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Ch. 1 - The Nature of Science Section 1: The Methods of Science
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What is Science? Science is a process that uses observation and investigation to gain knowledge about events in nature
Transcript of Instructor notes For demo need pepper grinder, two glasses and soap Students should already have...
Ch. 1 - The Nature of Science
Section 1: The Methods of Science
What is Science?
Science is a process that uses observation and investigation to gain knowledge about events in nature
Major Categories of Science
Life Science the study of living organisms
Earth Science the study of Earth and space
Physical Science the study of matter and energy chemistry & physics
Science Explains Nature Sometimes explanations must
be modified New information or technology
New Information through Investigation Observation Setting up experiments Build a representative model
B. Scientific Methods An organized set of investigation procedures.
How do we build a vehicle that can carry people to outer space?They needed a material that could withstand heat and force of re-entry
B. Scientific Methods An organized set of investigation procedures.
•Information on melting points of materials•What tests could they do?•Materials used in similar situations
B. Scientific Methods An organized set of investigation procedures.
Hypothesis: a possible explanation using what you know and observe.Ceramic coating used for guided missiles might also work for space shuttle.
Test the hypothesis using an experiment
Experimental Design
Experiment - organized procedure for testing a hypothesis
Key Components: Control - standard for comparison Single variable - keep other factors
constant Repeated trials - for reliability
Experimental Design
Types of Variables Independent Variable
adjusted by the experimenter what you vary
Dependent Variable changes in response to the indep.
variable what you measure
Experimental Design
Constants and Controls Constant
A factor that doesn’t change when other variables change.
Control The standard by which the test
results can be compared.
B. Scientific Methods Analysis Conclusions
C. Scientific Theories and Laws
Hypothesis - testable prediction
Theory - explanation of “why”. based on many observations &
experimental results
Scientific Law - prediction of “what” happens in nature.
Theories can explain a law
Scientific Theories and Laws
Theories and laws are well-accepted by scientists, but...
They are revised when new information is discovered.
THEY ARE NOT SET IN STONE!
Practice: Scientific Method
1. Determine the problem. When the Titanic sank, what happened to
the water level on shore?
2. Make a hypothesis. The water level rose. The water level dropped. The water level stayed the same.
3. Test your hypothesis. How could we test our hypothesis?
4. Analyze the results. What happened during our test?
5. Draw conclusions. Was our hypothesis correct? Is further testing necessary?
Practice: Scientific Method
Hypothesis: Storing popcorn in the freezer makes it
pop better.
Control: Popcorn stored at room temp.
Single variable: Storage temperature
Constants: Popcorn brand Freshness Storage time Popper
Independent Variable: Storage temperature
Dependent Variable: Number of unpopped kernels
Using Science-Technology
Pure Science research that adds to the body of
scientific knowledge Observing blood flow through heart
Applied Science (Technology) the practical application of scientific
knowledge to help people Creating replacement valves
Defining Science
PURE human genetics
polymer science
atomic theory
study of the human ear
APPLIED DNA fingerprinting
Lycra® spandex
nuclear weapons
hearing aids
