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“Facts are not science – as the dictionary is not literature” –Martin H. Fischer

“Facts are not science – as the dictionary is not literature” –Martin H. Fischer. If science is not facts, what is it?. The Nature of Science. Science is a process by which we try and understand how the natural world works. Nature of Science. Collecting or memorizing facts or observations

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“Facts are not science – as the dictionary is not literature” –Martin H. Fischer

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  1. “Facts are not science – as the dictionary is not literature”–Martin H. Fischer If science is not facts, what is it?

  2. The Nature of Science

  3. Science is a process by which we try and understand how the natural world works Nature of Science

  4. Collecting or memorizing facts or observations • ALTHOUGH this does help! Science is NOT…

  5. …but not necessarily one “set in stone” system of rules • We use the “Scientific Method” because it is the most commonly observed and used method • This method provides the most understanding and meaning to new scientists Science is a process…

  6. There is NO certainty in science • There ARE degrees of probability and potential for change • Scientific understanding can ALWAYS be challenged with new evidence • NOTHING in science is ever PROVEN. Uncertainty

  7. The world is real and not just our imagination • Humans can accurately perceive and understand the physical universe • Natural processes are sufficient in explaining the natural world • Nature operates in the same way everywhere in the universe and at all times (except where we have sufficient evidence to demonstrate otherwise) Modern science is based on several assumptions…

  8. Observations are limited by human senses • Our senses are unconsciously influenced by previous experience • It is impossible to know if we have observed all possible aspects, controlled all possible variables, or considered every possibility of a phenomenon Modern science has limitations…

  9. It is NOT absolute • Based only on available evidence NOT on “proof” • History of science is full of changes in understanding and explanations Science is contingent knowledge

  10. Scientific explanations must be based on careful observations and testing of hypotheses • It must be able to be disproven • Solutions can NOT be based on opinion, popular belief, or judgment • Explanations cannot be based on supernatural forces (because they cannot be disproved) Science must follow certain rules

  11. All hypotheses are not of equal value • The “best” hypothesis is that which best explains ALL the facts/evidence • Science is NOT democratic or fair Science must follow certain rules

  12. …that science CAN be misused • BUT its limitations are its strengths It is also important to point out…

  13. The Scientific Method Better than other methods

  14. What is happening? • Is there anything interesting? Observation

  15. What do you want to find out? • What is your goal? Purpose

  16. What do you think will happen? • What is the most probable outcome? • BE CAUTIOUS! Hypothesis

  17. What things do you need to test your hypothesis? Materials

  18. What will you do to test your hypothesis? • This should include an explanation of how you will use the materials • A well designed procedure will include multiple trials Procedure

  19. The variable you are testing • What will you change? Independent Variable

  20. What are you measuring? • What is the outcome – what units will your data be in? Dependent Variable

  21. The things that do not change from one trial to the next • What might influence the independent variable that should be maintained? Constants

  22. The standard to which you will compare your experiments Control

  23. When you did the experiment, what happened? • What did you see, hear, smell, measure? Results

  24. What did your results mean? • Was your hypothesis correct or incorrect? • Are further experiments needed? • What could have been improved? Conclusion

  25. Scientific Theory

  26. A scientific theory is the best fit explanation for a phenomenon that is repeatedly confirmed through observation and experimentation via the scientific method Scientific Theory

  27. A theory must be falsifiable • A theory must fit a phenomenon with consistent accuracy • A theory is well supported by many independent strands of evidence, not just one Criteria for a scientific theory

  28. A theory must fit previous knowledge or experimentation • A theory can be adapted to account for new evidence • A theory must be the simplest explanation – Occam’s Razor Criteria for a scientific theory

  29. Quantum Theory • Cell Theory • Theory of Evolution • Climate Change • Plate Tectonics Examples of Scientific Theory

  30. A law is an obvious generalization that describes a phenomenon • A theory attempts to explain why a phenomenon happens • Both can be disproven if and when new evidence is discovered So what’s the difference between a law and a theory?

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