First Quarter Science Journal

Our First Quarter lessons centered on the Diversity of Materials

in the Environment. Thus, with this main topic, we were given a
comprehensive discussion on topics such as the branches of Science,
matter, elements, mixtures and solutions.

Before, I have a very limited knowledge on the different

branches of Science. But through our lesson, I was able to know a lot
of these branches. In fact, I have memorized most of them. Some of
which are Ecology, Oceanography, Geology, Meteorology, Zoology,
Human biology and Botany.
I thought matter is as simple as “ anything that occupies
space”. But I found out that there’s more to it than that. We were
given an in-depth knowledge on the classification of matter – the
substance and the mixture. A mixture is a substance made by
combining two or more different materials in such a way that no
chemical reaction occurs. A mixture can usually be separated back
into its original components. Some examples of mixtures are a tossed
salad, salt water and a mixed bag of M&M's candy. A
chemical substance is composed of one type of atom or molecule.
Examples of substances: Iron is an element and hence is also
a substance. Methane is a compound and hence is also a substance.
Mixture is quite complicated. I learned that there are two types
of mixture- homogenous and heterogenous. It is at times confusing
but somehow, I managed to identify the difference between the two.
A homogeneous mixture has the same uniform appearance and
composition throughout. Many homogeneous mixtures are
commonly referred to as solutions. A heterogeneous mixture
consists of visibly different substances or phases.

We also tackled the periodic table of elements. I found

out that are so many chemical elements that I didn’t know
before. I also got the chance to know their symbols.

The physical properties of matter was also discussed. I

was given an understanding that physical properties of
matter can be observed and tested. They include
properties such as color, length,volume, odor, and density.
These properties are extensive if they
depend on the amount
of the
substance being used or intensive if they do not depend on the
amount of substance being used.

Elements and compound were also discussed.

A compound contains atoms of different elements chemically
combined together in a fixed ratio. An element is a pure chemical
substance made of same type of atom. Compounds contain
different elements in a fixed ratio arranged in a defined manner
through chemical bonds.

There were so many informative topics that were discussed to

us during the First Quarter. It was not easy to grasp all these
knowledge but thanks to our teacher. I really learned a lot. I’s looking
forward to more interesting topics in the second quarter