Section 2: The Nature of Science Science is a process based on inquiry that develops explanations. K What I Know W What I Want to Find Out L What I Learned

Essential Questions What are the characteristics of scientific inquiry? What are the differences between science and pseudoscience? What is scientific literacy important? Copyright © McGraw-Hill Education The Nature of Science

Vocabulary Review New investigation science theory law peer review ethics The Nature of Science Copyright © McGraw-Hill Education

What is science? Science is a body of knowledge based on the study of nature. The nature, or essential characteristics, of science is scientific inquiry. Scientific inquiry is both a creative process and a process rooted in unbiased observations and experimentation. Copyright © McGraw-Hill Education The Nature of Science

What is science? A theory is an explanation of a natural phenomenon supported by many observations and experiments over time. A scientific law describes relationships under certain conditions in nature, but does not explain why the relationship is the way it is. Theories do not become laws and laws do not become theories. The Nature of Science Copyright © McGraw-Hill Education

What is science? Makes observations and draws conclusions Scientists choose subjects to study and decide what types of data to collect. They analyze the data collected to draw conclusions. Copyright © McGraw-Hill Education The Nature of Science

What is science? Expands knowledge Scientific explanations combine what is already know with evidence from additional observations and experiments. Driven by the search for new knowledge Constantly reevaluate what is known Pseudosciences imitate science Driven by cultural or commercial goal New questions and additional research are not welcomed The Nature of Science Copyright © McGraw-Hill Education

What is science? Challenges accepted theories Scientists welcome debate about one another’s ideas. Sciences advance by accommodating new information as it is discovered. The Nature of Science Copyright © McGraw-Hill Education

What is science? Questions results In science, observations or data that are not consistent with current scientific understanding are of interest. These inconsistencies often lead to further investigations. In pseudoscience, inconsistencies are discarded, or ignored. The Nature of Science Copyright © McGraw-Hill Education

What is science? Tests claims Scientists use standard experimental procedures. Their claims based on a large amount of data and observations obtained from unbiased investigations and carefully controlled experimentation. Pseudoscientists make claims that cannot be tested, or are a mixture of fact and opinion. The Nature of Science Copyright © McGraw-Hill Education

What is science? Undergoes peer review Before it is made public, science-based information is reviewed by scientists’ peers. Peer review is a process by which the procedures used during an experiment and the results are evaluated by other scientists who are in the same field or who are conducting similar research. The Nature of Science Copyright © McGraw-Hill Education

Science in Everyday Life Science literacy A person who is scientifically literate combines a basic understanding of science and its processes with reasoning and thinking skills. Ethics is a set of moral principles or values.

Review Essential Questions Vocabulary What are the characteristics of scientific inquiry? What are the differences between science and pseudoscience? What is scientific literacy important? Vocabulary science theory law peer review ethics The Nature of Science Copyright © McGraw-Hill Education