Everything You Need to Ace Science in One Big Fat Notebook

1. Science is a systematic approach, blending life, earth, and physical sciences.

Physical science is all about matter and energy, the most basic building blocks of the universe.

Interconnected disciplines. Science isn't a monolithic entity but a collection of interconnected disciplines. Life science (biology) explores living organisms, earth science investigates the planet and space, and physical science (physics and chemistry) examines matter and energy.

Lego analogy. The author uses a Lego analogy to illustrate the relationship between the sciences. Physics studies individual Lego bricks, chemistry examines how they connect, life science studies living things made of Legos, and earth science studies nonliving things in the Lego world.

Holistic understanding. Understanding the interconnectedness of these branches provides a more holistic view of the universe. Each discipline offers a unique lens through which to examine the world, and together, they paint a comprehensive picture.

2. Scientific inquiry hinges on testable hypotheses and empirical observations.

A scientific inquiry begins with a question about the world around us and how it works.

Question-driven process. Scientific inquiry begins with a question, followed by background research, hypothesis formulation, observation, and conclusion. This method is a structured approach to understanding the world.

Hypothesis and testing. A hypothesis is a testable prediction based on background research. Observations, both quantitative (measurements) and qualitative (qualities), are used to test the hypothesis.

Conclusions and models. The findings of the inquiry lead to conclusions, which may support or refute the initial hypothesis. Models, whether physical, computer, or mathematical, are used to represent complex phenomena.

3. Experiments demand meticulous design, controls, and data analysis.

An experiment requires a detailed list of steps, or a PROCEDURE, and a list of materials needed to conduct the experiment.

Controlled variables. A well-designed experiment involves a procedure, materials list, a control group, constants, and variables. The independent variable is manipulated, while the dependent variable is measured.

Data collection and presentation. Accurate data collection is crucial, with quantitative measurements preferred. Data is organized in tables and graphs (line, scatter plot, bar, circle) for analysis.

Drawing conclusions. Conclusions are drawn based on the data, and the hypothesis is either supported or refuted. The engineering design process mirrors scientific inquiry, focusing on problem-solving through design and innovation.

4. SI units provide a standardized measurement system for global science.

Ninety-five percent of the world uses SI units as the everyday system of measurement.

Base units and prefixes. The SI (Système Internationale) system uses base units for length (meter), mass (gram), volume (liter), temperature (Kelvin), and time (second). Prefixes like kilo-, centi-, and milli- modify these units by powers of 10.

Conversions and types of measurement. Converting between SI units is straightforward due to the base-10 system. Measurements include length, volume, mass, weight, density, and temperature.

Tools and applications. Various tools, such as metersticks, graduated cylinders, balances, and thermometers, are used for precise measurements. Density, a key property, is calculated as mass per volume.

5. Lab safety is paramount, requiring knowledge of equipment and hazard protocols.

The most important thing is to think before you act.

General rules and protective gear. Lab safety involves following rules, wearing protective clothing (aprons, goggles, gloves), and knowing the location of safety equipment. No food or drink is allowed in the lab.

Equipment and accident response. Safety equipment includes eyewash stations, thermal mitts, fire extinguishers, fire blankets, and showers. Procedures for minor burns, fires, spills, and broken glass must be followed.

Waste disposal and specific hazards. Hazardous waste, including biological, toxic, radioactive, flammable, corrosive, and sharp objects, must be disposed of properly. Precautions must be taken when working with heat, chemicals, and biological materials.

6. Matter exists in solid, liquid, and gaseous states, undergoing phase changes.

The arrangement and behavior of particles is what determines the state of matter.

Atomic structure and properties. Matter is anything with mass and volume, composed of atoms. Atoms consist of protons, neutrons, and electrons.

Physical vs. chemical changes. Physical properties (color, size, density) can change without altering the substance's composition, while chemical properties (flammability, reactivity) involve changes in the substance itself.

Phase transitions and energy. Matter exists in solid, liquid, and gas states, with transitions between them (melting, freezing, vaporization, condensation, sublimation, deposition) driven by temperature and pressure changes. The conservation of mass applies to both physical and chemical changes.

7. The periodic table organizes elements by atomic structure and properties.

Each element is assigned a CHEMICAL SYMBOL, which is one or two letters.

Elements and organization. The periodic table organizes elements by atomic number (number of protons) and properties. Elements in the same group (column) share similar characteristics.

Atomic structure and isotopes. Atoms have a nucleus with protons and neutrons, surrounded by orbiting electrons. Isotopes are atoms of the same element with different numbers of neutrons.

Molecules and compounds. Atoms combine to form molecules and compounds. Chemical formulas describe the composition of compounds.

8. Solutions are homogenous mixtures with varying concentrations.

A solution is made of a SOLUTE and a SOLVENT.

Mixtures and solutions. Mixtures can be heterogeneous (unevenly mixed) or homogeneous (evenly mixed). Solutions are homogeneous mixtures of a solute (dissolved substance) and a solvent (dissolving substance).

Solubility and concentration. Solubility is the ability of a substance to dissolve, influenced by temperature, pressure, and concentration. Concentration describes the amount of solute in a solution.

Fluids and pressure. Fluids (liquids and gases) exert pressure, which is force per area. Pressure increases with depth in a fluid.

9. Motion, force, and energy are governed by Newton's laws.

A force is a push or pull, and force is required to change the motion of an object.

Relative motion and velocity. Motion is the change of position relative to a reference point. Speed is distance over time, while velocity includes direction.

Acceleration and Newton's laws. Acceleration is the rate of change of velocity. Newton's laws describe inertia, the relationship between force, mass, and acceleration, and action-reaction pairs.

Momentum and conservation. Momentum is mass times velocity. The law of conservation of momentum states that the total momentum in a closed system remains constant.

10. Gravity, friction, and electromagnetism shape everyday forces.

Gravity is not just the force we see when objects fall to the ground—gravity affects all masses.

Gravity and weight. Gravity is the attractive force between masses. Weight is the measure of gravitational force.

Friction and air resistance. Friction opposes motion between surfaces. Air resistance is friction with the air.

Magnetism and electromagnetism. Magnetic forces attract or repel, while electric forces are caused by moving charges. Electromagnetism is the interaction of electric and magnetic fields.

11. Work, power, and simple machines amplify force or distance.

A simple machine doesn’t reduce the total amount of work that is accomplished, but it decreases the amount of force required to do the same amount of work by increasing the distance.

Defining work and power. Work is force times distance. Power is the rate at which work is done.

Simple machines and mechanical advantage. Simple machines (inclined plane, wedge, screw, lever, wheel and axle, pulley) amplify force or distance. They don't reduce the total work, but they make it easier.

Energy and efficiency. Work is equivalent to energy. Efficiency describes how much energy is converted to useful work versus lost to heat.

12. Energy conservation dictates transformations, not creation or destruction.

The LAW OF CONSERVATION OF ENERGY states that energy can neither be created nor destroyed—it simply changes form.

Potential and kinetic energy. Energy comes in many forms, including potential (stored) and kinetic (motion) energy. Mechanical, thermal, electromagnetic, sound, electric, nuclear, and chemical energy are all forms of energy.

Energy transformations. Energy can be transformed from one form to another, such as potential to kinetic. The law of conservation of energy states that energy cannot be created or destroyed, only transformed.

Heat transfer and temperature. Temperature is the average kinetic energy of molecules. Heat is the transfer of thermal energy from warmer to cooler objects through conduction, radiation, and convection.

Last updated: April 4, 2025