What is Science? A process based on inquiry that seeks to develop explanations In other words… –Trying to figure out why are things what they are, and why do they do what they do?

How is science different from other classes? Science is knowledge based on the study of nature and the physical setting (“things” that exist) Science tries to explain natural phenomenon (lightning, volcanoes, extinction) Science is both a creative process and an unbiased process. –Unbiased: no pre-conceived notions, fair (keep an open mind)

Science … Uses scientific theory Expands scientific knowledge Challenge accepted theories Questions results Tests claims Undergoes peer review

Uses scientific theory An example might be that “if you hit an egg with a bat then the egg will break” –You would develop this theory based on knowledge of the objects –Notice the statement is an “If this ”, “then that” statement –“I have a theory” What does this statement mean? … I have a guess (hopefully, based on good information)

Expands scientific knowledge Scientific fields are guided by research (genetics) Scientists are always looking for new knowledge and information about the natural world (Hubble Space Telescope HST) Be careful of pseudoscience!… Generally no new research is done to explain natural happenings (text example: Phrenology)

Challenge accepted theories Debate about ideas is acceptable Disagreements are acceptable When this occurs new research is often done An example might be to place an organism into a new kingdom once more information is discovered about it. What is this species?

Questions results If results from an experiment are not consistent with current information do further research Bats were originally thought to be related to birds (because of their wings), upon further investigation we now know them to be more closely related to mammals (because of bone structure,…)

Tests claims To know if your educated guess is correct you must run tests Do not just guess what will happen Collect data and analyze it, to what the results are Form a conclusion (was your educated guess correct?)

Your findings undergo peer review Share your results with others Communicate with other doing similar work Have other experts in your field review your findings and evaluate if those results are correct or not