1. The Nature of Science
Section 1.2 Pages 11-15

2. What is Science?
Science is a body of knowledge based on the study of nature.

3. Characteristics of Science
Uses scientific theory
Expands scientific knowledge
Challenges accepted theories
Questions results
Tests claims
Undergoes peer review
Uses metric system

4. Scientific Theory
A theory is an explanation of a natural phenomenon supported by many observations and experiments over time.
A theory is a generally accepted scientific principle.

5. Expands scientific knowledge
Most scientific fields are guided by research that results in a constant reevaluation of what is known.
This reevaluation often leads to new knowledge that scientists then evaluate.

6. Challenges accepted theories
Scientists welcome debate about one another’s ideas.
Sciences advance by accommodating new information as it is discovered

7. Questions results
Observations or data that are not consistent with current scientific understanding are of interest to scientists.
These inconsistencies often lead to further investigations.

8. Test Claims
Science-based information makes claims based on a large amount of data and observations obtained from unbiased investigations and carefully controlled experimentation.

9. Peer Review
Peer review is a process by which the procedures used during an experiment and the results are evaluated by other scientists who are in the same field or who are conducting similar research.

10. Uses metric system
The metric system uses units with divisions that are powers of ten.
The metric system is also known as the International System of Units or SI
In biology, the most common SI units are:
meter (length)
liter (volume)
gram (mass)
second (time)

11. What Science is not!
Claims not supported by scientific explanations are not science.
Examples: Astrology, horoscopes, psychic reading, tarot and palm reading, physiognomy, and phrenology are all non-science

12. These practices are called pseudosciences and are often driven by cultural and economic factors
Pseudoscience tries to imitate real science, but is not supported by scientific explanation.

13. Science in your life
Almost every aspect of your life is somehow affected by science
Examples: Forensics, medical advances, space exploration, and agriculture are a few examples
In today’s world, scientific literacy is a necessity
A person who is scientifically literate combines a basic understanding of science and its processes with reasoning and thinking skills

14. Ethics Ethics are a set of moral principles or values
Some advances in science raise ethical issues for a society
Examples: Genetic engineering, cloning, euthanasia, cryonics, global warming, deforestation, and pollution