 Science A body of knowledge and the process for building that knowledge of the natural world. Based on inquiry that develops explanations and is rooted in unbiased observations and experiments

Theory  An explanation of a natural phenomenon supported by many observations and experiments  Scientist consider an idea a theory when enough evidence from many related investigations supports an idea  Most highly regarded theories in biology that are supported by countless observations and investigations, have extensive supporting evidence  Example: Cell Theory  Organisms are made up of one or more cells, basic units of life, and cells come from preexisting cells

Scientific Law  Describes relationships under certain conditions in nature  Example:  Law of Conservation of Matter  Indicates that before and after a change the same amount of matter exists  Does not explain why, just says that it does happen

Theories vs. Laws  Not the same  Theory – explanation  Law – describes the relationship

Science Makes Observations and Draws Conclusions  Observations lead to questions  Investigations and experiments help to draw conclusions

Science Expands Knowledge  Research that results in a constant reevaluation of what is known  Reevaluation often leads to new knowledge that scientists then evaluate  Search for new knowledge is the driving force that moves science forward

What is Pseudoscience? Pseudo – meaning false  Areas of study that try to imitate science, often driven by cultural or commercial goals  Examples: Astrology, horoscopes, psychic reading, tarot card reading, palmistry, science fiction, magical medical cures, etc.  Not science based explanations  Bias claims that are a mixture of fact and opinion  Claims that can not be tested  Not based on scientific research  Do not look to extend knowledge base

Science Challenges Accepted Theories  Scientists debate one another’s ideas  Discuss new developments and findings  Disagreements lead to further research

Your Views  What do you think should happen when investigations begin to show data and observations that do not agree with current scientific understandings?

Science Questions Results  Inconsistencies lead to additional investigations  Scientist find interest when observations and data are not consistent with current scientific understanding

Science Tests Claims  Standard experimental procedures  Based on unbiased investigations and carefully controlled experimentation scientists make claims and draw conclusions based on a large amount of data and observations  Use of data to test and support claims  Data is analyzed before any conclusions are drawn

Scientists Undergo Peer Review  Peer review is a process by which the procedures and results of an experiment are evaluated by other scientist in the same field  Gives credibility and prevents false information  Compare and contrast their work - how new information is stumbled upon sometimes

Importance of Scientific Literacy  Science is in everyday life  Vast amount of information in print, online and on television  A scientifically literate individual can be an educated consumer who can participate in discussions about important issues and support policies that reflect their views.  Ethics – a set of moral principles or values that guide society