The Nature of Science

What is Science? 1.1 notes Science is a systematic way of studying the world. It is a way of learning more about the natural world and its natural events and conditions. Scientists want to know why, how, or when something occurred. This learning process usually begins by keeping your eyes open and asking questions about what you see (making an observation). Science base their explanations on evidence. Science can answer a lot of questions but there are some it can not. Questions about art, politics, opinions, faith, or morality can’t be answered by science.

Scientific ideas can be tested by conducting experiments and observing the results. Science can answer questions only with the information available at the time. As new information becomes available, explanations can be changed and new ones made. We are always learning, so science is always changing. An ATTEMPT to explain a pattern that occurs over and over again is called a scientific theory. Theories must be supported by facts and tested many times. Theories are the best explanations to a problem that we have so far. They are not necessarily right and they can change.

Example: Big Bang Theory

A RULE that describes a pattern is called a scientific law. For something to become a law, it must be tested and tested many times to be sure it is correct. If and experiment’s results are inconsistent in other words, the results are varied each time it is conducted, it cannot be accepted. Laws are different from theories because they don’t tell why something happens, or how it happens. Laws just simply describe it happening. Laws do not usually change.

Example: Law of Gravity

1.2 notes Scientific explanations are testable and refutable(to prove to be false) Scientist carry out investigations to learn about the about the natural world. Investigations often follow a general pattern. There is a certain way and certain steps you take to find the answer to a question. This can be called the scientific method.

1.3 notes A model is any representation of an object or an event used as a tool for better understanding something. Models can help you visualize something that is too big, too small, or too difficult to understand. Most models fall into three basic types: Physical models: you can see and touch. Computer models: built using computers, can’t touch but can see on a computer screen. Idea models: ideas or concepts that describe how someone thinks about something in the world.

Physical, Idea, or Computer?

Models have the following uses: They communicate with people. They test predictions. They save time, money, and lives.

A controlled experiment is one of the most used experiments in science A controlled experiment is one of the most used experiments in science. It is an experiment where you change only one variable and watch the effects caused by the change. Variables are factors that can change in a controlled experiment.

Three types of variables: Independent variable: the variable that you change in the experiment. Dependent variable: the variable that changes due to the change of the independent variable. Constants: these are the variables that do NOT change in the experiment.

1.4 notes Critical thinking means combining what you already know with the new facts that you are given to decide if you should agree with something or not. You use critical thinking skills everyday without even knowing it. The facts that you gather during your experiments are called data. You should be really careful about believing any claim that is not supported by data.

Some important facts about being a good scientist: Keep an open mind. Is the information reliable? Does it make sense? Is there enough evidence to support the claim? Is the data repeatable? Communicate your findings with others.

Earth science: the study of Earth and space. A system is a collection of structures, cycles, and processes that relate to and interact with each other. Science is divided into three main branches: Life science: the study of living systems and the way they interact with each other. Earth science: the study of Earth and space. Physical science: the study of matter and energy.

Life, Physical, or Earth Science? Biology Geology Physics

Physical science can also be broken up into two general fields- chemistry and physics. Chemistry is the study of matter and Physics is the study of energy.

Technology is the practical use of science Technology is the practical use of science. Examples: ipad, computer, anything that makes life easier for us.

The End…