Science is a way of Knowing From the Latin: Scio, sciare … “to Know” Passive participial: scientia “the known”
What does it mean to know? There are many ways to know about the universe… History is such a way… In history we “know” when we have evidence Such as eyewitness accounts (primary sources) History differs from Science in that it: Is limited to past human activities “Knowledge” is based on accounts and records.
Faith Proof Science vs. Religion Both are ways of knowing about the universe In Religion You “know” because you have… Faith In Science You “know” because you have… Proof (Through the scientific method)
The Scientific Method
Fact The first two steps involve gathering facts… A Fact is an observation we agree is correct. Thus Facts can and do change: Due to a change in the ability to observe, or more observations: ex. The celestial sphere 2. Due to our changing of what we agree is correct…usually due to a change of definition. Pluto was a planet…now it is not!
What is a Hypothesis? It must be able to be proven false! A Hypothesis is an answer to a scientific question. To be scientific a hypothesis must: Explain the phenomenon logically Account for all observed facts It must be testable…. that is … It must be able to be proven false!
What is an Experiment An Experiment is a test of a hypothesis To do an experiment you make a prediction based on the hypothesis. Then you check to see if that prediction is so A good experiment is set up so that we can be sure of the result (controls, variables etc.) If the prediction is not observed the hypothesis is false or it and/or the experiment must be revised. If the prediction is observed the hypothesis is confirmed.
Theories & Laws Once a hypothesis is confirmed by an experimenter they report the results so that others may review and repeat the experiment. If the scientific community then accepts that the hypothesis is confirmed it is then called a Theory Many confirmations over many years may lead to the hypothesis being called a Law
The Scientific Method