1. Chemistry Notes: Scientific Thinking
The Nature of Science

2. Objectives I can… Define both sides of science
State the objective of science
Cite some limitations to science
Explain (understand) the nature of science

3. The Nature of Science The Definition of Science
Science has two parts: a collection of facts and a method of investigation

4. The Nature of Science The Objective of Science (Remember)
To find reliable knowledge about the natural world
Science is not about proving things, it is about disproving bad or false ideas
Ideas, theories, etc that have stood up to scrutiny over the years become reliable knowledge.

5. The Nature of Science The Limitations of Science
Science is limited to the natural world and natural explanations
Science is limited by personal bias
Science is based only on the available evidence
The history of science is filled with numerous examples of scientific knowledge changing over time.
Science is amoral
It cannot make conclusions on faith, opinions, etc.

6. The Nature of Science The Nature of Science (Silver Box Activity)
Science cannot prove absolute truth; it can only prove things with a degree of certainty.
Science has to test the validity of the model against the data.
Data
Model

7. The Nature of Science The Nature of Science (Silver Box Activity)
Often there is more than one model that explains a certain phenomenon equally well.
Scientist cannot always directly observe things; as a result they have to observe them indirectly.

8. The Nature of Science Summary
A person who understands the nature of science…
Understands what science is and how its done properly
Understands the objective of science
Understands the limitations of science