 Nature of Science

Science is limited to studying only the problems of the natural world that can be understood by using the processes of science. These natural phenomena can be observed, measured, and tested by scientific methods

Definition continued  Based upon the assumption that the universe is orderly, reasonable, and testable  A valid scientific theory offers a well- defined naturally occurring cause  Scientific theories are always subject to change  Science does not have the answers to all of the questions in the universe

CONSISTENCY ◦ Results of repeated observations and/or experiments of a naturally occurring event are reasonably the same when performed and repeated by others.

Using Consistency: Which is scientific and which is not? Why? 1. Green plants will grow towards a light source. 2. Walking under a ladder will cause bad luck.

OBSERVABILTY ◦ The event can be observed or explained using basic human senses or extensions of senses (microscope, etc.)

Using Observability: Which is scientific and which is not? Why? 1. Some plants eat meat. 2. Extraterrestrial being have visited Earth.

NATURAL ◦ A natural cause must be used to explain the how or why, NOT the supernatural.

Using Natural: Which is scientific and which is not? Why? 1. Green plants covert sunlight into energy. 2. Aliens put life on Earth.

PREDICTABILITY ◦ The natural cause of the naturally occurring event can be used to make specific predictions.

Using Predictability: Which is scientific and which is not? 1. If you are a Scorpio, your horoscope today is “You’ll be saying ‘I feel rich!’ Lunar positions highlights back pay, refunds, corrections of accounting error.” 2. Without sunlight, green plants will die.

TESTABILITY ◦ The natural event must be testable through controlled experimentation.

Using Testability: Which is scientific and which is not? 1. The Bermuda triangle causes ships and planes to sink and disappear. 2. Life comes from life and cannot come from non-life.

TENTATIVENESS ◦ Scientific theories and hypotheses are subject to revision and correction.

Using Tentativeness: Which is scientific and which is not? 1. The number of chromosomes was once known to be 48, but now is considered to be Living things were once grouped into 2 major groups, then 3, then 4 and now 6.

In-Class/Homework  Pick a statement from class or create your own to finish the worksheet.

Statements  Green plants will grow towards a light source.  Walking under a ladder will cause bad luck.  Some plants eat meat.  Extraterrestrial being have visited Earth.  Green plants convert sunlight into energy.  Aliens put life on Earth.  Without sunlight, green plants will die.  The Bermuda Triangle causes ships and planes to sink and disappear.

More  The number of human chromosomes was once known to be 48, but is now considered to be 46.  Living things were once grouped into 2 major groups, then 3, then 4, and now 6.