What is Science?Scientia

(Latin for ‘knowledge’)

Observation and Experimentation

Science is a way of knowing based on testable claims supported by…

What is NOT Science?Non-science: cannot be verified empirically.

(obs. & exp.)

Examples:authority (people),emotion, religion,logic, philosophy

empirical evidence

The “stuff” in the universe is madeof “building blocks” formed in stars.

What is Chemistry?

Chemistry is the study of matter and how it reacts.

atoms/elements

matter

science is a logical, organized way to solve a scientific problem.

Question

Observe

Hypothesis

Experiment

Theory

(explain)

(test)

(conclusion, explain)

Science Process (How do you do science?)

Observation:using your senses to obtain information

Suppose you try to turn on a flashlight and it doesn’t light. An observation can lead to a question:What’s wrong with the flashlight?

Science Process (How do you do science?)

Hypothesis:a proposed explanation

Based on previous observations,you propose that if the flashlight getsnew batteries, then it will work.

Science Process (How do you do science?)

Experiment: test of a hypothesis

Variables (can change)

independent: you change it first.

dependent: you observe it after. (it depends on what you changed)

controlled: held constant. (bulb)

Science Process (How do you do science?)You can test your hypothesis by putting new batteriesin the flashlight. If it lights, your hypothesis is valid.

Once a hypothesis is validated and revised byrepeated experiments, it may become a _____.

Theory:a well-tested explanation for observations

Theories must be revised to explainnew observations

Science Process (How do you do science?)

Science Process (How do you do science?)

F = G d2

general relativity, gravitons, etc.

Scientific Law:summarizes & describes the results of many observations and experiments

Theories do NOT become laws!

A scientific law doesn’t try to explain.

Law of Gravity vs. Theory of Gravity

summarizes explains & describes & interprets

(summarizes / describes)

(explains)

“Fact”: (in science)observation/event among observers

Observation/Question

Hypothesis Experiments Theory

Scientific Law

retest

revise

analyze

THEORYis the strongest form of scientific

knowledge

Science Process (Summary)

1. Knowledge would NOT be considered scientific knowledge if…

A. it’s based on experimental data

B. it’s theoretical

C. it’s not observable and testable

D. it’s easy to understand

Quick Quiz!

2. Chemistry is the study of ___________ and how it reacts.

A. anything with mass

B. anything that takes up space

C. matter

D. A, B, and C

Quick Quiz.

3. What is one reason to study chemistry?

A. to pass the test

B. you need it before driver’s ed

C. to be the coolest kid in school

D. to explain the natural world around you

Quick Quiz.

4. What is a hypothesis?

A. information obtained from the senses.

B. a proposed explanation for observations.

C. a thoroughly tested explanation for a broad set of observations.

D. a concise statement that summarizes the results of many of experiments.

Quick Quiz.

Observation

Theory

Law

5. What are two steps in the process of science?

A. ask questions and make up answers

B. observe and experiment

C. ask a question and propose a theory

D. test a hypothesis and prove it is true

Quick Quiz.