What is science? Science is the investigation and exploration of natural events and of the new information that results from those investigations. People use reasoning, creativity, and skepticism in their daily lives to solve problems. Lesson 1-1

Branches of Science Biology, or life science, is the study of all living things. biology from Greek bios, means “life”; and logia, means “study of” Lesson 1-2

Branches of Science (cont.) The study of Earth, including landforms, rocks, soil, and forces that shape Earth’s surface, is Earth science. The study of chemistry and physics is physical science. Lesson 1-2

Scientific Inquiry As scientists study the natural world, they usually use certain skills, or methods. Lesson 1-3

Scientific Inquiry (cont.) A scientist uses a sequence of skills and methods in an investigation. Lesson 1-3

Scientific Inquiry (cont.) Observations often are the beginning of the process of science. An observation is using one or more of your senses to gather information and take note of what occurs. Lesson 1-3

Scientific Inquiry (cont.) A possible explanation about an observation that can be tested by scientific investigations is a hypothesis. A prediction is a statement of what will happen next in a sequence of events. Lesson 1-3

Scientific Inquiry (cont.) When you test a hypothesis, you often are testing your predictions. If your prediction is not confirmed, your hypothesis might need revision. Lesson 1-3

Scientific Inquiry (cont.) The next step in a scientific investigation is to organize and analyze your data. You must determine whether inferences can be made or conclusions drawn from the data. An inference is a logical explanation of an observation that is drawn from prior knowledge or experience. Lesson 1-3

If your hypothesis is not supported, you may need to modify it. If your hypothesis is supported by the data, you can repeat the experiment to confirm the results. If your hypothesis is not supported, you may need to modify it. Lesson 1-3

Scientific Inquiry (cont.) An important step in scientific inquiry is communicating results. Lesson 1-3

Results of Scientific Inquiry In science, you perform scientific inquiry to find answers to questions. The practical use of scientific knowledge, especially for industrial or commercial use is technology. Many times, scientific investigations answer the questions: who, what, when, where, or how. Lesson 1-4

Scientific Theory and Scientific Laws A scientific theory is an explanation of observations or events based on knowledge gained from many observations and investigations. A scientific law describes a pattern or an event in nature that is always true. Lesson 1-5

Lesson 1-5

Scientific Theory and Scientific Laws (cont.) Critical thinking is comparing what you already know with the information you are given in order to decide whether you agree with it. To prevent bias in an investigation, sampling, repetition, and blind studies can be helpful. Lesson 1-5

Lesson 1-5

Scientific Theory and Scientific Laws (cont.) Questions about personal opinions, values, beliefs, and feelings cannot be answered scientifically. Scientists follow safety procedures when they conduct investigations. Ethics are especially important when using living things during investigations. Lesson 1-6