What is “Science”? A process whose purpose it to understand (investigate and explain) the natural world (things that can be observed using our senses) Science is purposeful – scientists don’t “guess” Proposed explanations are well thought-out before testing Scientific understandings change with time New technologies make possible new observations Disagreement among scientists is a strength (not a weakness) It leads to further study and improved explanations

The Starting Points Science is based on several basic assumptions: The world is real – the physical universe exists. Humans can perceive and understand the physical universe. Natural processes are enough to explain the natural world. Nature operates the same way everywhere and at all times.

How Science Gets Done The process of science is focused on creating explanations of the natural world through two activities: Exploration and discovery Asking questions Making observations Sharing ideas Testing Ideas Developing “hypotheses” Testing hypotheses through investigation Evaluating the results of investigations There are “scientific methods”, but not “The Scientific Method”

Natural Limitations Science is limited by our senses We can’t know everything “Proof” is not possible But “disproof” must be New observations are always being made So our explanations can change with time Multiple explanations are often possible But some explanations are better than others

Human Limitations Science can be done poorly. Science can be influenced by human values and biases. Science can be misused.

Habits of a Scientific Mind Curiosity Skepticism Open-Mindedness Intellectual Honesty Imagination and Creativity