the nature of science chapter 1

What is Science? a process that uses observation and investigation to gain knowledge about events in nature Science studies natural patterns. Scientists ask questions to learn about the natural world.

Categories of Science Life Science Earth Science Physical Science studies living things Earth Science studies earth and space Physical Science studies matter and energy

Science Explains Nature Sometimes these explanations evolve over time as new information or technology arises.

Investigations Scientists perform investigations to learn about the world. observations experimentations modeling

Scientific Methods Organized set of investigation procedures. State the Problem Gather Information Form a hypothesis Test the hypothesis Analyze Data Draw Conclusions

Steps of the Scientific Method State the Problem Gather Information Form a hypothesis an educated guess a possible explanation for what is happening based on what you know and observe Test the hypothesis Experiment

Experiments Test the effect of one thing on another using controlled conditions Variables Things that have the potential to change in an experiment Constants Things that don’t change in an experiment Control A standard that you can use to compare your results

Variables Independent Variable Dependent Variable DRY MIX the variable that YOU change on purpose Dependent Variable the variable that changes because of what you did the variable you are going to measure DRY MIX

Steps of the scientific Method Analyze the Data make graphs/charts do calculations Draw Conclusions must be based on evidence must match your original problem must not contain BIAS keep records, measure, repeat the experiment

Models Represents an idea, event or object Physical Technological simulations

Theories and Laws Scientific Law – a statement about what happens in nature that seems to be true all the time Answers the question “What happens?” Theory – an explanation of what is happening based on many observations and tests Answers the question “Why is that happening?”

Technology Science applied to help people

Limitations of Science Science can only answer questions about the physical world. Science is not perfect and is never final. Science should be considered as the best thoughts we have on the natural world right now. It is not truth. God’s word is truth.

Units and Standards Standard – exact quantity that people agree to use to compare measurements All measurements must have a number and a unit

International System of Units (SI) Length = meter Mass = kilogram Time = second Current = ampere Temperature = kelvin English  Metric  Based on multiples of ten Uses prefixes to tell “how many” King Henry Died by drinking chocolate milk

Common Measurements Length Volume Mass Density distance between two points Volume amount of space an object occupies Mass amount of matter in an object Density mass per unit volume (D = m/V)

Temperature Measured on the Kelvin scale K = Celsius + 273

Graphs Visual display of information or data Line graphs show relationships between variables Choose the scale so your graph can be readable. DRY MIX Units of measurement must be the same

Bar Graphs Used for comparing information you have counted.

Circle Graphs Used to show how a “whole” can be broken into its individual parts.