1. What is Science?
Fall 2012

2. A definition
Science is the process of asking testable questions about the natural world and systematically collecting and analyzing data (evidence) to formulate tentative answers (explanations) to these questions.

3. Science is the process Of discovery that Helps find new facts AND
Links together “old” facts to make sense out of the observed natural world.
It is not just a “collection of facts” to be memorized!

4. asking testable questions
Testable questions can be answered through scientific investigations (experiments and/or observations).
If the question cannot be answered through scientific investigation, it is not a testable question (examples: questions concerning moral values, religion, magic, the supernatural, or other unmeasurable phenomena.)
Source: National Institutes of Health at

5. A testable question meets these criteria
“…Centers on objects, organisms, and events in the natural world.”
“…Connects to scientific concepts rather than to opinions, feelings, or beliefs.”
“…Can be investigated through experiments or observations.”
“…Leads to gathering evidence and using data to explain how the natural world works.”
Source:
guide/info_process-c.htm#testable

6. Unanswered questions……
What are the TOP 25 unanswered questions?

7. about the natural world
The physical universe — atoms, plants, ecosystems, people, societies, galaxies, etc.
Natural forces at work on those things.
Source:
/glossary_popup.php?word=natural+world

8. systematically collecting and analyzing data (evidence)
No ONE “scientific method” or set of steps
Many different activities in many different sequences
Often involve repeating the same steps many times
Relies on creative thinking
Require peer reviews and replication.
SOURCE:
lessons/pdfs
/simple_flow_handout.pdf

9. formulate tentative answers (explanations) to these questions
That lead to further questions and ongoing investigations.
Further research may refute or lead to changes in current explanations.

10. Scientific explanations are based on evidence.
Explanations based on supernatural causes are NOT acceptable because they are NOT testable (such as magic, religion, mysticism, etc.)
Must be able to replicate the investigation and confirm the evidence

11. Scientific Behavior
Learn from and build on what other people have done – but credit their work fairly
Test your ideas 
Gather and analyze the evidence.
Communicate your ideas and work 
Integrity 

12. Your Turn

13. Is this science?
Use the checklist to evaluate and compare videos and articles:
Choose a video from
A children’s science video
SOURCE:  

14. Identify the connections with the science checklist:
From Science Friday:
How the Fly Evades the Swatter:
Elephants Can’t Jump:
Lesson plans from Science Friday:
teacher-resources/index.html#page/full-width-list/1

15. Lesson Ideas From the UC Berkley site:
Grades K – 2
Grades 3-5
Grades 6-8

16. Use the toolkit to evaluate recent news articles, newscasts, commercials and/or ads
SOURCE:

17. Where is the science in these? (or is there any?)
Gatorade commercial
ABC News
DHMO

18. Sources of Online Science News
Science News for Kids ;
Science News
Science Daily
NY Times
From NASA

19. Science…..or NOT? Power Sort (print the slides, cut out the phrases):
Find the headings.
Sort the strips and place them under the most appropriate heading.
Be prepared to explain the reasons behind they way you sorted things.

20. SCIENCE
Not SCIENCE
Not sure

21. Science Related to everyday life
A process that builds a body of knowledge
Involves creative thinking
Supported by evidence
Focus on the natural world
All explanations are tentative
Different approaches are taken to investigate different types of questions
Results must be communicated and replicable
Uses testable questions

22. Not Science Religion Lists of facts
Takes the answers supported by the most people
Accepts mystical explanations
Uncovers universal truths that never change
Follows a specific method for investigations
Same as technology
Includes beliefs and opinions
Includes the supernatural
Is democratic
Magic