1. What is Science?
Science – A way of learning about the natural world. Uses observation and logical reasoning.
Scientific Inquiry – Refers to the various organized methods of investigating problems & answering questions (Lab Investigations). .

2. What is Science?
Physical Science – The study of matter and energy and the changes that matter and energy undergo
Skills Used By Scientists – Posing questions, making observations and inferences, developing hypotheses, and conducting experiments –

3. What is Science?
Posing Questions – Curiosity drives scientific inquiry.
Observing – Involves using all 5 senses – sight, hearing, touch, smell , & sometimes taste -

4. What is Science?
Data – The facts, figures, and other evidence that you learn through observation.
Inference – A logical conclusion based on observations or prior knowledge. (An Understanding)
Hypothesis – A possible explanation for observations that relate to a scientific question

5. What is Science?
Variables – The factors that can change during an experiment
Independent Variable ( Manipulated) – The variable the scientists changes.
Dependent Variable (Responding) – The condition that is expected to change because of the Independent Variables.

6. What is Science?
Controlled Experiment – An investigation in which all variables except one (The Dependent Variable) remain the same or are controlled. Only one factor is changed.
Qualitative Data – Descriptions, Sounds, Colors, or Odors –
Quantitative Data – Numerical data: Numbers Measurements made using standard units (the SI or metric system) For Example: Temperature = 400 C or Speed = 100 km/sec

7. What is Science?
Interpreting Data – Finding out what the data means by identifying patterns and trends.
Conclusion – States whether your data proves your hypothesis is True or False
Communicating Your Information – may be done by: a. Writing articles for journals
b. Speaking at scientific meetings
c. Using the Internet

8. What is Science?
Scientific Theory – A well-tested idea that explains & connects a wide range of observations.
Scientific Law – A statement that describes what scientists expect to happen given a certain set of conditions. For Ex. Gravity