The Nature of Science How can you differentiate between science and non-science using the scientific method?

Observation vs Inference What can you observe? What can you infer?

All science is a process of inquiry What is SCIENCE? All science is a process of inquiry We can only study problems in the natural world that can be understood using the processes of science Scientists use the 5 senses to observe and evaluate Theories can change; we don’t have all the answers or solutions! Talk about theories vs laws before cell theory

Observation Vs Inference Based your senses Of the statements you wrote down, which are observations? Why are these observations? Educated guess based in evidence Of the statements, which are inferences? Why are these inferences?

Review: Observation vs Inference What can you observe? What can you infer?

6 Criteria of Science “CONPAT” Consistency: the results of repeated observations and/or experiments concerning a naturally occurring event are reasonably the same

6 Criteria of Science “CONPAT” Observable: the event under study can be observed and explained using our senses

6 Criteria of Science “CONPAT” Natural: a natural cause must be used to explain why or how the naturally occurring event happens. Scientists cannot use supernatural explanations as to why or how naturally occurring events happen Reference to the supernatural is outside the realm of science

6 Criteria of Science “CONPAT” Predictable: the cause of the naturally occurring event can be used to make specific predictions Based on your observations, you can make predictions (hypotheses)

6 criteria of Science “CONPAT” Able to change: scientific theories are subject to revision and correction, even to the point of the theory being proven wrong. Scientific theories will be continue to be modified to consistently explain observations of naturally occurring events As technology improves, so does our ability to make better observations

6 Criteria of Science “CONPAT” Testable: the cause of the naturally occurring event must be testable through the processes of science You must be able to measure it in some way! References to the supernatural events or causes are not relevant tests

Non-Science An area of knowledge which does not meet the criteria of science (CONPAT) Topics areas may be very logical and based on good reasoning, but simply do not fall within the realm of science Examples: personal opinions

So, what makes something scientific? False-Science Also known as “pseudoscience” It can be portrayed and advertised as legitimate science by its followers and supporters Phenomena conflict with known physical laws Example: fortune-telling So, what makes something scientific?

Turn & Talk-Check For Understanding Are each of the following statements scientific or not? Why? Walking under a ladder causes bad luck. Some plants eat meat. All life comes from life and nothing else. All living things are made of cells.

Check for Understanding Tell whether the statement IS or IS NOT a scientific statement. Walking under a ladder causes bad luck. NOT scientific! Meets none of the criteria.

Check for Understanding Tell whether the statement IS or IS NOT a scientific statement. 2. Some plants eat meat. This IS scientific! We can OBSERVE this, and it meets all of the remaining criteria too.

Check for Understanding Tell whether the statement IS or IS NOT a scientific statement. 3. Life comes from life, and it doesn’t come from anywhere else. This IS scientific! It meets all the criteria.

Check for Understanding Tell whether the statement IS or IS NOT a scientific statement. 4. All living things are made of cells. This IS scientific! It meets all the criteria.

The Scientific Method The scientific method is a cycle that scientists follow that ensures the criteria of science (CONPAT) are met All steps can be repeated. There is no beginning or end of the cycle.

Scientific Method Question The Scientific Method

Observations vs. Inferences Observations: use only the senses to describe (NEVER taste) Inferences: a conclusion that you have based on evidence and reasoning *Expand your concept map from “question” so that it somehow includes this information! Question Inference Observe

Scientific Method Question Form Hypothesis

Making a Hypothesis Hypothesis: a testable prediction based on your observations An inference can become a hypothesis Why is a hypothesis testable? Phrased as an “if.., then…” statement If I go to bed early, then I won’t wake up as tired. Usually an inference can become a hypothesis

Scientific Method Question Form Hypothesis Test/ Experiment

Performing Experiments There are several important parts to any experiment: Independent Variable: what you’re testing; what you manipulate Dependent Variable: the result; what you look for Constant: anything that doesn’t change Control: basis for comparison; you don’t change anything; “standard” conditions *Add these to your concept map (test/experiment) Define Independent, dependent, constant, control

Performing Experiments Test/ Experiment Control Independent Variable Constant Dependent Variable

Scientific Method Analyze Data Question Form Hypothesis Test/ Experiment Analyze Data

Analyze Data What were the results of your experiment? Do you see patterns or trends in your data?

Scientific Method Evaluate Results Question Form Hypothesis Test/ Experiment Analyze Data Evaluate Results

Evaluating Your Results Time to reach conclusions What did you learn during the experiment? Did your results match your hypothesis? What do you do if your results don’t match your hypothesis?

Check for Understanding Where does the scientific method begin and end? Why is the scientific method considered a cycle?

Mystery Box C – level 2 working with partner H- ask three before me A- Without opening them, try to guess what is in each box! M- remain at the appropriate mystery box until instructed to move P- working with your partner, complete your own activity sheet Success! Observations / inferences / conclusion (how could I test?) Science is repetition , inquiry