Chemistry Notes: Scientific Thinking The Nature of Science

Objectives I can… Define both sides of science State the objective of science Cite some limitations to science Explain (understand) the nature of science

The Nature of Science The Definition of Science Science has two parts: a collection of facts and a method of investigation

The Nature of Science The Objective of Science (Remember) To find reliable knowledge about the natural world Science is not about proving things, it is about disproving bad or false ideas Ideas, theories, etc that have stood up to scrutiny over the years become reliable knowledge.

The Nature of Science The Limitations of Science Science is limited to the natural world and natural explanations Science is limited by personal bias Science is based only on the available evidence The history of science is filled with numerous examples of scientific knowledge changing over time. Science is amoral It cannot make conclusions on faith, opinions, etc.

The Nature of Science The Nature of Science (Silver Box Activity) Science cannot prove absolute truth; it can only prove things with a degree of certainty. Science has to test the validity of the model against the data. Data Model

The Nature of Science The Nature of Science (Silver Box Activity) Often there is more than one model that explains a certain phenomenon equally well. Scientist cannot always directly observe things; as a result they have to observe them indirectly.

The Nature of Science Summary A person who understands the nature of science… Understands what science is and how its done properly Understands the objective of science Understands the limitations of science