What is Science?

2. Gather Information (Research) Scientific Method Example: What is irritating the cat’s skin? Observe cat behavior and called owner 1. State the Problem 2. Gather Information (Research)

3. Form Hypothesis (educated guess) Scientific Method Example: If the cat litter is changed, then the skin irritation will decrease. 3. Form Hypothesis (educated guess)

Scientific Method Example: 4. Experiment Control: cat with deodorant litter I.V. – cat without deodorant litter D.V. – Amount of irritated skin Constants: cats, amount of litter, and others. 4. Experiment Control: Comparison group Independent Variable: What is being tested / changed Dependent Variable: What is being measured Constants: Anything that is kept the same throughout experiment

Scientific Method Example: 5. Collect & Analyze Data Number of sores, Size of sores, Frequency of scratching Deodorant in cat litter most likely caused skin irritation. 5. Collect & Analyze Data 6. Conclusion

Hypothesis not correct Scientific Method Repeat Experiment Back to step 4 Form New Hypothesis Back to step 3 Hypothesis not correct Hypothesis correct

Types of Science Physical Science is the study of matter and energy Examples: Chemistry Physics

Types of Science 2. Life Science is the study of living things Examples: Zoology Botany

Types of Science 3. Earth Science is the study of Earth & Space Examples: Geology Astronomy

Theory or Law? Theory – NOT a guess, but it is an explanation based on MANY observations and experiments Examples: Cell theory, Big Bang theory, Plate Tectonic theory Law – Statement about how things work in nature that seem to be true all of the time Examples: Law of conservation of mass, Newton’s Laws of Motion Theories and Laws can change over time