Science In Our World Chapter 1
Science Knowledge obtained by observing the natural world in order to discover facts Observe Get the Facts Test Ideas Formulate Laws Science begins by … asking a question. Why is the sky blue?
Why is the sky blue? A clear cloudless day-time sky is blue because molecules in the air scatter blue light from the sun more than they scatter red light. When we look towards the sun at sunset, we see red and orange colors because the blue light has been scattered out and away from the line of sight. Remember light is a mixture of all colors of the rainbow.
When a question is asked… How can you find the answer? Research (Encyclopedias, Internet, Experts) Observation (Go to the source, watch carefully) Experimentation (Test your ideas)
Models Physical (3D) Mathematical Conceptual Volcanoes, Skyscraper (Graphical---Maps/Charts) Equations, numbers Classification of animal behaviors
AFDAC = Scientific Method A sk a question F orm a hypothesis D esign an experiment A nalyze the Results C onclude
Scientific Knowledge (Theories/Laws) Theories are used to explain observations and predict what may happen Theory: explanation that ties together many related observations, facts, and tested hypotheses What happens when a theory and its models correctly predict the results of many experiments? Law: summary of many experimental results and observations, tells how things work
Hypothesis vs. Theory vs. Law Hypothesis = Educated Guess Theory = Possible explanation through tested hypothesis Law = Proven……… for now
Peer Review Experts in a given field examine the results and conclusions of an experiment before it can be accepted for publication
Measurement and Tools Stopwatch = Time Graduated Cylinder = Volume Thermometer = Temperature Triple Beam Balance = Mass Spring Scale = Weight Meter Stick = Distance
Measurement and Units Time = seconds Volume = ml or cm3 Temperature = degrees° Mass = grams