Chapter 1, Section 2 The Nature of Science The Study of Life Chapter 1, Section 2 The Nature of Science

What is Science? Science is a body of knowledge based on the study of nature. Scientific inquiry is both a creative process and a process rooted in unbiased observations and experimentation. Chapter 1, Section 2

What Science is Not! Claims not supported by scientific explanations are not science Astrology, horoscopes, psychic reading, tarot and palm reading, physiognomy, and phrenology are all non-science These practices are called pseudosciences and are often driven by cultural and economic factors Pseudoscience tries to imitate real science, but is not based on scientific observation Notice how “non-science” sounds like “nonsense”! Physiognomy is the act of judging a person’s character by physical features, phrenology is reading the bumps on a person’s head to determine character Chapter 1, Section 2

Character istics of Science Uses scientific theory Expands scientific knowledge Challenges accepted theories Questions results Tests claims Undergoes peer review Uses metric system Students can make a graphic organizer for this. Chapter 1, Section 2

Scientific Theory A theory is an explanation of a natural phenomenon supported by many observations and experiments over time. A theory is a generally accepted scientific principle Cell Theory – Cells are the basis of all life, all things are composed of cells, Theory of Evolution, Atomic theory – matter is made of atoms, how atoms are constructed Chapter 1, Section 2

Expands Scientific Knowledge Most scientific fields are guided by research that results in a constant reevaluation of what is known. This reevaluation often leads to new knowledge that scientists then evaluate. Chapter 1, Section 2

Challenges Accepted Theories Scientists welcome debate about one another’s ideas. Sciences advance by accommodating new information as it is discovered. Chapter 1, Section 2

Questions Results Observations or data that are not consistent with current scientific understanding are of interest to scientists. These inconsistencies often lead to further investigations. The wings of a bat were once thought to resemble a bird’s wing. Closer observation showed that they resemble a human hand. Chapter 1, Section 2

Tests Claims Science-based information makes claims based on a large amount of data and observations obtained from unbiased investigations and carefully controlled experimentation. Chapter 1, Section 2

Peer Review Peer review is a process by which the procedures used during an experiment and the results are evaluated by other scientists who are in the same field or who are conducting similar research. Chapter 1, Section 2

The Metric System The metric system uses units with divisions that are powers of ten. The metric system is also known as the International System of Units or SI In biology, the most common SI units are the meter (length), liter (volume), gram (mass), and second (time) Chapter 1, Section 2

Science in Your Life Almost every aspect of your life is somehow affected by science Forensics, medical advances, space exploration, and agriculture are a few examples In today’s world, scientific literacy is a necessity A person who is scientifically literate combines a basic understanding of science and its processes with reasoning and thinking skills Chapter 1, Section 2

Biology Fighting Diseases medicine is one of the most direct ways that progress in biology affect our lives AIDS the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is a virus that destroys the immune system, causing acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) AIDS patients can not defend against infection Cancer cancer is a growth disorder of cells that occurs when cells divide uncontrollably diet and exposure to chemicals can effect susceptibility to certain types of cancer Cystic Fibrosis cystic fibrosis is a fatal disorder in which abnormally thick mucus build up in organs CF is caused by a defective gene that effects the cells ability to pump chloride ions Students just need to know about these diseases, not the details about them. Chapter 1, Section 2

Ethics Ethics are a set of moral principles or values Some advances in science raise ethical issues for a society Genetic engineering, cloning, euthanasia, cryonics, global warming, deforestation, and pollution are examples Click on euthanasia video clip on this slide Chapter 1, Section 2

Assignment Complete Section 1.2 Assessment on pg. 15 (1-6) in your notebook Refer to page 1114 for help with question 6 Complete pages 5-7 in your Science Notebook Chapter 1, Section 2

a body of knowledge about a natural phenomenon 1.2 Formative Questions What is a theory? a body of knowledge about a natural phenomenon a creative tool for designing investigations explanation a scientific inquiry that seeks to provide an an explanation supported by observations and experiments

Scientists discard observations and 1.2 Formative Questions True or False Scientists discard observations and data that are not consistent with current scientific understanding.

A scientist wants to report the findings from 1.2 Formative Questions A scientist wants to report the findings from her investigations. Before her information can be published, what must it go through? forensics peer review scientific methods the metric system

What do issues such as AIDS, global 1.2 Formative Questions What do issues such as AIDS, global warming, genetic engineering, and cloning have in common? They involve ethics. They involve forensics. They must be addressed by scientists. They require the metric system.