Science & Technology Ch.1

What is Science? Begins with questions or curiosity Involves methods/knowledge Qualitative: descriptive Quantitative: numerical

Branches of Science Natural Science Social Science Physical Earth Biology Social Science Psychology Sociology Etc.

Physical Science 2 parts: Physics - study of matter, energy, forces, motion Chemistry - composition, structure, properties of matter

Earth Science Includes geology, astronomy, etc.

Biology Study of living things Includes Zoology, Botany, Ecology, etc.

Physical Science Big Ideas Matter & Change Force & Motion Energy Space & Time Constantly change due to new discoveries and theories.

Technology Applied science - using knowledge Works with science Discoveries/advances in one lead to advances in other Ex: computer Consistently changing

Technology Examples Not just computers and phones Exs: chalkboard, plastics, glass

Theory Is a well tested explanation of observation or experiment Never proved, but facts support them Exs: Kinetic theory, atomic theory, theory of evolution

Law Is a statement that summarizes a pattern in nature DOES NOT explain why (like theory) Exs: Newton’s Laws, Law of Gravity, Gas Laws

Scientific Models Is a representation of an object or event Used for things hard to observe directly (airplane, atom, cell) Can be mental, physical, graphic, simulation, drawing, analogy, or mathematical

Scientific Method It all starts with a question/curiosity Something you want to better understand or a problem you want to solve

Steps Observe Ask Question Hypothesis Test (experiment) Analyze data (conclusions) Revise, repeat, resolve

Observation Information you receive through your senses (i.e. smell, touch, etc.) Usually leads to the question you want answered

Hypothesis Proposed answer to question Usually research subject before making hypothesis Has to be testable

Experiments Use exp. to test hypotheses Variable - anything that can change during exp.

Variables Dependent variable - the variable that causes a change in another (usually done by you) Ex: Time Independent variable - the variable that changes because of manipulation (usually related to what you’re wanting to know) Ex: Growth Use these to make controlled experiment

Conclusions Did you support or go against hypothesis? Support - test again and could lead to theory Reject - revise exp. and test again