Basic Science Terms

DOING SCIENCE Science starts with a question. Science assumes that the universe is orderly and can be explained. Science is unbiased (objective).

Basic Science Terms Science Technology Branches of science Physics Theory Law Hypothesis Model

Science The study and pursuit of knowledge about the natural world. Example A physicist tries to understand how the Sun gives us light.

Significance of Science The search for knowledge adds to our understanding of the physical world. Scientists want to know! Science affects society by stimulating thought satisfying curiosity influencing views of the world providing knowledge necessary for new technological advances

Technology The application of science to meet human needs. Example Designing and building solar panels for alternative energy automobiles

Significance of Technology Put the findings of science to use Try to solve practical problems New technology often leads to new discoveries and the advancement of science

Examples of Technologies that led to the Advancement of Science Telescope…used to discover new planets, moons and stars Microscope…used to discover microorganisms that cause disease, such as bubonic plague Internet and computer…processing a huge amount of data in a matter of seconds

The Branches and Disciplines of Science Natural Science Life Science Physical Science 1. Biology 2. Zoology 3. Botany Earth Science 1. Geology 2. Meteorology 1. Physics 2. Chemistry

The branches of science are separate, yet integrated. Physical Science Earth Science Life Science

Science disciplines meteorology physics paleontology chemistry astronomy biology geology

Significance of Branches of Science Separate, but integrated Example: the study of fossils requires an understanding of geology and biology! Branches of Natural Science Earth Science Life Science Physical science: Chemistry and Physics. What is Chemistry? Chemistry is the study of matter and how it changes. What is physics?

What is Physics? The study of motion, forces and energy. “The entire universe is built upon of the principles revealed by a study of physics.” -Andrew Zimmerman Jones

Significance of Physics Foundation for other sciences. Everything around us is affected by it. Explains phenomena such as orbiting satellites, weightlessness, lightning, sonic booms, magnetism and energy transformations.

Scientific Theory A synthesis of a large body of information that encompasses well-tested and verified hypotheses about aspects of the natural world. Examples Atomic theory explains the atom Plate Tectonics explains the formation of volcanoes, earthquakes and mountains It represents the best explanation about a natural phenomenon at this time

Scientific Law or Principle A summarizing statement about the relationship of natural quantities. Example F = ma is Newton’s 2nd Law of Motion

A Scientific Theory Is… The current best accepted explanation about a phenomenon in the natural world Weighty Exhausts all current knowledge gained Huge deal Not easily replaced Growing body of work Is Not An opinion Unchanging Fact Hypothesis Trivial

A Scientific Law Is… A summary of something observed in nature Fact Often expressed as an equation Is Not An opinion Hypothesis Trivial A theory An explanation

A Scientific Model Is… A representation of something in nature or the real world for study Can be scale or real size Can be a computer model or a tangible model, mathematical model, graphic organizer, predictive tool Is Not An opinion Hypothesis A theory The real thing or event

Significance of a Scientific Theory It has been extensively tested through scientific investigation and never disproven It grows slowly through contributions from many investigators. Can be replaced if new evidence is discovered Is this a strength or a weakness?

F = ma Significance of a Law vs. Newton’s Theory of Motion A law summarizes, does not try to explain Sometimes is represented by an equation explanation vs. F = ma Newton’s Theory of Motion Newton’s 2nd Law of Motion

Scientific Hypothesis An educated guess that can be tested. Example If the mass on a cart is increased, then the cart’s rate of acceleration will decrease given the same force.

Significance of a Scientific Hypothesis Drives the scientific process Has not been proved Can be adjusted and retested depending on the outcome of the first test

SCIENTIFIC MODEL A representation of an object or event that can be studied so that the real object or event can be understood. Examples: A globe Computer models for hurricanes

Significance of Models A model can be tested by comparing its predictions to actual observations in the real world. Can use scientific method by changing one variable to see how it affects the other variable(s). A close match does not necessarily mean that the model is the only “true” model or the only one that would work.

Theory vs…law/hypothesis/model Theory is an explanation that has been proved through testing Law is a summary (often expressed as an equation) Hypothesis is an question or educated guess that can be tested (but has not been tested) A model is a representation of something that can be used to study it.

Scientific Theory A synthesis of a large body of information that encompasses well-tested and verified hypotheses about aspects of the natural world. An explanation that evolves over time Tested, but never disproven. Sometimes replaced if new evidence is discovered Example: Atomic theory explains the atom

Scientific Law or Principle A general hypothesis or statement about the relationship of natural quantities that has been tested repeatedly and has not been contradicted. Summarizes Sometimes is represented by an equation Example: F = ma is Newton’s 2nd Law of Motion

Scientific Hypothesis An educated guess that can be tested. A reasonable explanation Has not been proven Requires testing Example: If the mass on a cart is increased, then the cart’s rate of acceleration will decrease given the same force.

Identifying Variables in a Scientific Hypothesis The three variables are underlined. Independent variable Dependent variable If the mass on a cart is increased, then the cart’s rate of acceleration will decrease given the same force. Control variable The if statement shows independent variable, the then statement shows the dependent variable.

Variables Explain how the dependent and independent variables are different.

Scientific Method Each table is responsible for writing the steps of the scientific method. List steps on paper provided http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GUQUqV0_PTc&feature=related http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Iv70Fzxxjw&feature=related

Science Terms—Section 1.4 Everyone take one sheet of loose leaf and cut as shown. Label each panel formed with the following terms Fact Theory Law or Principle Hypothesis Define each term. Learn how each term is different. Work with your table members.