A. Limitations of Science 1. Cannot make value judgments. 2. Cannot prove a universal negative. 3. It is as limited as our instruments. B. Scientific Statements 1. Facts – observable and indisputable. 2. Data – information gained from experimentation.

3. Laws – statements that describe patterns in nature with no known exceptions. 4. Theories – explanations based on evidence (may be wrong). 5. Models – man-made ideas to help us visualize scientific concepts.

C. The Scientific Method 1. Identify the problem (in the form of a question) by making OBSERVATIONS. Gather information by research. (Use reliable resources!) 2. Form a hypothesis (using “If…,then…because…”). It has to be TESTABLE.

3. Controlled Experiment 3. Controlled Experiment. You have to have a control group and an experimental group. Record and analyze data. (Qualitative or Quantitative: which is better?) Make conclusions. Did your data support or not support your hypothesis? Why or why not?

6. Repeat the experiment. (Make sure you get the same results. 7. Publish (for peer review). Others need to be able to get the same results when they repeat your experiment. Also, YOUR information may help others come up with other ideas.

D. Scientific Experimentation 1. An experiment is a controlled test. 2. Only one variable should be changed at a time. a. Manipulated (independent) – changed by the experimenter. b. Responding (dependent) – the effect.

3. Constants do not change. 4. Controlled variables are those which could change, but are not allowed to. 5. Two parts to an experiment: a. Control group – normal conditions. b. Experimental group(s) – variables are changed. 6. Prediction is the goal of experiments.

SCIENCE TOOLS To become a successful scientists, we must be able to identify and use scientific instruments or tools. These tools are for collecting data, taking measurements, and recording observations. Scientists use a variety of tools to do investigations.

Probeware is scientific equipment which allows probes to be interfaced with software and computer systems for the purpose of collecting, interpreting, and analyzing data. There are a number of applications for probeware, ranging from interactive labs for elementary schoolers learning about science to sophisticated systems used to gather data in scientific labs and long-term field research projects.

E. Types of Measurements 1. Length a. The distance from one point to another point. b. Base unit is the meter (m). c. Tool is the metric ruler. 2. Volume a. The amount of space a substance occupies. b. Base unit is the liter (L). c. Tools: metric ruler for regular solids or graduated cylinder for liquids.

Meter Stick A meter tool that is used to measure distance and the length of objects. It tells how long an object is. In science, we use the metric system for measuring.

Beaker An open cylindrical container with a pouring lip. It measures volume or the amount that is being held.

Graduated Cylinder A graduated cylinder, measuring cylinder or mixing cylinder is a piece of laboratory equipment used to measure the volume of a liquid. Graduated cylinders are generally more accurate and precise than laboratory flasks and beakers.

Balance A tool used to measure the mass of an object. A balance tells the amount of matter an object contains.

3. Mass a. The amount of matter in a substance. b. Base unit - kilogram (kg). c. Tool is the balance. 4. Weight a. A measure of gravitational force on an object. b. Unit is the newton (N). c. Tool is the scale.

5. Time a. How long an event takes to occur. b. Unit is the second (s). c. Tool is the clock (stopwatch). 6. Temperature a. The amount of kinetic energy a substance has. b. SI unit is the Kelvin (K). c. Tool is the thermometer.

7. Density a. How compacted the matter is in a substance. b. Units can be g/mL, g/cm3, kg/m3. c. Density is a derived unit (it is made up of other types of measurement). d. D = m / v e. Objects float if their density is less than the density of the fluid they are in.

Test Tube A test tube is smaller than a beaker. It is open at one end and closed at the other. It is cylindrical in shape.

Petri Dish A container used for samples or specimens. A tool to culture microorganisms.

Microscope A tool that magnifies at a much higher power than a hand lens. It magnifies smaller objects or makes smaller objects larger.

Three main types of Microscopes Light Microscope (a.k.a. Compound Microscope) Electron Microscope Dissecting Microscope (a.k.a. Stereo Microscope)

Snowflakes Dust Mite (the kind you’d find under your couch!) https://fuzzyscience.wordpress.com/2013/05/06/electron-microscope-mystery-7/ Snowflakes

A tool used to heat objects. Hot Plate A tool used to heat objects.

Safety Goggles Eyewear that protects the eyes during a science experiment or investigation from hazardous or dangerous materials.