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The Nature of Science

Section 1: The Methods of Science. The Nature of Science. Learning Goals. Identify the steps that scientists often use to solve problems. Describe why scientists use variables. Compare and contrast science and technology. Science. Science studies natural patterns.

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The Nature of Science

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  1. Section 1: The Methods of Science The Nature of Science

  2. Learning Goals • Identify the steps that scientists often use to solve problems. • Describe why scientists use variables. • Compare and contrast science and technology.

  3. Science • Science studies natural patterns. • Science is classified into three main categories: • life science, Earth science, and physical science.

  4. Science • Science explains the natural world; explanations can change over time. • Ancient Greek philosophers thought that everything was composed of five basic elements: • earth, air, fire, water, and aether

  5. Science • Scientists investigate nature by observation, experimentation, or modeling.

  6. Scientific Method • Scientific method: organized set of investigation procedures • State a problem.

  7. Scientific Method • Gather information

  8. Scientific Method • Form a hypothesis based on knowledge and observation. • Hypothesis:TESTABLE statement that is used to set up an experiment! • 15 year old males are taller than 15 year old females • The Steelers are better than the Ravens • Dinosaurs were blue in color • Bacteria do not need oxygen to survive

  9. Scientific Method • An experiment with variables is a common way to test a hypothesis. • Experiment: a test of the effect of one variable on another using controlled conditions. • Variable: a quantity that can have more than a single value.

  10. Scientific Method • An independent variable is the variable changed in an experiment to see the effect. • A dependent variable is the variable that changes as a result of the independent variable.

  11. Scientific Method

  12. Scientific Method • A variable that does not change when other variables change is a constant. • A control is the standard to which test results can be compared.

  13. Scientific Method • Analyze data from an experiment or investigation.

  14. Scientific Method • Form a conclusion based on the data.

  15. Scientific Method • Reduce bias by keeping accurate records, using measurable data, and repeating the experiment. • Bias: occurs when what the scientist expects changes how the results are viewed.

  16. Models • Model: represents an idea, event, or object to help people better understand it. • All models have limitations.

  17. Theory versus Law • Theory: an explanation based on MANY observations and investigations • Scientific law: is a statement about something in nature that always seems to be true.

  18. Theory versus Law • A theory can never become a law! Instead theories are used to explain laws.

  19. Limits of Science • Science deals with the natural world; questions of value or emotion cannot be answered.

  20. Technology • Technology: applied science helping people

  21. Section Review • Explain why a control is needed in a valid experiment. • What is the dependent variable in an experiment that shows how the volume of gas changes with changes in temperature?

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