The Nature of Science Ch. 1

1-1 Physical Science and You Learning Targets: To understand what this class is all about. Success Criteria: I can… 1. compare and contrast science and technology (using examples). 2. define physical science. 3. discuss some of the topics covered in physical science.

1-1 Physical Science and You Applying Science (Science vs. Technology) Goal of Science: To understand the world around us. It is natural for humans to question our observations, explore our thoughts, and look for answers. In science, we use the Scientific Method More on this a little later. Sometimes, scientific discoveries can be used to improve our quality of life This is called technology

Physical Science Physical Science is the study of energy and matter. This is the stuff of the universe! Examples of matter: Plants, Animals, Water, Rock (Things made of atoms) Examples of energy: Heat, Light, Sound, Electricity In this class, we will be learning about the composition and properties of matter, along with their relationship with energy.

Learning Checkpoint What is the goal of science? What is the difference between science and technology? What are the main topics learned in physical science?

1-2 Problem Solving Learning Targets: To learn problem-solving strategies needed in science. Success Criteria: I can… 1. explain the difference between an exercise and a problem. 2. compare and contrast the terms hypothesis, theory, and scientific law.

1-2 Problem Solving What is a problem? A problem is a question that you don’t have an obvious answer to. To solve a problem, we need to find some missing information (investigation). Mistakes tend to get made, so don’t be discouraged!

Problem-Solving Strategies Determine where to start. -Give the problem some effort (try)… “The more you can narrow down your issue, the easier it is to solve” (and less time consuming)! -Example: In a homework problem, you can’t raise your hand, have the teacher come over, and then say, “I don’t get it, help!” -To help yourself, and the teacher, determine what it is, specifically, that you are struggling with in the problem. Approach a problem logically -Do what you can and gradually move toward what you can’t. -Record the steps you take along the way. -This way, if you make a mistake, you can track your work backwards. -Use the process of elimination to come to an answer.

3. Look for patterns -Think allergy testing 4 3. Look for patterns -Think allergy testing 4. Develop models -Using a hair dryer to make miniature sand dunes. 5. Break down the problem -Example: I’m sick and want to feel better. -Break-down: What are my symptoms, what is the illness, and what treatments medications relieve the symptoms?

Let’s try the “FLEX Your Brain” exercise on p. 15 Critical Thinking Critical thinking is a process that uses certain skills to solve a problem. This method of problem solving takes us through a series of steps to lead us toward the correct answer. Although we don’t like the discomfort of struggling, this truly is the best way that we learn. Distractions keep us from learning. Let’s try the “FLEX Your Brain” exercise on p. 15 Do this as a class!

Problem Solving in Science In general, Observation  Hypothesis Observation: Collected information Hypothesis: Educated, testable guess. Through experimentation, Hypothesis  Theory  Scientific Law

Learning Checkpoint 1. What are problem solving strategies that we can use in class? 2. How does a hypothesis change through continuous testing?

1-4 Exploring Science Learning Target: To understand the process of scientific inquiry. Success Criteria: I can… 1. describe the function of a control in an experiment? 2. explain why it is important to follow guidelines when conducting an experiment? 3. Identify the difference between a constant, independent variable, and dependent variable? 4. Describe and execute laboratory safety rules!

1-4 Exploring Science To solve problems in science, we use the Scientific Method. Do you remember learning PHPDAC? We’ve already discussed problems, hypotheses, and testing those hypotheses through experimentation. Here, we’ll look more closely at the experiment itself.

Experimentation Experiment: A procedure for testing a hypothesis. In PHPDAC form, this is called Procedure. Experiment: A procedure for testing a hypothesis. What do we include in an experiment? List of materials (measurements included) Detailed list of procedures This recipe was once Somebody’s experiment.

What else do we need? Control: A standard for comparison. You can’t say that I’m taller than the average male, without having the average male height to compare me to. Variable: What you are testing in the experiment. Only change one variable at a time in an experiment! Types of variables: Independent Variable (Manipulated Variable) A change you control Dependent Variable (Responding Variable) Change that occurs because of the independent variable. Example: When I drive 5 mph faster (independent variable), I get to my destination faster (responding variable) Constants: Everything else about the experiment, which we are not testing. Ex: When testing for the optimal amount of water needed for bean plant growth, you only change the amount of water. Sunlight, soil, fertilizer, temperature are other factors that should remain unchanged (constants).

Safety Flinn Scientific Lab Safety Sheet Review Appendix B on p. 674

Learning Checkpoint: What are the steps to the scientific method? Define: Control, variable, and constant. What are the most important lab safety rules?