the equipment, and pays attention to Science, your manipulative skills should
safety issues. be excellent. You probably will not need /2
the following reminders!
2 – Instructions Follows the instructions accurately /2
3 – Teamwork Is motivated and completes the experiment & • Study instructions carefully
collaborates with others, recognising their before starting work so that you
needs, in order to complete the task. know what you are doing.
• Be sensible about asking for help
from your teacher. Try to work
out what to do yourself. Use your
own initiative to decide how to
modify a procedure yourself
when necessary. But if you have
not been given full enough
instructions or are worried about /2
the safety of the procedure, ask
for help.Make sure that you know
about any potential risks in the
procedure that you are following.
• Work in a careful and systematic
way - arrange your apparatus
tidily and do not waste time, but
work without rushing.
- 16 -
Sir Charles Darwin
“I am turned into a sort of machine for observing facts and grinding out conclusions.”
- 17 -
17th December 2002 Lisa Simpson
Pendulum Investigation
Experiment Title – Investigate how the length of a simple pendulum affects the time for a complete swing.
Design (D)
Research Question – How does the time taken for one complete swing vary with the length of string for a free
swinging pendulum?
Hypothesis – As they string increases in length the time taken for one complete swing will increase.
The diagram shows the arcs through which two pendulums swing. The longer one is twice the
length of the shorter one. The shorter pendulum is always at a steeper angle than the longer
arc, and always above it. The shorter pendulum has the most gravitational potential energy at
the top of the swing because it is higher. This means the kinetic energy and hence speed
through the centre will also be greater than for the red pendulum. From previous experiments I
know that for trolleys running freely down a ramp that the bigger the angle of the ramp the
bigger the acceleration of the trolley. This same principle can be applied to the falling
pendulums. The steeper the arc the bigger the acceleration of the pendulum will be. A bigger
acceleration means a shorter time for each swing. Unlike a ramp the arc of swing is not a
straight line. The arc has the steepest gradient at the top and is flat when it reaches the middle.
The acceleration of the bob will thus decrease from a maximum at the top of the swing to zero
at the centre.
Theory – When the pendulum is at the top of its swing it is momentarily stationary. It has zero kinetic energy
and maximum gravitational potential energy. As the pendulum falls the potential energy is transferred to kinetic
energy. The speed increases as the pendulum falls and reaches a maximum at the bottom of the swing. Here
the speed and kinetic energy are a maximum, and the potential energy is a minimum. As the pendulum rises
the kinetic energy is transferred back to potential energy. The speed of the pendulum decreases and falls to
zero as it reaches the top of its swing, with the potential energy a maximum again. A small amount of energy is
lost due to air resistance as the pendulum swings. This means each swing is slightly smaller than the one
before.
Variables
Independent Variable: Length of string
Dependant Variable: Time of swing
Control Variables: Size of swing, mass attached to string, air resistance, gravity
Method
1. Set up the experiment as shown in the diagram below – use a plasticine bob of mass 25g
2. Start with string of length 20 cm
3. Pull pendulum slightly to the side (about 10 cm) and release
4. Time 20 complete oscillations and enter into results table
5. Increase length of string by 20 cm
6. Continue until string is 160 cm long
Clamp
Equipment List
1. Cotton
2. Plasticine
3. Metre rulers
4. Digital stopwatch
5. Retort stand and clamp
String
Table
Bob
- 18 -
Data Collection and Processing (DCP)
The graph on the left shows that the time taken for each swing increases as the length increases but the
relationship is not linear. The rate of increase of time per swing decreases as the length increases.
The graph on the right shows the linear relationship between the time taken for each swing and the
square-root of the pendulum length.
If T is the time for one swing in seconds, and L is the length in centimetres, the equation for the line can be
written as; T = 0.20√L
- 19 -
Conclusion and Evaluation (CE)
Concluding – My hypothesis was correct in that the time taken for one complete swing is directly proportional
to the length of the string. However, my results show that it is directly proportional to the square root of the
length of the string. All the points for the graph on the right lie on a straight line so the conclusion is very
reliable over this range. It seems likely that the same trend would continue if the string was made longer or
shorter.
NO REFERENCE GIVEN
Evaluating – The results seem to be very reliable over the range of lengths investigated. This is shown by the
fact that all points on the graph on the right fit exactly on a straight line. There are no anomalous results or
anomalies to be seen in the trend of the graph.
1. I had to estimate where the centre of the bob was when measuring the length of the string. I estimated the
uncertainty in this as 1 mm. Also, when measuring the length beyond 1 metre, it must be done in two parts
using metre rulers.
2. Human reaction time: This come in two parts:
a) When using the stop watch: This source of error roughly cancels out as the human reaction time to
start and stop the watch as the same event is being observed, and reacted to in the same way, each
time. Errors are produced by any variability in the reaction time of the individual which could be
affected by many things. Taking more time measurements may give a slightly more accurate average
for each length, but not by much.
b) When deciding when one full swing has taken place: This was done by my judgement. However,
several improvements could be made for improving the accuracy of this measurement and they are
outlines in the improvements section below.
Very short lengths will run into logistical issues. It could be hard to measure the number of complete swings if
they happen very quickly. For very short lengths the trend may not continue. It is not possible to try lengths
shorter than the diameter of the bob, for instance.
Improvements – The procedure used was simple and straightforward and no difficulties were encountered.
Several improvements would add to the accuracy of the result:
1. A longer ruler could be placed level with the point of suspension, and a set square could be placed along
the flat side and just touching the bottom of the pendulum. This distance could then be measured more
accurately than trying to guess where the middle of the bob is.
2. The diameter of the bob could be accurately measured with some vernier callipers so that the true length
of the pendulum could then be calculated.
3. The thread used was quite stretchy. If the investigation was repeated I would replace it with something
more rigid, such as extra strong button thread.
4. A greater range of lengths both longer and shorter than what I measured should be conducted. At very
long lengths, a stronger string and a bob with more mass maybe needed to counter air resistance. Shorter
lengths would reach a limit would be reached where the pendulum moves too quickly to be accurately
counted. The use of an electronic Pasco sensor such as a light gate could help measure very fast periods
accurately. Also, a very high speed digital video camera that could accurately record the position of the
bob and the elapsed time.
5. More repeats could be taken but I don't think this would add much to the accuracy of the conclusions.
6. The investigation could be extended by investigating the relationship between period and length of string
for circular swings.
- 20 -
- 21 -
- 22 -
- 23 -
- 24 -
- 25 -
- 26 -
- 27 -
- 28 -
- 29 -
- 30 -
- 31 -
- 32 -
- 33 -
- 34 -
- 35 -
- 36 -
You must know these
chemical tests off by
heart!
- 37 -
- 38 -
Studying Effectively
You need to organize yourself to study effectively. To manage time effectively you should set yourself a
schedule of study in order to organize and prioritize your studies in the context of competing activities of sport,
family, etc. Follow up on the priorities you have set for yourself, and don't let others or other interests, distract
you from your goals. One way to help with this is to create a study schedule. An example of a study schedule is
this:
Create flashcards
Flashcards are useful for definitions, formulas, or lists that you need to have memorized--put topics on one side
of the card, answers on the other. Flashcards will enable you to test your ability to not only recognize important
information, but also your ability to retrieve information from scratch
- 39 -
Glossary
WORD MEANING
abdomen part of the body between the chest and hip, containing organs like the
stomach, liver and intestines.
acid rain rain containing sulphuric acid and nitric acid. Acid rain has a pH of less than
5.6.
adapted when a cell or organism has certain features to help it to do a particular job.
When the shape of a cell helps it to do its job it is said to be 'adapted' to its job
or function.
aerobic the main respiration reaction in cells. It uses oxygen from the air and glucose
from respiration food to release energy . The waste products are carbon
dioxide and water.
alcohol one of a group of chemicals with similar properties. Ethanol is the scientific
name for the chemical found in alcoholic drinks.
alkali a substance that turns litmus blue. an alkali has a pH of more than 7. Another
name for a base that dissolves in water.
alternating current an electrical current that flows one way then another. Generators and the
mains supply alternating current.
alveoli tiny pockets in the lungs at the ends of the bronchioles, where oxygen diffuses
into the blood and carbon dioxide diffuses out.
anaerobic respiration respiration without oxygen, which takes place when cells cannot get enough
oxygen to meet their energy needs by aerobic respiration.
antibodies proteins that destroy particular microbes. They are made by white blood cells.
antitoxins chemicals that destroy toxins. They are made by white blood cells.
- 40 -
armature the turning part of a motor or generator.
artery a blood vessel that carries blood away from the heart.
atomic mass the relative mass of an atom. Roughly how many times heavier it is than an
atom of hydrogen.
atrium the upper space on each side of the heart. it receives blood from the veins.
auxin plant growth hormone. it is found in the tips and shoots and the roots.
bacterium a single celled microbe without a cell nucleus can cause a disease.
barrage large dam across a river to control the flow of the tides.
base a substance with reacts with an acid to form a salt. some bases are alkalis.
bronchi pair of large air tubes from the trachea to the lungs.
bronchioles small air tubes that branch out from the bronchi inside the lungs.
carbon monoxide very poisonous colourless gas. it stops red blood cells carrying enough
oxygen around the body.
cellulose the substance that plant cell walls are made from.
cholesterol a fatty substance found in some foods. it can clog up arteries and lead to heart
disease.
chromosome a thread like strand found in the nucleus of a cell. made from DNA and contain
instructions for a living thing.
circuit breaker an electromagnetic switch the breaks the circuit if the current gets too big.
convection current a flow of liquid or gas caused by part of it being heated or cooled more than
the rest.
digestive system organ system used to break down food and change it into a form the body can
use.
- 41 -
discontinuous deposition when the sedimentary rocks found at a place were not laid down continuously,
but at different times.
emulsion a mixture of tiny droplets of one liquid blended throughout another liquid.
fruit an organ that carries the seeds of flowering plants. can be fleshly or dry.
fuse rating the maximum current that a fuse will conduct without melting.
gastric juice digestive juice made by glands in the stomach lining. it is very acidic and
contains enzymes to break down proteins.
global warming gradual heating of the earth's atmosphere. it is caused by the 'greenhouse
effect'.
gravitational potential energy the kind of energy stored by anything that can fall to the ground.
gullet the tube from the back of the mouth to the stomach. muscles in it contract and
relax to push the food along.
heat conductor a material that lets heat energy flow through it easily.
immune protected against catching a disease because the body has already made the
right antibodies.
kidneys a pair of organs used to clean the bolld. they remove the urea in the blood and
make it into urine.
lactic acid the waste product of anaerobic respiration. if it builds up in the muscles it
makes them ache.
metamorphic a rock that has been changed by great heat or pressure(e.g. marbel)
native when somehting occurs in nature as the element itself, not as a compound
optic nerve the nerve that carries messages from the retina to the brain
- 42 -
ore a rock that contains useful minerals
organism any living thing. An organism must do all seven of the 'life processes'.
overload a fuse is overloaded if the current gets too big and melts it
oxygen a colourless gas that makes up about 20% of the air. It is produced by
photosynthesis and used up in respiration
oxygen debt the amount of oxygen needed to remove the lactic acid left from anerobic
respiration
parallel (electricity) when the current in an electric circuit can flow along different routes
Periodic Table chart with the chemical elements arranged in order of atomic number.
Elements with
pholem tissue living cells grouped together to carry dissolved food substances from the
leaves to other parts of the plant
photosynthesis process that plants use to make their own food. It neds light to work. Carbon
dioxide and water are used up. A sugar called glucose , and oxygen are
produced
plant organ group of different plant tissues working together to do an important job
plasma the liquid part of the blood, which is mainly water. It carries many substances
around the body (eg hormones, waste carbon dioxide and urea, nutrients
platelets tiny pieces of cell in the blood that release chemicals to help blood clot. They
come from cells in bone marrow
- 43 -
polymer a long molecule made from thousands of smaller ones (monomers). Plastics
are polymers
proportional two quantities are proportional to each other if doubling one of them makes
the other one double too
pus the remains after many microbes have been ingested by white blood cells at a
spot or cut
quarry a place where useful rocks are dug out of the ground
quicklime substance made by heating limestone. Its chemical name is calcium oxide
radiate giving off waves of energy. A candle radiates light and heat energy
radiation the way heat travels as waves of energy through space or transparent
materials. This can also refer to alpha, beta, gamma radiation
reactivity Series list of metals and non metals arranged in order of how reactive they are
rectum the last part of the large intestine, leading to the anus. It stores Faeces
red blood cells the cells that give blood its colour. They contain haemoglobin, which carries
oxygen around the body
- 44 -
reduce/reduction taking oxygen away from/adding hydrogen to a compound in a chemical
reaction. Also defined as: taking away electrons (oxidation) adding electrons
(reduction).
refinery place where the chamicals in crude oil are seperated and purified
reflex action an automatic response to a stimulus, often to protect the body from harm
relax when a muscle relaxes after contracting it goes back to its original shape
renewable an energy source that can be replaced or used again and again, and will never
run out (eg solar power)
response how the body reacts to a stimulus that has been detected (eg opening up the
pupil in dim light
retina the back of the eye. It contains receptors that are sensitive to light
ripple mark patterns left behind in sedimentary rock from the time when the sediment was
under water
rock cycle all the processes which form rocks, linked together
root plant organ used to hold the plant in the gound and take water and mineral
salts out of the soil
root hair cell cell found in the roots. It has a large surface area to help the cell absorbs
water quickly
sacrificial protection allowing a piece of reactive metal to corrode so that an object made of a less
reactive metal does not
saliva secretion from the salivary glands. It contains enzymes to break down starch,
and mucus to help food pass smoothly down the gullet
scab hard protective covering over a cut that forms when a blood clot dries
secretion useful substance (eg tears, saliva, hormones) made by gland cells
- 45 -
sedimentary rock formed by the compression and cementing of material that has settled at
the bottom of the sea
seed grows into a new plant. Made by flowering plants and conifers
semi-permeable a membrane that will let small particles, like water, through it but not large
ones
sensory neurone a nerve cell that carries messages from a receptor to the brain or spinal cord
series electrical components connected 'in line' so that all of an electrical current
flows through each one, one after another
sex organ the stamea (male) and carpel (female) in a flower. They make the male and
female sex cells
slaked lime a base made from limestone. its chemical name is calcium hydroxide
solar cell a kind of batterythat generates electricity using energy from the Sun
soluble something that can dissolve in a liquid (eg salt is soluble in water)
sound energy the kind of energy given out by something that makes a noise
South Pole/South-seeking pole the end of a freely suspended bar magnet that points south
spinal cord large bundle of nerve cells that carry messages to and from the brain. It runs
down the back, inside the spine
stain dye used to colour parts of a cell to make them easier to see
stainless steel mixture of iron with chroniun, corbon and other elements. It does not rust
stem plant organ used to support a plant and take water and mineral salts to the
leaves
stimulus (plural stimuli) change within the body or in its surroundings that receptor detects (senses)
stomach organ used to help break down food. It secretes digestive juices
stomata (singular stoma) small holes on the underside of leaves which let gases into and out of the
leaves
storage organ part of a plant where a food substance can be stored
sucrose the chemical name for the sugar used in cooking. Some plants (eg sugar beet)
make it from glucose
sulphur dioxide a gas that is produced in small quantities when fossil fuels are burnt. It is a
cause of acid rain
- 46 -
suspensory ligaments part of the eye. They work with the ciliary muscle to hodls the lens in place
and changes its shape
symbol equation shorthand way of showing what happens in a chemical reaction using symbols
tempory magnet something that can be made to attract iron when needed
tides twice-daily rising and falling of sea level, caused by the pull of the Moon
tissue a group of the same cells all doing the same job
transfer the word used for heat or energy moving from place to place
transpiration stream the flow of water up through a plants roots and stem to its leaves
transport (in earth science) when eroded fragments are moved away from their 'parent rock' by wind or
water
unit a unit for measuring the amount of electrical energy transfered. 1 unit is the
same as 1 kilowatt-hour
universal indicator a special mixture of indicators. It gives a different colour depending on how
weak or strong an acid or an alkali is
urea waste product from the breakdown of unwanted amino acids by the liver
- 47 -
urine solution of the bodys waste products, which are removed from the blood by
the kidneys
vaccination being given an injection of a vaccine to help the body protect itself against
disease
vaccine weak or dead disease causing microbes put into the body on purpose. White
blood cells make the right antibodies and the person becomes immune
valve part of a vein or the heart that stops the blood in it from flowing the wrong way
xylem tissue xylem cells grouped together in tubes that carry water and mineral salts up
from the plants roots to the leaves
- 48 -
- 49 -
- 50 -