The Nature Of Science

Communicating In Science

 Communication is essential in professional scientific research.  When a scientist develops a theory or makes a discovery, the results are scrutinized by a scientist’s peers as part of the processes of testing and validation.  Normally, the scientist who formulates the new model or makes the discovery writes a paper describing the work, which can be published in a professional journal.

 Before the paper is published, however, it is reviewed by other scientist in the same field whom determine whether the work is new and whether there are any flaws in the logic or error in the analysis of the data.  Once the paper passes this often-stringent review process, it is published in a scientific journal, where other scientists can read it and either verify the work or challenge it.

 Scientific research is a self-regulating process aimed at ensuring that only viable models and theories are put forward.  There are many ways to communicate the same information.  Scientist generally communicate through laboratory reports and research papers.  Often scientist propose models to try to explain ideas or system.

 When an explanation withstands the test of repeated experiments, a theory might be proposed.  Scientific models and theories can be modified when new observation and data are collected.  The increase in Earth surface temperature is called global warming and is thought to be mainly the result of the burning of fossil fuel.

Breakdown

I. Communicating In Science A.Communicating Results 1.Lab Reports 2.Graphs B.Models C.Theories and Laws

Communicating Results

 One important goal of science is to make results available to others.  Communicating scientific data and results allows others to learn of new discoveries, to possibly verify what has been reported, and to conduct new experiments using the information.  Some ways for communicating results are: 1.Lab Repots 2.Graphs

Lab Reports

 The results of laboratory experiments and the answers to questions posed in the experiment should be recorded neatly in your science journal.

Graphs

 We have different kind of graphs such as: 1.Line graphs 2.Bar graphs 3.Pie graphs  In a line graphs the independent variable is plotted on the horizontal (X) axis.  The depend variable in plotted in the vertical (Y) axis.

Models

 A scientific model is an idea, a system, or a mathematical expression that is similar to the idea being explained.  While a model might not have all of the components of a given idea, it should be a fairly accurate representation.  Models can change when more data are gathered.

Theories and Laws

 A scientific theories is an explanation based on many observation during repeated experiments.  A scientific theory is valid only if it is consistent with observation, makes prediction that can be tested, and is the simplest explanation of observation.  Like a scientific model, a theory can be changed or modified with the discovery of new data.

 A scientific law is a basic fact that describes the behavior of a natural phenomenon.  A scientific law can be thought of as a “rule of nature”, even though the cause of the law may not be known.  The events described by a law are observed to be the same every time.  An example of scientific law is Sir Isaac Newton’s first law of motion, which states then an object at rest or in motion stays at rest or in motion unless it is acted upon by an outside force.

 This law explains why Earth and seven other planets remain in orbit around the Sun.  Theories are often used to explain scientific laws.

Check Understanding

1. What is the purpose of communicating scientific information? a.To make results available to others so that they can check and evaluate the results. 2. What is the purpose of writing lab repots for experiments and activities in this book?

a.To allow comparisons among results, and to learn how scientific results are communicated. 3. How are data plotted on a line graph? a.The independent variable is plotted on the x-axis; the dependent variable is plotted on the y-axis. 4. What is a scientific model? a.An idea, system, or mathematical expression that represents a concept.

5. Contrast scientific theories and laws. a.A scientific theory is the best available explanation of a phenomenon. A scientific law is a rule of nature whose cause is not always understood but which is accepted based on observations or experiments. 6. When ice is heated, if melts. Is this a theory or a law?

a.The melting of ice is law, or “rule” of nature that has been observed numerous times. The change of water from a solid to a liquid is observed to be the same every time ice melts.