Science ILOs The Nature of Science

Qualitative and Quantitative Information Qualitative information is a description of an object explaining its qualities. Qualitative descriptions do not use numbers. I am overweight Quantitative information is a description of an object using exact measurements. Quantitative descriptions use numbers. I weigh 224 lbs.

Classifying Scientists classify and categorize items to show how they are related and similar to each other. They also classify items so they can compare them easily to other items.

The Scientific Method Scientists use a systematic method to studying problems. Form a question Research the question Form a hypothesis Test the hypothesis Analyze the data Form a conclusion

Scientific Method Continued The scientific method is not always followed step by step. It is a guide to help you. Often when you study something you will need to jump back and forth depending on what is needed.

Fact vs. Inference A fact is a truth. I am 39 years old. An inference is a conclusion based on evidence. Inferences can be good or bad. Boys wear baggy pants. I infer that they are too poor to buy pants that fit.

Scientific Attitudes and Interests Scientists: Read books and research information voluntarily. Ask why and how things work. Keep an opened mind. Check reports for accuracy. Use scientific evidence to help resolve ecological problems.

Communicating Scientists: Provide relevant data to support their inferences and conclusions. Use precise scientific language. Use and cite references when obtaining information. Construct models to describe concepts and principles.

Science Affects Everyday Life Science improves daily life for all people. Examples: Vaccines have been developed to prevent disease. No stick pans are available for cooking. Rust resistance paint protects structures longer than before. Computers aid people in completing many tasks. Fire retardant clothing protects infants.

Technology and Science Technological advances have helped increase scientific knowledge. Microscopes help scientists develop the cell theory. Telescopes allow scientist to make many discoveries about the solar system. Science helps advance technologies. The understanding of optics allow for the construction of better microscopes.

Scientific Knowledge Scientific knowledge builds upon previous knowledge. When new information is discovered, the old knowledge is modified to accommodate all of the understanding. The old information is not discarded, it is modified.

All People Can Be Scientists People of all races and sexes can be scientists. Examples: Rosalind Franklin, James Watson, and Francis Crick discovered the structure of DNA Madam Curie made may discoveries about radiation.

Building Scientific Understanding All people can contribute to scientific understanding. All people can and do think scientifically. Ben Franklin was a postmaster and he invented the bifocals.

Scientific Findings Scientific findings are based on evidence. Scientific conclusions must has evidence to support them.

Scientific Conclusions Scientific conclusions are never final, they can and will be modified when new information is discovered.

Natural Laws Scientific conclusions are based on the assumption that natural laws operate today as they did in the past and as they will in the future.

Types of Science There are many different types of science. They are all interrelated and share common rules and goals. There is no correct scientific way to study something, all ways build upon each other to create a more complete understanding.

Vocabulary Words for the ILOs generalize, conclude, hypothesis, theory, variable, measure, evidence, data, inference, infer, compare, predict, interpret, analyze, relate, calculate, observe, describe, classify, technology, experiment, investigation, tentative, assumption, ethical, replicability, precision, skeptical, methods of science