1. Fill in the blanks to complete the statements. Justify the statements.

a. While working with a computer we can read the information stored in its memory and perform other actions in …………… memory.

Answer.

Internal or Primary.

Reason : For the Central Processing Unit ( CPU ) to process the program instructions and data, these must be loaded into the computer’s internal memory.

b. While presenting pictures and videos about the works of scientists, we can use …………..

Answer.

A presentation software / Microsoft PowerPoint.

Reason : A presentation software ( e.g., PowerPoint ) allows images as well as videos to be placed on a slide.

c. To draw graphs based on the quantitative information obtained in an experiment, one uses …..

Answer.

A spreadsheet program / Microsoft Excel.

Reason : A spreadsheet program ( e.g., Excel ) has facilities for graphical representation of data as a graph or a chart.

d. The first generation computers used to shut down because of …….

Answer.

Excessive heat.

Reason : First generation computers were built using valves. Valves consumed lot of electricity and generated lot of heat. The heat caused frequent burn-out of the valves which stopped the computers from working.

e. A computer will not work unless ….…. is supplied to it.

Answer.

Electric power.

Reason : A computer is an electronic device that needs electrical power to work.

2. Answer the following questions.

a. Explain the role and importance of information communication in science and technology.

Answer.

• ICT plays a key role in creating, displaying, collecting, processing and communicating information in the field of science and technology.
• Following is the importance of ICT in science and technology:
  (a) Access to wide range of information
  (b) Storing of Data
  (c) Processing of Data
  (d) Securing work files
  (e) Proper representation of data

b. Which application software in the computer system did you find useful while studying science, and how ?

Answer.

• Microsoft word: To write down the information collected and making a document for further evaluation.
• Microsoft excel : To draw graph based on the obtained numerical information from the experiment.
• Internet explorer: To search for information in finding out the solution or solving the queries by reading the available information.

c. How does a computer work ?

Answer.

Input unit	Processor	Output Unit
All types of information/ data is entered into the computer through this unit. Generally, a keyboard is used to enter data or information	Processing Unit (1) Memory unit (2) Control unit (3) ALU unit	The result/solution/ answer is eventually sent to the output unit. Generally, a screen/monitor or printer is used as an output unit.

d. What precautions should be taken while using various types of software on the computer ?

Answer.

• Antivirus must be installed.
• Software should be legal and from a trusted place.
• Application should be scanned before using.
• Pirated Software should not be used
• Provide all necessary data to obtain the best possible results.

e. Which are the various devices used in information communication ? How are they used in the context of science ?

Answer.

• Various devices used in information communication are: Computers, Laptops, Mobiles, Radios, Television, etc.
• Computers, Laptops and Mobiles: Help in accessing, collecting, processing, communicating, sharing and storing of information. It helps in determining the appropriate conclusions in all fields, including the field of science.
• Television: Help in getting information about the new and innovative technology.

3. Using a spreadsheet, draw graphs between distance and time, using the information about the movements of Amar, Akbar and Anthony given in the table on page 4 , in the lesson on Laws of Motion. What precautions will you take while drawing the graph?

Answer.

Choice of Axes: Always plot Time on the X-axis (independent variable) and Distance on the Y-axis (dependent variable).

Scale Selection: Choose a scale that allows the graph to cover most of the sheet/area. For example, if the time is in 30-minute increments, let 1 cm = 30 mins.

Origin (0,0): Ensure your graph starts from the origin if the data indicates they started from rest at time zero.

Point Plotting: Mark the points accurately. In a spreadsheet, double-check that the “Data Range” is correct so the lines don’t get swapped.

Nature of the Line: * For Amar and Anthony, the graph should be a straight line passing through the origin (indicating constant speed).

• For Akbar, the graph will be a curve, showing that his speed was changing.

Labeling: Don’t forget to label the axes with their respective units (e.g., Time in min/hr and Distance in km).

4. Explain the differences between the different generations of computers. How did science contribute to these developments ?

Answer.

Generation: 1st
Time Period: 1946 – 1956
Development: Vacuum Tubes Characteristics:

• Huge in size
• Expensive
• Lot of electricity consumption
• Heat generation

Generation: 2nd
Time Period: 1956 – 1963
Development: Transistors
Characteristics:

• Frequent shutdowns
• Superior to 1st Generation
• Small in size and fast
• Cheaper as compared to 1st Generation
• Less consumption of electricity

Generation: 3rd
Time Period: 1963 -1971
Development: IC
Characteristics:

• Keyboards and monitors
• OS
• Smaller and still cheaper

Generation: 4th
Time Period: 1971 – 2010
Development: Microprocessor Characteristics:

• Use of Internet
• GUI
• Introduction of portable devices like mobiles, laptops, etc.

Generation: 5th
Time Period: 2010 – Till Date
Development: Artificial Intelligence (AI) Characteristics:

• Voice recognition
• Sensors
• Nano technology

1st Generation computers occupied the entire room, but due to advancement in science and technology, today’s computer fits into our pockets.

Initially computers needed a specific language to interact but today we use voice recognition for the same.

In these ways, science has contributed in making the computers faster, smaller, cheaper and much more useful.

5. What devices will you use to share with others the knowledge that you have ?

Answer.

Devices like radios, televisions, pendrives, computers, laptops, mobiles, landlines, hard drives, CDs, memory cards help us in sharing our knowledge with others.

6. Using information communication technology, prepare powerpoint presentations on at least three topics in your textbook. Make a flowchart of the steps you used while making these presentations.

Answer.

(1) Gather important points on a topic.

(2) Plan the coverage of the topic, i.e., what to say, how much to say, and how to say it.

(3) Write down the content of each slide in the correct sequence, for about 10 to 12 slides.

(4) Search for relevant diagrams / pictures using a web browser, download and save them in an appropriate folder.

(5) Use Home  New Slide to insert slides with appropriate placeholders ( e.g., text, table, picture, video, etc. )

(6) Use the Design tab to select the theme, colours and font for the slides.

(7) Use the Animations tab for slide transitions and for animating slide objects.

Suggested topics :
(1) Scientists appearing in your textbook
(2) Classification of plants ( Chapter 6 )
(3) Bio-geochemical, Carbon, Oxygen and Nitrogen cycles ( Chapter 7 )
(4) Reflection of light ( Chapter 11 ).

7. Which technical difficulties did you face while using the computer? What did you do to overcome them?

Answer.

• Lagging: Due to lot of applications running at the same time, the computer starts lagging and becomes slow. Closing a few applications helped solve the problem of lagging.
• Viruses and Bugs: Cybercrimes are rising daily, even from single mail the computer can be attacked by viruses. Installing a valid antivirus helps solve the problem of viruses and bugs.
• Breach of Privacy: Confidential information being accessed by anyone is the breach of privacy. Putting privacy setting in place helps solve the problem. 
• Physical Damage: Hardware over a period of time might get physically damaged. Taking precautions while using will help to solve the problem.