Chapter 1 Science Skills

Branches of Science

Big Ideas of Physical Science Space and Time The universe is both very old and very big. Matter and Change A very small amount of the universe is matter. All matter that you are familiar with is made up of building blocks called atoms.

Big Ideas of Physical Science Forces and Motion Forces cause changes in motion. The laws of physics allow these changes to be calculated exactly. Energy Energy exists in many forms. Energy can be transferred from one form or object to another, but it can never be destroyed.

Scientific Methods A scientific method is an organized plan for gathering, organizing, and communicating information. The goal of any scientific method is to solve a problem or to better understand an observed event.

Here is an example of a scientific method.

Scientific Methods An observation is information that you obtain through your senses. A hypothesis is a proposed answer to a question. A manipulated variable (independent variable) is the variable that causes changed in another. A responding variable (dependent variable) is the variable that changes in response to the manipulated variable. A controlled experiment is an experiment in which only one variable, the manipulated variable, is deliberately changed at a time.

Scientific Laws and Theories A scientific theory is a well-tested explanation for a set of observations or experimental results. A scientific law is a statement that summarizes a pattern found in nature. A scientific law describes an observed pattern in nature without attempting to explain it. The explanation of such a pattern is provided by a scientific theory.

Scientific Models A model is a representation of an object or event. Scientific models make it easier to understand things that might be too difficult to observe directly.

Working Safely in Science Always follow your teacher’s instructions and the textbook directions exactly. Wash your hands after every scientific activity.

Organizing Data

Organizing Data

Organizing Data

Organizing Data Line Graphs The manipulated variable is plotted on the x-axis The responding variable is plotted on the y-axis

Communicating Data Scientists can communicate results by writing in scientific journals or speaking at conferences.

Accuracy and Precision Accuracy is how close a measurement is to the actual or true value of whatever is measured. Precision is how close a series of measurements are to one another.

Temperature Units

Temperature Units