Science Dictionary for Kids

The Essential Guide to Science Terms, Concepts, and Strategies

Laurie E. Westphal

• Publisher: Routledge
• Year: 2021
• Print ISBN:
  9781032142029
• eBook ISBN:
  9781000495997
• Edition: 1
• Topic: Pedagogía
• Subtopic: Educación general

Science Dictionary for Kids provides hundreds of science terms with kid-friendly definitions and illustrations, perfect for any teacher of science or parent helping a child with science homework. From the basic science equipment, to the physical sciences, to the Earth sciences, kids can flip to one of eight science categories to find the definitions they need.

The perfect reference for kids and their parents and teachers, the easy-to-follow definitions in this guide will help with any science assignment, project, or experiment. Most definitions include an illustrated version to increase comprehension.

The book also includes a handy reference section, complete with:

• commonly used formulas,
• measurement conversions,
• charts detailing household chemicals and acids and bases,
• instructions for using science equipment safely,
• tips on following the scientific process, and
• information on graphing results and data.

This book needs to be on every child's desk!

Grades 4-9

Quick Reference Guide

DOI: 10.4324/9781003237877-9

Using Lab Equipment

Using a Microscope

1. Plug in the microscope and be sure the cord is tucked safely out of the way.
2. Move the objective lenses so the lowest power (the shortest lens) is pointing down toward the stage.
3. Place the slide on the microscope stage, putting it under the stage clips to keep it from moving. Be sure the specimen is over the middle of the hole in the stage. That will make it easier to find, but don’t look yet!
4. Looking at the objective lenses, use the coarse focus (bigger knob) and move the lens to its lowest point, closest to the slide.
5. Look through the eyepiece and slowly turn the coarse focus until the specimen comes into focus.
6. Once it is in sight, if needed, adjust the fine focus to see more details.
7. If the specimen seems washed out or hard to see, adjust the diaphragm to allow less light to pass through the hole in the stage. This will bring out more detail.

Using a Triple Beam Balance

1. Be sure the balance is zeroed, or measures zero, when there is nothing being massed. The balance indicator (usually a line on the right) should be lined up showing it’s balanced. Different balances have different ways of zeroing them.
2. Place the object to be massed on the pan of the balance.
3. Starting with the largest (heaviest slider), move the slider into each notch along the beam until the balance indicator goes below the balance line.
4. Return the slider to the last notch it was in before it went too low.
5. Using the next smallest slider, move it from notch to notch until the balance indicator again goes below the balance line.
6. Return the slider to the last notch it was in.
7. Use the last slider (usually a small metal one without notches), and slide it slowly along the beam until the balance indicator and balance line match exactly.
8. Add the different numbers indicated on each beam to calculate the mass.

These beams read 10, 200, and 6.5, so the mass is 10 + 200 + 6.5, or 216.5 grams.

Using a Spring Scale

1. Be sure your scale is “tared,” or measuring zero, when nothing is being weighed.
2. Attach the object to be weighed to the scale.
3. To measure th...

Table of contents

• Cover
• Half Title
• Title Page
• Copyright Page
• Dedication
• Contents
• Introduction
• Scientific Equipment
• The Scientific Process
• Measurements and Units
• Life Sciences
• Physical Sciences
• Earth Sciences
• Space Sciences
• Quick Reference Guide
• References
• Index
• About the Author