What is Science? Science – A way of learning about the natural world through observation and logical reasoning. Scientific Inquiry – Refers to the various organized methods of investigating problems & answering questions (Lab Investigations). Physical Science – The study of matter, energy and the changes that matter and energy undergo.

What is Science? Skills Used By Scientists – Posing questions, making observations, and inferences, developing hypotheses, and conducting experiments – Posing Questions – Curiosity drives scientific inquiry. Observing – Involves using all 5 senses – sight, hearing, touch, smell , & sometimes taste -

What is Science? Data – The facts, figures, and other evidence that you learn through observation. Inference – A logical interpretation based on observations or prior knowledge. (An Understanding) Hypothesis – A possible explanation for observations that relate to a scientific question - ( An Educated Guess) -

What is Science? Variables – The factors that can change during an experiment Independent Variable ( Manipulated) – The variable the scientists changes. Dependent Variable (Responding) – The variable that is expected to change because of the Independent Variables. Controlled Experiment – An investigation in which all variables except one (The Dependent Variable) remain the same or are controlled.

What is Science? Qualitative Data – Descriptions, Sounds, Colors, or Odors – Quantitative Data – Measurements made using standard units – Numbers - For Example: Temperature = 400 C or Speed = 100 km/sec 16. International System of Units (SI) – The metric system – A standard system of units used by all scientists. 17. Interpreting Data – Finding out what the data means by identifying patterns and trends.

What is Science? Conclusion – States whether the data supported the hypothesis or showed the hypothesis to be false: A True or False statement – Communicating Information – may be done by: a. Writing articles for journals b. Speaking at scientific meetings c. Using the Internet 20. Scientific Theory – A well tested idea that explains & connects a wide range of observations. 21. Scientific Law – A statement that describes what scientists expect to happen given a certain set of conditions. For Ex. Gravity