Chapter #1 What is science?

What is science? Section 1 (Pages 6 – 13)

Science Definition: Science is a way of learning about the natural world. Science also includes all of the knowledge gained by exploring the natural world.

Observing Using one or more than one of your senses to gather information. There are two types: Qualitative Quantitative

Two types of observations Quantitative: Which deals with numbers Example: I have 10 fingers. Qualitative: Deals with descriptions that cannot be described in numbers Example: Slinky is larger than Maize.

What is an example of a qualitative observation in the classroom What is an example of a qualitative observation in the classroom? What about a quantitative observation?

In science… When you explain or interpret things, you are OBSERVING PREDICTING means making a forecast of what will happen next

Inference An inference is an attempt to explain what is happening or has happened. Example: Since the ground was wet this morning, I think that it rained last night. A prediction is a forecast of what will happen. Example: I think it is going to rain tomorrow.

Ms. Law came out of her house this morning to see the garbage was all over the ground and these tracks were leading to a tree. In the tree was a raccoon. What can you infer happened last night?

Classification Definition: Classifying is the process of grouping together items that are alike in some way. Classifying an object is useful because… Helps with organization and finding things Why is classifying important in a grocery store?

Models Making models involves creating representations of complex objects or processes.

Why is a model of the earth useful? The Earth is too big to look at from our perspective.

Scientific inquiry Section 2 (Pages 14 – 18)

Scientific inquiry Description: Scientific inquiry refers to the diverse ways in which scientists study the natural world and propose explanations based on the evidence they gather. MUST BE TESTABLE!!!

Scientific inquiry Must be something that you can test. Correct example: Spike can run faster than Bernie Incorrect example: I think pizza is better than pasta

Scientific method Steps you follow in order to try and solve a problem. Question Hypothesis Experiment Collect Data Conclusion Communication

Scientific method (continued) Question Hypothesis Problem or question about an observation Example: Why did my plant die? Educated guess on how to answer the question Example: I hypothesize my plant died because it was in too much sun. Scientific method (continued)

Scientific method (continued) Experiment Data collection Designing a way to test your hypothesis. Example: I will put one plant in the sun all the time, and another of the same plant in a more shaded spot. method Facts, figures and other evidence gathered through observations. Example: The plant in the sun did not grow and the one in the shade grew 1 inch today. Scientific method (continued)

Scientific Method (continued) Conclusion Communication Summary of what you learned from the experiment Example: I found that the plant in the shade grew better. Sharing of ideas and experimental findings with others Example: I told my mom this so her plant would not due also. Scientific Method (continued)

Experiments In an experiment you will need to make sure that all variables, or factors that can change, will be exactly the same. So in my plant experiment, both plants would be the same plant, in the same pot, with the same soil and getting the same amount of water.

Experiments (continued) An experiment in which only one variable is manipulated at a time is called a controlled experiment. The one variable that is purposely changed to test the hypothesis is the independent variable. The factor that may change in response to the independent variable is the dependent variable.

Controlled Plant experiment Plants A and B are grown from the same packet of seeds, potted with the same soil in the same type of pots and set in the same window sill. Group A is given plan water daily and group B is given water with fertilizer. Independent Variable: Fertilizer in the water Dependent Variable: Plant Growth

Celery experiment Why is this experiment considered controlled? What is the independent variable? What is the dependent variable?

Super Mice Bart believes that mice exposed to microwaves will become extra strong (maybe he’s been reading too much Radioactive Man). He decides to perform this experiment by placing 10 mice in a microwave for 10 seconds. He compared these 10 mice to another 10 mice that had not been exposed. His test consisted of a heavy block of wood that blocked the mouse food. He found that 8 out of 10 mice of the microwaves mice were able to push the block away. 2 out of the 10 mice that were not microwaved were able to do the same. Control: Normal Mice Variable: Microwaved mice Was Bart’s hypothesis correct? Explain. YES!!! They were stronger!

Control: Original itching powder Variable: Ultimate itching powder Itch Powder Krusty was told that a certain itching powder was the newest best thing on the market, it even claims to cause 50% longer lasting itches. Interested in this product, he buys the itching powder and compared it to his usual product. One test subject (A) is sprinkled with the original itching powder, and another test subject (B) was sprinkled with the Experimental itching powder. Subject A reported having itches for 30 minutes. Subject B reported to have itches for 45 minutes. Control: Original itching powder Variable: Ultimate itching powder Was hypothesis correct? Explain.: Yes. Ultimate itching powder lasted 15 minutes longer!

Understanding technology Section 3 Pages 19 - 22

The goal of technology is to improve the way people live!

What is one way technology can have a negative impact? Pesticide can be both good and bad. Good: Kill insects that eat crops Bad: Pesticides can harm humans and animals

Technology vs. science Technology: Changes or modifies the natural world to meet human needs or solve problems. Science: The study of the natural world to understand how it functions.