Post on 30-Dec-2015
The Nature of Science
▪ A notes page is being handed out to you by our TA
▪ As we discuss the notes, please fill in the blanks
▪ Once completed, paste your notes into the next blank page of your science notebook
The Nature of Science
▪Science is the study of the natural world.
▪ There are different fields of science:–Biology or life science
–Geology or Earth science
–Physics or physical science
The Nature of Science
▪ Scientific knowledge is and probably always will be changing.
▪ Empirical evidence is all the measurements and data scientists gather in support of a scientific explanation.
▪ Evidence can be collected through experiments, fieldwork, and surveys.
Scientific Theory
▪ Scientific theory (HOW IT HAPPENS) – an explanation supported by a large amount of evidence, best explanation based on what we know, helps us understand scientific law
Scientific Law
▪ Scientific law (DESCRIBES WHAT HAPPENS) – a description of a specific relationship under given conditions in the natural world
Science and Society
▪ How does science impact society?–Improves quality of life (electricity,
refrigerators, medical equipment, computers, electronic communication)
–Meets the needs of society (medicines, transportation)