1. Science vs Pseudoscience
Science – body of knowledge based on the study of the natural world
Based on scientific inquiry – developing explanations for why things are the way they are
It is a creative process and based on observation & experimentation
Pseudoscience- information that sounds “scienc-y” but has no rigorous testing and data to back it up
driven by cultural or commercial goals
astrology (horoscopes), tarot cards, palm reading
Fad diets, diet products, infomercials etc
Magnet therapy, copper therapy, etc

4. Scientific Method Observation & Collect Data Ask a Question (Problem)
General set of steps that occur
NOT a certain order- depends on the question
Observation & Collect Data
Ask a Question (Problem)
Form a hypothesis (and prediction)
Experiment (Test hypothesis)
Analyze Data
Draw Conclusion
Repeat & Communicate

5. 1.3 Collecting Data
Data – any & all info gathered when solving a problem
2 types:
quantitative data: uses numbers – measurements – length, width, height, mass, temp, time
(32 cm, 15 g, 18 C, 45 sec)
qualitative data: data that describes – red, rough, square
Longest phase in investigating

6. 4 Parts of Collecting Data
1. Observation
- using 5 senses or tools to see objects or events
-BASIS of science
Measuring
-getting quantitative data – data measured in numbers like length, temp, time, mass
Sampling
- taking a small part to represent the whole
- samples must be LARGE & RANDOM
4. Organizing Data
-putting data in a graph, table or chart
- data is useless if not organized

7. Hypothesizing
Hypothesis – possible explanation for your question that can be TESTED -it is testable if data can be collected that supports it or not (can’t PROVE it) Prediction- statement made in advance that tell you what to expect in your experiment - is an “if-then” statement

8. Experimenting
Experiment – process of testing a hypothesis by gathering data under controlled conditions 2 Groups Control Group Experimental Group - normal one - 1 factor changed -both groups identical except for the 1 factor that is tested

9. Variables
Independent variable – the one factor that is changed between the control group & experimental group Dependent variable – the effect of the factor that you tested Control – the group that was not tested, it was normal – used to compare your results to Constant – all the factors that are the same between the control & experimental group

10. Models
Modeling – a visual, verbal, or mathematical explanation of data
- last step in experimenting
-makes concepts easier to understand because it makes your data VISIBLE
-makes really big or really small things easier to understand
-pictures, equations, physical models

12. Analyzing Data Analyzing data
process of determining if it’s reliable and supportive of your hypothesis
-does it make sense?
Does your data support your hypothesis
Does your data make you appear “wrong”?

13. Drawing Conclusions
Inferring – conclusion based on facts not observations - see smoke, infer a fire even if you don’t see it

14. Solving Problems & Communicating
Scientific Method – Steps a scientist uses to solve a problem – -Not all problems solved the same way – depends on the problem Results must be communicated – -in journals, meetings, papers -allow others to build on to the work & make sure it’s right

15. Theory vs Law
Theory- broad, comprehensive statement of what is thought to be true based on many supported hypothesis -based on a LOT of data from different studies Law – a “pattern in nature” that ALWAYS happens in the same circumstance -of Gravity = objects fall toward Earth Law of Inertia = object in motion stays in motion and an object at rest stays at rest unless a force causes it to change