Unit 1 The Nature of Science Chapter 1 – The Nature of Science (Pgs. 6 – 32) Chapter 2 – Measurements (Pgs. 42-60)

Chapter 1 The Nature of Science Section 1 – What is Science? (Pgs. 6-11) Section 2 – Science in Action (Pgs. 12-20)

Section 1 – What is Science? Science is a way of learning more about the natural world. Science tries to answer the question WHY stuff happens A scientific theory is an attempt to explain a pattern observed repeatedly in the natural world. A scientific law is a rule that describes a pattern in nature.

The Branches of Science The study of living systems and the ways in which they interact is called Life Science. The study of Earth systems and the systems in space is called Earth Science. The study of matter and energy is Physical Science.

The Branches of Science

Science and Technology Technology is the practical use of science or applied science. Examples of how scientists use technology to help people or society: Study of how to use energy of sunlight in science lead to solar panels Study of shark skin lead to better swimsuits for swimmers

Section 2 – Science in Action Scientific investigations often follow a general pattern called the scientific method. The scientific method is a systematic approach (step by step) for solving problems. Most investigations use a 7 step approach.

Steps of the Scientific Method 1. Define the Problem 7. Repeat Work 2. Gather Information Modify Hypothesis 3. Form a Hypothesis 7. Repeat Work Hypothesis supported 4. Perform Experiment Hypothesis not supported 5. Record & Analyze Data 6. State a Conclusion

Step 1 – Define the Problem Scientists first make an observation about the world they live in. An observation is something you notice using your five senses. What are your 5 senses? 1) Hear, 2) Smell, 3) See, 4) Taste, 5) Touch Once an observation has been made, you can come up with a question/problem to be solved. Ex: My Problem – What is the fastest way to drive to work in the morning?

Qualitative and Quantitative Observations There are two different types of observations: qualitative and quantitative. Quantitative observations are measurable or countable. Examples: 10 marbles, the boy is 2 meters tall Qualitative observations provide and describe qualities and are not countable. Examples: red flowers, sweet candy, hard rock

People can see the same thing and not agree on what they saw

Step 2 – Gather Information Research the problem and gather more information from different resources. Information can come from books, internet, other people. What can I use to research my problem? Road Atlas, Google Maps, Ask other teachers

Step 3 – Form a Hypothesis Once we have made observations and gathered information, we can make an inference. An inference is an educated guess based on observations and prior knowledge. A hypothesis is an inference that is stated in if…then…because format. Example – If I take Route 78 to work, then I will get to work faster because there is less traffic.

Step 4 – Perform the Experiment This is when you test whether your hypothesis is correct or incorrect. Variables are factors that can be changed in experiments. The variable that is changed in an experiment is the independent variable. Example – The route I take. The dependent variable changes as a result of the independent variable. Example – Distance & time. The variables that are not changed in an experiment are the constants. Example – The car I drive.

Step 5 – Record & Analyze Data This is the part of the experiment where you record your measurements and compare your data. Data could be color, odor, or sound…or it can include measurements, numbers, charts, etc.. What might the data include in my experiment? Distance, time, speed.

Step 6 – State a Conclusion Based on your data, is your hypothesis correct or incorrect? Explain why based on the data that you collected/analyzed during your experiment. Discuss any variables or measurement error that may have affected your results. What measurement error could I have in my experiment?

Step 7 – Repeat your Work If your hypothesis was correct, repeat the experiment to account for any measurement error. If your hypothesis was incorrect, change your hypothesis and repeat the experiment. Finally, communicate your findings. Example – Creating a formal lab report.

Chapter 2 Measurement Section 1 – Description and Measurement (Pgs. 42-49) Section 2 – SI Units (Pgs. 50-55)

What is a “UNIT”? A unit is “a specific amount of a quantity!” Examples of units: meter, kilogram, Kelvin, second, liter, etc.

In Science…… Scientists use the METRIC SYSTEM of units. Based on units of 10!!! Kanga Hopped Down Under Doing Crazy Moves kilo…, hecto…, Deka…. UNITS, deci…., centi…, milli…. (these are prefixes) Prefixes – examples Un (untouchable), sub (submarine)

Units of Measurement (Length) US Measurement = Inches, Feet, Yards, Miles Metric Units = Centimeters, Meters, Kilometers

Units of Measurement (Volume) US Measurement = Pints, Quarts, Gallons Metric Units = Milli-Liters, Liters

Units of Measurement (Weight) US Measurement = Ounces, Pounds Metric Units = Milligrams, Grams, KiloGrams

Units of Measurement (Temperature) US Measurement = Fahrenheit Metric Units = Celsius, Kelvin

Let’s Practice Converting From one unit to another! Using the Kangaroo Chart – Move the decimal in the SAME direction as your hand moves. From centigram to gram – which way does your hand move? Which way does the decimal move? From kilogram to milligram – which way does your hand move? Which way does the decimal move? Introducing the TENTH RULE!!! 10.6 grams 7.0 liters 4.5 meters

Most of the world uses the metric system. Units smaller than a meter have Latin prefixes: Deci- means 10; 10 decimeters make a meter. Centi- means 100; 100 centimeters make a meter. Milli- means 1,000; 1,000 millimeters make a meter. Units larger than a meter have Greek prefixes: Deka- means 10; a decameter is 10 meters. Hecto- means 100; a hectometer is 100 meters. Kilo- means 1,000; a kilometer is 1,000 meters. Helpful Hint Remember: A meter is a little more than a yard. A kilometer is less than a mile. A liter is a little more than a quart.

Metric Common Metric Quantity Abbreviations Prefixes Kilo 1,000 k Hecto 100 h Deca 10 D -- (base unit)— m l g Deci 0.1 d Centi 0.01 c Milli 0.001 m

Directions for Converting If you are converting from a smaller unit to a larger unit (moving left in the Kangaroo sentence), move the decimal place to the left If you are converting from a larger unit to a smaller unit (moving right in the Kangaroo sentence), move the decimal to the right. The number of places you move the decimal corresponds to the number of words you are moving in the sentence. For example, let's say someone told you that you had to walk 8,939.0 millimeters to get to the grocery store. That sounds like a long walk, but let's convert the number into meters to see how long it really is. The base unit, meter, is three words to the left the millimeter, so the decimal should be moved three places to the left.