Scientific Theory Aristotle, Model, Tables, Graphs, Charts, Consensus, Scientific Theory, Scientific Law

“The First Scientist” Aristotle was an ancient Greek philosopher who lived 384 BC-322 BC. He is often referred to as the first scientist because of his development and use of the scientific method. He was the student of Plato and the tutor to Alexander the Great

Models Model: a representation of something. Simulator: a machine or computer program that models a given environment or situation for the purpose of training or research. What are some examples of models?

Presenting Data Graphic Description Uses Table Labeled rows and columns Comparing information. Line Graph Connecting dots on a graph Used to show a trend. Bar Graph Height of the bar represents a value. Shows relationships Pie Chart A circle with different slices showing data. Comparing percentage of a whole.

Consensus: an agreement reached by a group after discussion of a question. While discussing we will use the following phrases: “I agree with ______ and would like to add…” “ I disagree with __________ because…” We will all make mistakes. It is an important part of learning. With consensus it reduces the penalty of mistakes.

Consensus (cont) When a hypothesis has been tested enough times to have consensus in the scientific community, it becomes a scientific theory.

Scientific Theory Scientific Theory: A model of reality. It has been tested and confirmed by scientific consensus. Examples: Cell theory, atomic theory, plate tectonics, theory of gravity, heliocentric theory

Theory (cont.) There is NO SUCH THING as scientific FACT Scientific theory explains “how or why something happens” Originally it was a scientific theory that the Universe revolved around the Earth. Observations agreed with this theory, but there were some problems.

Theory cont. Scientific theory can change! If evidence does not support it, the theory changes! Some said the problems existed because the world rotates, and we actually revolve around the sun. Evidence supported the hypothesis, so it became the scientific theory. Even today the theory changes to accommodate scientific discovery.

Scientific Law Scientific Law: A statement of observation. If evidence does not support it, scientific law changes. Scientific Law says “What happens”

So do theories become law? Theories DO NOT become law There is more scientific law in physics because it can be observed, geology and biology have more scientific theory. THERE IS NO SUCH THING AS SCIENTIFIC FACT!!!

Theory of Gravity Newton stated a theory of gravity which functions almost all the time and can be used to predict the universe. BUT there are some instances where the universe does not function exactly as it should. This does not make the theory wrong, Einstein added the theory of general relativity to explain the instances Newton could not.

Support We try not to say “proves” or “disproves” Say “It is supported” or “Evidence does not support”

Accuracy vs Precision Accuracy: How close the answer is to the actual value. (how correct) Precision: How detailed. EX: a digital clock is more precise than a clock with just the hours hand. Something can be accurate but imprecise: EX: Pi is 3.1 Something can be precise, but inaccurate, EX: Pi is 5.31278149

Is anything not science? What answers to questions cannot be attained by science? What branches of human thought do we use to get these answers?

Art- a discipline used to evoke emotion Philosophy- thinking about the universe in an abstract way to achieve meaning. Religion- Philosophy and belief used to give meaning to the world and answer questions which science cannot.

Pseudoscience Any time something claims to be scientific but does not use the scientific method, or uses it incorrectly. For an idea to achieve scientific consensus, it must have been repeated AND replicated in multiple experiments.

Pseudoscience (examples) Astrology- Vague and complex, astrology uses the constellations (or lack thereof) to explain why people behave a certain way. Phrenology- study of the shape of the skull to give insight to a person’s personality or ability.

Pseudoscience (examples) Other notable examples include bigfoot, UFOs, global conspiracies, ghosts and crystal healing.

Science There are many branches of science: Biology Chemistry Physics Geology Astronomy Meteorology