EPS-15 Solved Assignment | July 2025,January 2026 | Hindi Medium | BDP

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PART-A

1. a) Main Elements of Scientific Inquiry

Elements of Scientific Inquiry

Scientific inquiry is the foundation of laboratory work and research. It refers to the diverse ways in which scientists study the natural world and propose explanations based on the evidence derived from their work. The main elements of scientific inquiry include:

Observation: The process begins with observing a specific phenomenon or event in nature, which sparks curiosity and raises questions.
Asking Questions: Based on the observation, specific, testable questions are formulated.
Hypothesis Formulation: A hypothesis is an educated guess or a tentative explanation for the observed phenomenon. It must be testable through experiments.
Experimentation and Testing: Designing and conducting controlled experiments to test the validity of the hypothesis. This involves manipulating variables and maintaining strict laboratory conditions.
Data Collection: Systematically recording the qualitative and quantitative results obtained during the experiment.
Data Analysis: Examining the collected data using statistical and analytical tools to find patterns or correlations.
Drawing Conclusions: Concluding whether the hypothesis is supported or rejected based on the analysed data.
Communication: Sharing the findings with the scientific community through reports, journals, or presentations so that the study can be reviewed and replicated.

1. b) Requirements for Access to and fro from the Laboratory

Access Requirements for a Laboratory

Proper access to and from a laboratory is a critical aspect of laboratory design, ensuring both operational efficiency and safety during emergencies. The fundamental requirements include:

Clear Corridors and Pathways: The entry and exit routes must be wide enough to allow the smooth movement of students, staff, and the transportation of bulky equipment or chemical trolleys. These pathways must always remain unobstructed.
Emergency Exits: Every laboratory must have clearly marked, easily accessible emergency exits. In case of fire or hazardous spills, occupants must be able to evacuate swiftly without bottlenecks.
Door Design: Laboratory doors should ideally open outwards (towards the corridor) to facilitate quick escape. They should have vision panels so that people outside can see if there is a hazard or an ongoing experiment inside before entering.
Disabled Access: The laboratory must comply with inclusivity standards, featuring ramps, wider doors, and accessible workstations for physically challenged students and staff.
Security and Restricted Entry: Access should be controlled using keypads, biometric scanners, or logbooks to ensure that unauthorized personnel do not enter sensitive or hazardous areas.
Proper Signage: Luminous and clear signage must be installed guiding individuals towards exits, fire assembly points, and restricted zones.