2.  Understand the meaning of science and the main branches of science.  Review characteristics of science.  Understand the meaning and importance of empirical evidence.  Describe the idea of scientific explanation.  Review six traits of a scientist.  Understand science vs. pseudoscience.

3.  Science is the study of natural events and conditions.  There are many different branches of science…try to name some. Biology – study of living organisms Earth Science – study of the interior and exterior of our planet Astronomy – study of celestial objects Physical Science – study of chemistry (me) and physics  Within these categories, there are many specializations.

4.  The study of science requires openness and review. Whatever information one scientist collects, others must be able to see and comment upon.  All science must be testable and reproducible.  Empirical evidence are observations and measurements. It includes the data people gather to evaluate scientific explanations. Evidence in science must come from empirical evidence. If empirical evidence cannot be collected, it cannot be studied as science. Can you name some types of empirical evidence?

5.  A scientific explanation provides a description of how a process in nature occurs…describes how something in nature works.  Scientific explanations are based on observations and data…based on empirical evidence.  Often other scientists evaluate the explanation, collect more empirical evidence and modify/add to the explanation. We need to re-evaluate because sometimes the explanations are wrong.

6.  People who are involved in scientific work has the following traits. Can you think of some traits? Careful Observation – good at using senses and/or scientific tools for measurement Curiosity – want to know how something works Creativity – can think of new ideas Logic – think through information and make conclusion Skepticism – does not believe everything said Objectivity – can set aside personal feelings/beliefs

7.  Definition of pseudo: Not true, not actual  Pseudoscience is a belief or practice that is not based on scientific principle / empirical evidence.  Some characteristics of pseudoscience Lack ability to measure or observe. Statement cannot be proven false so must be true.

8.  What is Science? Study of natural events and conditions  Define empirical evidence. Data from observations and measurements  Name some characteristics of science. Open for review, can be tested/measured, uses empirical evidence  What is a Scientific Explanation? Description of how a process in nature occurs…describes how something works  What are common traits of a scientist? Careful Observation, Curiosity, Creativity, Logic, Skepticism, Objectivity  How is science and pseudoscience different? Pseudoscience is not based on scientific principle / empirical data