1. Introduction to Physical Science
Chapter 1 Lesson 1

2. What is physical science?
Bellwork
Think/Pair/Share
ISN: Right Side
(title, page #, date)
What is science?
What is physical science?

3. Vocabulary Preview Science Observing Qualitative observation
Quantitative observation
Inferring
Predicting
Chemistry
Physics

4. What is science? Science is a way of learning about the natural world.
Includes all of the knowledge gained by exploring nature.
Scientists use the skills: observing, inferring, and predicting to learn more about the natural world.

5. Observing
Using the senses (sight, hearing, touch, taste, smell) to gather information.
Qualitative Observation: descriptions that do not involve measurement or numbers.
Think “Quality”
Example – sugar tastes sweet
Quantitative Observation: measurements Think “Quantity”
Example – I am 5’1” tall

6. Left Side ISN
Write your own examples of qualitative and quantitative observations.
Share!

7. Inferring
When you explain your observations you are making an inference.
Inferences are based on reasoning
Observation + Knowledge = Inference
Example-

8. Left Side ISN
Write your own example of an inference. This can be created by you or based on your previous experiences.
Share!

9. Predicting
Making a forecast of what will happen in the future based on past experience or evidence.
Predicting must be based on data
Demonstration- How does a ball bounce?

10. Physical Science
The study of matter, energy and the changes they undergo. It has 2 branches.
Chemistry: study of the properties of matter and how matter changes.
Example – flammability
Physics: study of matter and energy and how they interact.
Example - motion and forces

11. Reflection Questions Contrast observations from inferences.
What are the 3 skills scientists use to learn about our world?
Contrast observations from inferences.
Describe how qualitative and quantitative observations differ and give 2 examples of each.
Explain how you would use physical science to cross a busy street.

12. Scientific Inquiry
Chapter 1 Lesson 2

13. Bellwork Think/Pair/Share
ISN: Right Side
(title, page #, date)
What characteristics of scientific knowledge make it a valid explanation of nature?

14. Vocabulary Preview Scientific Inquiry Hypothesis Variable
Manipulated (Independent) Variable
Responding (Dependent) Variable
Controlled Experiment
Data
Communicating
Scientific Law
Scientific Theory

15. What is Scientific Inquiry?
The different ways scientists study the natural world.
An ongoing process of discovery in science.
Scientists are: curious, skeptical, creative, open-minded, and honest.
Which of these traits do you see in yourself?

16. The process of Inquiry Posing Questions Developing Hypotheses
Designing Experiments
Collecting and Interpreting Data
Drawing Conclusions and Communicating Results

17. Posing Questions 1
The scientific process starts with a question or problem.
Not all questions are scientific questions. For example, “Is running a better sport than swimming?”
Scientific inquiry cannot answer questions based on opinion, values, or judgments. These are subjective!

18. Developing Hypotheses 2
Hypothesis: A possible answer to a scientific explanation for a set of observations.
Example – Changing the distance between an object and a light source changes the size of an objects shadow.
A hypothesis must be testable.

19. Left Side ISN
Write a hypothesis for something you would like to test or something you are curious about.

20. Designing an Experiment 3
Variables: factors that can change in an experiment.
Manipulated Variable: The variable that is changed. This is the independent variable.
Responding Variable: The variable that is expected to change because of the independent variable. This is the dependent variable.
Controlled Experiment: All variables are constant except for one.

21. Collecting/Interpreting Data 4
Data: the facts, figures, and other evidence gathered through observations.
Data Table: provides an organized way to collect and record observations.
Independent Variable
Temperature
# of Drinks Sold
95
112
90 89
97
120
93
100
82 60
Dependent Variable X Y

22. Conclude & Communicate 5
A conclusion states whether or not the data supports the hypothesis.
Communicating: sharing ideas and conclusion with others through writing and speaking.
This final step leads to new questions, replication, and new investigations.

23. Chill
Stretch
BREAK!
Got Questions…
Rest your hands

24. How Science Develops
Scientists use models and develop laws and theories to increase our understanding of the natural world. Why do scientists use models?
Model: representation of an object or process. Used to study objects too big, too small, or too complex.
Example- solar system, cell, DNA structure

25. Law vs. Theory
Scientific Laws: statement that describes what scientists expect to happen under certain conditions.
Example- what goes up, must come down (Gravity)
Scientific Theories: Well-tested explanation for observations or results.
Example- atoms are tiny particles present in all substances (Atomic Theory)

26. So…What’s the difference?
A Law is the “What”, a Theory is the “Why or How”
A law tells us what happens, the theory explains why it happens.
Theories are supported by a large body of evidence. Theories are NOT guesses!
Theories are often modified, but are rarely rejected.
Why aren’t theories rejected?
What is the relationship between theories and laws?

27. Reflection Questions
How can an experiment that disproves a hypothesis be useful?
Compare and Contrast scientific theories and laws.
Why is it necessary for scientists to follow the steps of inquiry discussed in this lesson?
What characteristics of scientific knowledge make it a valid explanation of nature?

28. You have learned 19 Vocabulary terms.
Flashcardlet
You have learned 19 Vocabulary terms.
Review them by adding them to your flashcard app or creating flashcards on index cards!