Introduction To Science

The Basics

Science

Science is asking questions and performing tests to try to answer those questionsIf it cannot be answered it’s NOT science

Questions:

What is science and what is not?

SC.912.N.2.3: What is science and what is notSC.912.N.2.2: What types of questions are outside science.

Pseudoscience - fields of study may seem like science because they use scientific informationExamples: Astrology and

phrenology

Questions:

What is psuedo- science?

Why can some fields seem like science?

SC.912.N.2.3 What is the difference between science and pseudoscience

Science involves many skills likeObservingComparing CommunicatingRelating Applying

It is NEVER about guessing or manipulating data

It is ALWAYS changing because of discoveries

Questions:

What type of skills are involved with science?

Why does science change?

SC.912.2.3 What is science

Many discoveries contribute to society:In health fieldsOther fields

All information about the discoveries needs to be given to the public so they can make good choices

Questions:

How does science contribute to society?

Give an example of why society needs all info?

Summary Section

What are two examples of questions that are outside of science but may seem like science?

Explain why some fields seem like science – use an example to explain your answer?

What is never done in science?Why does science always change?Give an example of why people need all

information about a discovery?

Scientific Method

Scientists believe that the universe is based on rules

These rules can be discovered with systematic studyScientific method

Questions:

Why is it important to use systematic studies

Steps includeMake observation Ask a question Do research Form a hypothesis Test hypothesis Analyze data and draw conclusions

• Before publishing – it goes to a peer review

Questions:

What are the steps of the scientific method?

What must be considered at each step? SC.912.N.1.1 Be able to use the scientific method

SC.912.N.1.4 Identify reliable resourcesSC.912.N.1.6 How are inferences made from observation

When Doing Experiments

Many methods of test a question Parts:

• Independent variable• Dependent variable • Control• Constants

Use quantitative not qualitative data

Questions:What are the

IV, DV, constants and controls and why are they important to determine before starting?

SC.912.N.1.1 Use scientific method

Models might be used Data must be consistent,

accurate, precise, and detailed Organize data – in graphs and

charts Make detailed observations not

inferences Draw conclusions using data

(inferences are drawn at this point)

Questions:

What are some skills that must be included in an experiment and why?

LA.910.4.2.2 Record info and ideas accurately and coherently noting reliable resourcesSC.912.N.1.1 Use the scientific methodSC.N.1.6 How are inferences made from observations

Summary Section

Why do scientists use the scientific method?What are the steps of the scientific method?Why must your resources be reliable and give

an example of a good resource?What is the difference between a dependent and

independent variable?Why are models used?What does it mean when they say inferences

are made from observations?

Taking Measurements

Use the metric system MUST

It is universal and based on multiples of 10

Questions:

Why is the metric system used?

SC.912.N.1.1 Use the scientific methodLA.910.4.2 Record info accurately and coherently

The Metric System

The basic units used in science include:Meters – lengthGrams – massLiters – volumeCelsius - temperature

Use the most appropriate unitKilo Hecto Deka Base Deci Centi Mill

Questions:

What are the base unit for each type of measure-ment?

When are each unit used?

SC.912.N.1.1 Use the scientific methodMA.912.S.1.2 Use appropriate constant measurements

Use The Proper Graphs

Line graphs Bar graphs Circle graphs

Questions:

What are the different types of graphs and when are each used?

SC.912.N.1.1 Use scientific methodLA.910.2.2.3 Organize to show relationships of facts and ideasMA.912.S.3.2 Collect, organize and analyze data

Line Graphs – Change over time

Bar Graph

Circle Graphs – Parts to whole

TVSleepSchoolMisc

Summary Section

Why is the metric system used?What are the base units for each type of

measurement?When is each unit in the metric system

used?Why is it important to appropriately collect,

organize, and analyze the data collected?

Theories

A theory might be generated if there are enough tests to explain an observationIt can be revised or replaced They will NEVER become laws

Questions:

What is a theory?

When can it be revised or replaced?

SC.912.N.3.1 Theory is a culmination of many investigations and based on current knowledgeSC.912.N.3.4 Theories cannot become lawsSC.912.N.1.5 Example of how similar investigations from different places and backgrounds result in the same resultsSC.912.N.1.3 The strength of claims depend on thinking and keeping in mind different views

Laws

These state a repeated observation about nature with NO explanations

They are based on a consensus of scientists that agree on the stated observations

Laws will NEVER become theories

Questions:

What is a law?

When can it be revised or replaced?

Why can’t a theory become a law and vise versa?

SC.912.N.3.4 The difference between a theory and law andwhy can’t one change to the otherSC.912.N.1.5 Example of how similar investigations from different places and backgrounds result in the same resultsSC.912.N.1.3 The strength of claims depend on thinking and keeping in mind different views

Summary Section

What is the difference between a theory and a law?

Why can’t a theory become a law and vise versa?

Explain how similar investigations in other places can give the same results.

Explain why the strength of a claim is based on thinking and incorporating other peoples views.