PSC CHAP. 1

ABOUT SCIENCE

Basics

Methods of Science

PHYSICS IS THE BASIC SCIENCE

BIOLOGYAND OTHER LIFE

SCIENCES

CHEMISTRYAND OTHER PHYSICAL

SCIENCES

PHYSICS

MATHEMATICS

FACT

A close agreement by competent observers of a series of observations of the same phenomena

Observations

An observation is made by using our senses

We can improve our observations by using instruments

How do they improve our observations?– They help detect things we cannot sense– They measure more accurately

Observations

Observation without measurements are qualitative

example: He’s tall

Observation with measurements are quantitative

example: He’s 7 feet tall

Making Quantitative Observations

In order for a measurement to be useful, we must have standards: an exact quantity

Everyone agrees to use this

“universal language” Science uses International System of Units

– AKA: THE METRIC SYSTEM– See SI Sheet...

Hypothesis

What is it? a guess that is based on facts

A hypothesis is made by thinking NOT sensing

You make a logical decision based on observations– example: This room was built for science.

HYPOTHESIS

An educated guessA reasonable explanation of an observation

or experimental result that is not fully accepted as factual until tested over and over by experiment

SCIENTIFIC HYPOTHESES MUST BE TESTABLE

There must be a test for proving it wrong. Must also link to a general understanding of

nature.

SCIENTIFIC HYPOTHESIS???

Atoms are the smallest particles of matter.

The universe is surrounded by a second undetectable universe.

Albert Einstein is the greatest physicist of the 20th century.

YES

NO

NO

SCIENTIFIC HYPOTHESIS???

Most people stop for red lights. No material object can travel

faster than the speed of light. Intelligent life exists on other

planets somewhere in the universe.

NO YES

NO

Important Notes...

About the hypothesis… Start with “I think” It should solve the problem It should be based on

research It must be specific It must be testable

About the conclusions… Must be based on the data you

collected May support or refute the

hypothesis Not always “the end”…may

prompt revision of the hypothesis, experiment, etc.

LAW or PRINCIPLE

A general hypothesis or statement about a relationship of natural quantities that has been tested over and over again and has not been contradicted.

THEORY

A synthesis of a large body of information that encompasses well-tested and verified hypotheses about aspects of the natural world.

An explanation of a phenomenonUndergo changes, redefinition, and

refinement

What happens when evidence is found that contradicts a hypothesis, law, or principle?

It must be changed or abandoned unless the evidence turns out to be wrong.

SCIENTISTS MUST BE OPEN-MINDED

Must be able to accept their findings even if it is not what they want or expect.

Must distinguish between what they see and what they want to see

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY ARE

DIFFERENT

…so the question of the day is...

How is science different from technology?

SCIENCE:

A method of answering theoretical questions.

Has to do with discovering facts and relationships and with establishing theories that organize and make sense of these facts and relationships.

TECHNOLOGY:

A method of solving practical problems. Has to do with tools, techniques, and

procedures for putting the findings of science to use.– Application of science

Scientific Method

A way to investigate the unknown.

A way of thinking-not just a series of steps.

Steps of the Scientific Method

Define the Problem Gather Information Form a Hypothesis Perform an Experiment Record and Analyze Data Draw Conclusions

SCIENTIFIC METHOD

Recognize a problem Make an educated guess about answer

– Hypothesis

Predict consequences of hypothesis Perform experiments to test predictions Formulate a general rule that organizes

hypothesis, prediction, and experimental data.

Facts, theories and laws...

Facts:

Theories:

Laws: