Understanding Science Nature of Science (NOS) Lesson 1

What is Science? Science is the investigation and exploration of natural events and of the new information that results from these investigations. In observing the natural world, you would use reasoning, creativity, and skepticism to answer questions. Scientists use skills and methods to find answers (scientific method).

Branches of Science Life Science (Biology) is the study of all living things. Ex. Humans, animals, plants, bacteria, fungus, protists. Earth Science is the study of Earth and its landforms that help shape Earth’s surface. Ex. Rocks, volcanoes, earthquakes, soil. Physical Science is the study of chemistry and physics. Ex. Matter, atoms, elements, chemical reactions.

Scientific Inquiry Is a process that uses a variety of skills and tools to answer questions or to test ideas about the natural world. 1. Ask a Question 2. Hypothesize and Predict 3. Test Your Hypothesis 4. Analyze the Results 5. Draw Conclusions 6. Communicate Results

Ask Questions When asking questions, you must make an observation first. Observation is using one or more of your senses (smell, touch, taste, hear, sight) to gather information and take note of what occurs. Ex. Why is the ground wet this morning? Inference is a logical explanation of an observation that is drawn from prior knowledge or experience. Ex. It must have rained last night.

Hypothesize & Predict After observation and inference, you come up with a possible answer. Hypothesis is a possible explanation about an observation that can be tested by scientific investigations. Prediction is a statement of what will happen next in a sequence of events.

Test Your Hypothesis & Analyze Results Testing your hypothesis means you are testing your prediction. Testing you hypothesis is conducting an experiment. Analyze the results is collecting data about your experiment. Data is normally in the forms of graphs and tables.

Draw Conclusions & Communicate Results Does your data support your hypothesis? A conclusion is a summary of the information gained from the experiment (testing the hypothesis). If the data supports the hypothesis, repeat the experiment several times. If the data does NOT support the hypothesis, you must change your hypothesis. Communicate the Results by emailing, articles, speeches and exchanging information. Results of scientific inquiry can lead to technology, materials and explanations.

Scientific Theory & Scientific Laws Scientific Theory is an explanation of observations or events based on knowledge gained from many observations and investigations. Ex. Darwin’s Theory of Evolution. Scientific Law describes a pattern or an event in nature that is always true. Ex. Law of Gravity.

Media, Evidence, Safety Don’t always believe everything you hear in the media in regards to Science. Critical Thinking is comparing what you already know with the information you are given in order to decide whether you agree with it. Science cannot answer all questions. Always follow safety rules when conducting an experiment. Ethics are important when using living things in an investigation.