Science Concept and Key Words

To ensure that you can get full mark for your science questions, first determine the concept the question is asking and answers it with the required key words.

Eg (abstracted from Road to PSLE: science blog)

A supplier transports ice blocks from a factory to a market. The ice cubes are covered with thick cloth. What is the main reason for covering the ice blocks with thick cloth? Explain

Main reason -
To prevent the ice blocks from gaining heat. [1/2 the full mark]
Explain - The thick cloth is a poor conductor of heat. [1/2 the full mark]

Ans: The thick cloth is a poor conductor of heat. It prevents the ice blocks from gaining heat (from the atmosphere and melting too quickly).( ) optional

Key concepts:
Heat flows from hotter object to cooler object (until both reach the same temperature)
Heat gains causes object to change from solid to liquid (and liquid to gas)Poor conductor of heat – Heat passes less quickly.

Key words:
Heat gain
Poor conductor of heat
Based on key concepts – may want to include Melting (as part of key words)

Link concepts with processes learnt

•Lime water -------> think of carbon dioxide ---> Respiration? Decomposition?

•Iodine -------> think of starch ---> Photosynthesis

•Water droplets -------> Condensation? Transpiration? Decomposition?

•Plant with sunlight -------> Photosynthesis?