What is Science?

Essential Questions  What is science?  What methods do scientists use?  What are the branches of Earth science?

Science is…  A way of learning about the natural world and the knowledge gained through that process.  Science comes from a Latin word that means “knowing”.  Scientific inquiry is the diverse ways in which scientists explore problems and seek to answer questions about the natural world.

Thinking Like a Scientist  Observation involves using sight, hearing, smell, and sometimes taste to gather information.  Inference is an interpretation based on your observation and prior knowledge.

Scientific Methods  Scientific methods generally include posing questions, research, developing and testing hypotheses, and drawing conclusions. Scientists often test hypotheses by conducting controlled experiments.  Posing questions – Which brand of popcorn will have the fewest kernals?  Research – internet, encyclopedias, etc.

Developing Hypotheses  A hypothesis is a possible explanation for observations that relate to a scientific question.  Tested by observation or experiment.  Educated guess -  Use “if” and “then”  If five bags of each brand of popcorn is cooked, then Orville Redenbacher's popcorn will have the fewest kernels.

Designing a Controlled Experiment  Controlled Experiment – how one particular variable affects the outcome of the experiment.  Variable is one of the factors that can change in an experiment.  Microwave 3 brands of popcorn. This will be done with 4 bags each brand.

Testing Hypotheses  “Experimenting” at least 3 times or 14 days.  Earth processes are often observed for millions of years!  “Forever Young” – journals were kept on how Mel Gibson stayed young.

Collecting and Interpreting Data  Data – facts, figures, and other evidence gained through observation  CSI – crime data  Measurements  Analyze the data to see if it supports their hypothesis.

Measuring  Enables scientists to record what they observe in a way that others can understand easily.  Scientist use a worldwide system  International System of Units – SI units  Use metrics – cm, m, mg, liters

Drawing Conclusions  Do not use crayons or markers  Making a conclusion based on the data from your experiment.  Relate to the hypotheses…..  My hypothesis was incorrect. Wal- Mart brand had the fewest kernels and tasted the best.

Models & Simulations  A simulation is a model that imitates something in the real world.

Scientific Theories  A well-tested scientific concept that explains a wide range of observations.  When theory tests fail, scientist change the theory or abandon it.

Laboratory Safety  Symbols alert you to needed precautions, such as wearing goggles to protect your eyes.

Technology and the Internet in Earth Science  Two ways that technology helps scientists Collect data Helps them to communicate their discoveries to other scientists and to the public.

Branches of Earth Science  Earth science – knowledge about Earth and its place in the universe. Geology Oceanography Meteorology Astronomy

Branches  Geology – study of the solid Earth.  Oceanography – study of Earth’s oceans.  Meteorology – study of Earth’s atmosphere.  Astronomy – study of the universe beyond Earth.  Environmental scientists – study the environment and it’s resources.

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