1-1 What is Science?

Objectives:• State the goals of

science• Describe the steps

of the scientific method

What Science IsScience is an organized

way of using evidence to study the natural world

Goals of science: 1) Investigate, understand

and explain nature2) Make useful predictions

Science also refers to the body of knowledge that scientists have gathered

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What Science Is NotAnything beyond the

natural worldEx: supernatural or

belief-based phenomena

A way of “proving” anything

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OrganizedEvidence-

basedEver-changing

Systematic

CertainStaticRigid

Belief-based

Biased

Fair

What Science Is What Science is Not

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The Scientific MethodBegins with observation

Information gathered with 5 senses Prompts questions

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Making Inferences Observations lead to

inferences Inferences are logical

interpretations based on prior knowledge

Ex: observation- there is a

chalk outline on the pavement

inference- someone was murdered in that location

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Generating a HypothesisA hypothesis is a testable

scientific explanation for a set of observations

Written in if/then format If (condition) then (result)

Ex: If a plant receives fertilizer then it will grow taller than a plant without fertilizer.

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ExperimentingHypotheses are tested in a controlled

experiment Ex: Redi’s experiment on Spontaneous Generation

(1668)

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ExperimentingSingle variable changedControl group compares to

experimental group(s)

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When Experiments Are Not Possible

Studying natural phenomena Ex: animal interactions

Ethical or safety limitations Ex: studying a cancer-causing

chemical or experimental drug

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When Experiments Are Not PossibleScientists look for correlations

Reliable associations between events

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DataExperimental observations yield dataData can be quantitative or

qualitative Quantitative data can be measured

numerically Ex: length, time, volume

Qualitative data usually can’t be measured Ex: color, smell, feel

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Data Data is then analyzed for trends

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Drawing ConclusionsData becomes evidence for a logical

conclusion (inference)Most experiments are repeated for

verificationScientists publish their results

Evidence must survive peer reviewTo share knowledgeTo replicate

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The Scientific Method

Ask a question• Observation

s prompt questions

Form a hypothesis• Must be

testable

Controlled experiment• Only one

variable changed at a time

Record data• Analyze

results

Draw a conclusion

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The Scientific Method

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Gathering Evidence (summary)1. Begins with observation2. Observations lead to inferences3. Hypotheses are testable

explanations based on inferences4. Data is gathered during a controlled

experimentData can be quantitative or qualitative

Quantitative data can be measured numerically

Qualitative data usually can’t be measured

5. Scientists use data as evidence for conclusions

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1-2 Science in Context

Objectives:• Identify the scientific

attitudes that generate new ideas

• Explain why peer review is important

• Compare/contrast theory and law

• Explain the relationship between science and society

Scientific Thinking

Curiosity

Skepticism

OpennessHonesty

Imagination &

Creativity

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Development of a Theory Theories are tested explanations

supported by a large body of scientific evidence Have never been disproven Unify observations and predict new situations

Theories are the highest level of scientific fact But still tentative, correctable, and dynamic Allows for changes as new facts are discovered

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Theories vs. Laws Theories will never become laws &vice

versa Neither is superior; they have different

purposes Theories explain while laws describe

-9.8m/s/s

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