Communicating Science Effectively

Rewrite this statement using precise scientific vocabulary and an objective tone suitable for a report:

“We dumped heaps of salt into the hot water and it dissolved super fast.”

Briefly explain one change you made.

An investigation found that plants receiving 8 hours of light per day grew an average of 12.6 cm, while plants receiving 4 hours grew 7.4 cm. A student writes, “This proves that more light always makes every plant grow taller.” Explain why this conclusion is inappropriate and write a more accurate evidence-based conclusion.

Use the data below to write a 2–3 sentence results statement. Include numerical evidence, identify the trend and avoid unsupported claims.

Scientists need to explain antibiotic resistance to Year 10 science students and to primary school students. Describe two changes you would make to vocabulary, explanation or presentation for the younger audience, and explain why.

Which conclusion is more appropriate for scientific communication, and why?

A: “The experiment proves fertiliser is amazing and makes all plants grow faster.”

B: “Under the conditions tested, plants receiving fertiliser showed greater mean growth than the control group.”

Refer to objectivity, evidence and limitations.

Scientists are considering gene-editing technology to reduce disease-carrying mosquitoes. Modified genes can be inherited; reducing mosquito numbers may reduce disease transmission; mosquitoes are part of food webs; and long-term ecological effects are uncertain. Write a Claim–Evidence–Reasoning response stating whether the technology should be used. Use the supplied evidence and acknowledge at least one uncertainty.

A news article states, “Scientists prove that using phones at night destroys teenagers’ sleep.” The study only found that teenagers reporting higher nighttime phone use also reported fewer hours of sleep. Identify two problems with the news statement and rewrite it to accurately communicate the evidence.

An investigation found that increasing temperature from 20°C to 60°C reduced reaction time from 92 s to 29 s. Write a scientific conclusion that identifies the relationship, uses numerical evidence, links the result to particle collision theory and avoids unsupported generalisations.

Rewrite the following statement for a general audience with little scientific background: “Increasing temperature increases the average kinetic energy of particles, resulting in a greater frequency of successful collisions.” You may use an analogy. Then explain why your version remains scientifically accurate.

Edit this statement for a formal scientific report:

“The acid was way stronger so there were heaps more bubbles. Obviously this means strong acids always react faster.”

Then identify three improvements you made relating to scientific vocabulary, objectivity, evidence or limitations.