Lesson 1.02

Chemistry and You

Introduction

• Do you think of chemistry when you turn on your computer, cook dinner or play soccer?

• You should!• Chemistry can help you understand a lot

about the world around you.

What is Science?

Science is a body of knowledge and the process of gaining that knowledge

Science is the effort to increase understanding of the world around us and how things work

Scientists use the knowledge acquired before them as they attempt to acquire new knowledge

Different Fields of Study

• Every field of study or different type of science focuses on a different topic

• All fields of science use the same process of gaining and evaluating knowledge

TIP: The suffix –ology means “the study of”

A few examples

• Biology- study of living organisms

• Astronomy- study of stars and space

• Geology- study of Earth

• Chemistry- study of matter and all of its properties

What science isn’t

• Not all bodies of knowledge can be considered science.

• This doesn’t mean they are not important or valid sources of information, they are just not classified as science

• Art, religion and philosophy cannot be considered science because they cannot be tested using scientific methods

Fake Science?

• Yes! There is such a thing as FAKE SCIENCE

• Pseudoscience is a practice or belief that claims to be science, but it does not follow the scientific method or is not proven reliable through experimentation.

• The prefix pseudo- [pronounced: soo-doh] means false or acts like something but not the real thing

NOT SCIENCE

• Astrology- Belief that the position of the stars can tell you about the future, a person’s behavior or personality

• Phrenology- was considered a science in the 1700’s. Belief that peoples personalities could be described by the bumps on their heads (REALLY!)

• Superstition- Belief that things or rituals bring good (or bad) luck

What is Chemistry?

• Chemistry is a science that has changed over time as new discoveries and experiments occur.

• The discoveries are tested over and over to be sure the information is reliable

• Chemistry is the study of the composition (make-up) and structure of materials (matter) and the changes they undergo.

Where is Chemistry?

• Chemistry is EVERYWHERE!

Review

Science BOTH Pseudoscience

Uses the scientific method

Claim to be science

Results not consistent

through experiments

Is proven through experimentation

Contain a body of

knowledgeDoes NOT use

scientific method

Final Thoughts

• The world is full of amazing, exciting and interesting things! Ask questions, investigate and find answers.. Chemistry is all around you!