What is Science? Fall 2012

A definition Science is the process of asking testable questions about the natural world and systematically collecting and analyzing data (evidence) to formulate tentative answers (explanations) to these questions.

Science is the process Of discovery that Helps find new facts AND Links together “old” facts to make sense out of the observed natural world. It is not just a “collection of facts” to be memorized!

asking testable questions Testable questions can be answered through scientific investigations (experiments and/or observations). If the question cannot be answered through scientific investigation, it is not a testable question (examples: questions concerning moral values, religion, magic, the supernatural, or other unmeasurable phenomena.) Source: National Institutes of Health at https://science.education.nih.gov/supplements/nih6/inquiry/guide/lesson2.htm

A testable question meets these criteria “…Centers on objects, organisms, and events in the natural world.” “…Connects to scientific concepts rather than to opinions, feelings, or beliefs.” “…Can be investigated through experiments or observations.” “…Leads to gathering evidence and using data to explain how the natural world works.” Source: https://science.education.nih.gov/supplements/nih6/inquiry/ guide/info_process-c.htm#testable

Unanswered questions…… What are the TOP 25 unanswered questions? http://www.sciencemag.org/site/feature/misc/webfeat/125th/

about the natural world The physical universe — atoms, plants, ecosystems, people, societies, galaxies, etc. Natural forces at work on those things. Source: http://undsci.berkeley.edu/glossary /glossary_popup.php?word=natural+world

systematically collecting and analyzing data (evidence) No ONE “scientific method” or set of steps Many different activities in many different sequences Often involve repeating the same steps many times Relies on creative thinking Require peer reviews and replication. SOURCE: http://undsci.berkeley.edu/ lessons/pdfs /simple_flow_handout.pdf

formulate tentative answers (explanations) to these questions That lead to further questions and ongoing investigations. Further research may refute or lead to changes in current explanations.

Scientific explanations are based on evidence. Explanations based on supernatural causes are NOT acceptable because they are NOT testable (such as magic, religion, mysticism, etc.) Must be able to replicate the investigation and confirm the evidence

Scientific Behavior Learn from and build on what other people have done – but credit their work fairly Test your ideas  Gather and analyze the evidence. Communicate your ideas and work  Integrity  http://undsci.berkeley.edu/article/intro_01

Your Turn

Is this science? Use the checklist to evaluate and compare videos and articles: Choose a video from www.sciencefriday.org A children’s science video SOURCE:  http://undsci.berkeley.edu/article/whatisscience_03

Identify the connections with the science checklist: From Science Friday: How the Fly Evades the Swatter: http://www.sciencefriday.com/video/08/29/2008/how-the-fly-evades-the-swatter.html Elephants Can’t Jump: http://www.sciencefriday.com/video/08/22/2008/elephants-can-t-jump.html Lesson plans from Science Friday: http://www.sciencefriday.com/ teacher-resources/index.html#page/full-width-list/1

Lesson Ideas From the UC Berkley site: Grades K – 2 http://undsci.berkeley.edu/teaching/k2.php Grades 3-5 http://undsci.berkeley.edu/teaching/35.php Grades 6-8 http://undsci.berkeley.edu/teaching/68.php

Use the toolkit to evaluate recent news articles, newscasts, commercials and/or ads SOURCE: http://undsci.berkeley.edu/article/0_0_0/sciencetoolkit_02

Where is the science in these? (or is there any?) Gatorade commercial http://www.gatorade.com/#home?s=01_prime ABC News http://abcnews.go.com/Technology/scientists-response-ads-measuring-brainwaves/story?id=12841570#.UEOLJsGPUig DHMO http://www.dhmo.org/NCCA.html

Sources of Online Science News Science News for Kids ; http://www.sciencenewsforkids.org/ Science News http://www.sciencenews.org/ Science Daily http://www.sciencedaily.com/ NY Times http://www.nytimes.com/pages/science/index.html From NASA http://science.nasa.gov/science-news/

Science…..or NOT? Power Sort (print the slides, cut out the phrases): Find the headings. Sort the strips and place them under the most appropriate heading. Be prepared to explain the reasons behind they way you sorted things.

SCIENCE Not SCIENCE Not sure

Science Related to everyday life A process that builds a body of knowledge Involves creative thinking Supported by evidence Focus on the natural world All explanations are tentative Different approaches are taken to investigate different types of questions Results must be communicated and replicable Uses testable questions

Not Science Religion Lists of facts Takes the answers supported by the most people Accepts mystical explanations Uncovers universal truths that never change Follows a specific method for investigations Same as technology Includes beliefs and opinions Includes the supernatural Is democratic Magic