Science
What is Science? Science is a way of understanding the world based on observation and experimentation. Science does not prove anything absolutely -- all scientific ideas are open to revision in the light of new evidence. Science is a process that involves making educated guesses (hypotheses) that are then rigorously and repeatedly tested.
Hypotheses: In science, a statement of a possible explanation for some natural phenomenon. A hypothesis is tested by drawing conclusions from it; if observation and experimentation show a conclusion to be false, the hypothesis must be false. An educated guess. Theory: a plausible or scientifically acceptable general principle or body of principles offered to explain natural phenomena Most theories that are accepted by scientists have been repeatedly tested by experiments and can be used to make predictions about natural phenomena.
What is Science? The principle of science is therefore founded on evidence derived from experiments and observation. The evidence can be shared publicly with others. This provides individuals (other scientists) with the opportunity to attempt to, or establish the validity and reliability of the evidence. Validity refers to the degree to which a study accurately reflects or assesses the specific concept that the researcher is attempting to measure.
Science extends and enriches our lives and expands our imagination. What is Science? Science extends and enriches our lives and expands our imagination. The success and credibility of science are anchored in the willingness of scientists to: Expose their ideas and results to independent testing and replication by others. This requires the open exchange of data, procedures and materials. Abandon or modify previously accepted conclusions when confronted with more complete or reliable experimental or observational evidence.
WHAT IS NOT SCIENCE? Any statement about nature not objectively quantifiable by an independent observer, relying on subjectivity, personal opinion, belief, or supernatural element to validate a conclusion about a natural object, phenomenon, or process is, by definition, not science.
WHAT IS THE IMPORTANCE OF SCIENCE? Science is more than just a collection of data. Science is a tool used to objectively explain the ever-changing, natural universe in which we live. Science provides an objective, systematic, self-correcting way to determine when to accept or reject a theory or concept regarding the natural universe.