Unit 1: The Nature of Science

Earth Science 1. What is science? 1.Science is the a process of observing, studying, and thinking about things in your world to gain knowledge.

Earth Science 2. What is Earth Science? 2. Earth science is the study of earth and its place in space. Earth science includes fields such as: Geology – how earth forms and changes. Astronomy – stars, planets and other object in space. Meteorology- atmosphere and weather.

3. What is physical science? 3. Physical science is the study of matter, forces, and energy. Physical science includes: Chemistry: the structure and properties of matter Physics – how matter and energy work together

3. What is physical science? 3. Physical science is the study of matter, forces, and energy. Physical science includes: Chemistry: the structure and properties of matter Physics – how matter and energy work together

4. What is Life Science? Life Science is the study of living things (Biology) 4. Life Science is the study of living things (Biology) Botany – plants Botany – plants Zoology – animals Zoology – animals Taxonomy – classifying organisms Taxonomy – classifying organisms

What is science? Activity Cooperative learning groups of 4 Problem: You have to measure your planner; however, there are no measurement devices or standards. Your mission is to develop a measurement device using only your hands and fingers and a measurement standard. Then, each group must find the width, length, and area of your planner. Be prepared to share with the class your results.

Exit Card Why is it a good idea to have standard measuring devices and units?

Quick Quiz # 1 1. What is the process of observing, studying, and thinking about your world to gain knowledge? A. LifeC. Geology B. ScienceD. Chemistry

Quick Quiz # 1 2. What is the study of stars, planets and other objects in space? A.MeteorologyC. Life Science B. BotanyD. Astronomy

Quick Quiz # 1 3. What is the study of matter, forces, and energy? A.Physical ScienceC. Earth Science B. General ScienceD. Life Science

Quick Quiz # 1 4. What is the study of living things? A. General ScienceC. Meteorology B. PhysicsD. Life Science or Biology

Quick Quiz # 1 5. What is the study of plants? A. TaxonomyC. Botany B. MeteorologyD. Astronomy

Extra credit Why is it a good idea to have standard measuring devices and units?

Scientific Method 5. What is the scientific method? 5. The scientific method is a problem solving procedure ( cycle) that is used to solve a problem.

Steps to the Scientific Method 6. List the steps to the scientific method. 6. Step 1: Identify a problem In other words, ask a questions. For example, “Which fertilizer works best to grow beans?” In other words, ask a questions. For example, “Which fertilizer works best to grow beans?”

Scientific Method Gather information Step 2: Gather information Conduct research and find out what is already known about the topic Conduct research and find out what is already known about the topic

Scientific Method Step 3: Form a hypothesis Hypothesis – an educated guess that predicts an answer to a problem or outcome of an experiment relates two separate factors relates two separate factors - “Peter’s Pig Poop will produce more beans.” should be very specific and based on research should be very specific and based on research Usually written as If…….then…. Usually written as If…….then….

Scientific Method Test the hypothesis Step 4: Test the hypothesis Experiment – A series of carefully planned steps that tests a hypothesis - Experiment – A series of carefully planned steps that tests a hypothesis - this should test only one hypothesis Decide what equipment and materials are needed Decide what equipment and materials are needed take safety precautions take safety precautions repeat to verify results repeat to verify results

Scientific Method Analyze results Step 5: Analyze results Describe the results in words Describe the results in words List the information in a table or graph List the information in a table or graph

Scientific Method Draw a conclusion Step 6: Draw a conclusion Conclusion –answer to a problem question based on results of an experiment Did you identify patterns? Did you identify patterns? Did the experiment test the hypothesis correctly? Did the experiment test the hypothesis correctly? Do you need a new experiment? Do you need a new experiment? Do the data support the hypothesis? Do the data support the hypothesis? -Was the prediction right or wrong? - Do you need a new hypothesis?

Scientific Method Identify a Problem Gather Information Form Hypothesis Test the Hypothesis Analyze the Results Draw Conclusions Disproves Hypothesis Supports Hypothesis New Hypothesis? Repeat Experiment

7. What is a scientific model? 7. A model is anything that helps you understand how a real object looks or works. Usually larger or smaller than the real object Used to show things that cannot be observed directly

8. What is a scientific law? 8.A scientific law is a rule that describes the behavior of something in nature. usually tells what will happen but not why

9. What are the parts to a scientific experiment? 9. Parts of a scientific experiment include variables ( independent and dependant), a constant, and a control.

10. What are variables? 10. Variables – are factors that can change in an experiment.

11. What are independent variables? 11. Independent variables – are factor changed by the experimenter which Which plants get which fertilizer?

12.What are dependant variables? 12. Dependent variable – are factors that is being measured in an experiment. What is the bean production for each plant

13.What is an control? 13. A control is a standard to which results are compared. A specimen or subject kept “normal” while the hypothesis is tested on others a control group has only water – no fertilizer if all groups end up the same, did the fertilizer really do anything? Probably not!

14. What is technology? 14. Technology is use of scientific discoveries for practical purposes. Facts found through scientific methods are used in everyday life. Can be referred as applied science.

15. What are ethics? 15. Ethics – study of Moral values about what is good or bad? What kind of experiments should be done? Should dangerous experiments be conducted on humans? Should we use animals instead?

16. What is bias? 16. Bias is a personal opinion. An unethical scientist may set up an experiment to support his bias.

17. What is risk? 17. Risk is any situation that might be a threat to health or well-being. Some risks are necessary. Safety is about being prepared for risks.