1. The Nature of Science Ms. Klinkhachorn September 22, 2009

2. Overview The Nature of Science: 1.Tentative 2.Creative 3.Observations and Inferences 4.Subjective 5.Culturally and Socially Embedded 6.Empirically Based 7.Theories and Laws

3. Tentative Tentative = subject to change, experimental – Synonyms: temporary, conditional Science is constantly changing – As we gain more information, we alter how we see things

4. Creative Creative = imaginative, artistic – telling a story when you don’t necessarily have one – We invent explanations for the things we see. Then we test them. In order to make discoveries and drive technological change, scientists need to think outside of the box – New ideas for testing, gives a starting point

5. Observations Data that is recorded and collected… – Using the five senses Example: Sight, Smell, Taste – With scientific instruments Example: Scale, Ruler When we describe what we observe, we give as many details as possible – Pretend like you are telling somebody who has no idea what you are talking about

6. Observations Qualitative Quantitative “l” for letters Uses descriptive words quality = characteristic subjective varies by person “n” for numbers Uses numbers quantity = amount objective consistent

7. Inferences Inference = a logical conclusion based on observations and prior knowledge – An explanation for what we observe – Synonyms: assumption, deduction Help make our questions more specific

8. What do you observe?

10. Our Classroom Qualitative? – Example: The walls are (kind of) white Quantitative? – Example: There are 3 sinks. What can you infer? (Pretend your are an outsider) – Example: You can infer this is a science room.

11. Subjective Subjective = based on inner experience rather than fact – Synonyms: personal, biased Our beliefs, previous knowledge, experiences, and expectations influence our work in science – How we conduct experiments – Observations – what we see and don’t see – Interpretations of results

12. Exit Slip Procedures Purpose of Exit Slip: – Not a quiz – How well did you understand today’s lessons? – Let’s me see where there are breakdowns in understanding…how can I teach it better? Directions: – Make sure you complete the entire slip – If you have a question, raise your hand. Do NOT shout out. Do NOT ask your neighbor. – No talking, humming, singing, whispering, etc Points will be deducted – Turn it in at the end of class in the bin