2-2 What is the Process of Science?

The Scientific Method not a stepwise process strategy for drawing conclusions some steps may be repeated many times

Many different scientific procedures observing formulating hypotheses testing theorizing publishing results

Scientific discoveries can com from unexpected observations or accidents teflon POLYMER – a large organic molecule composed of smaller units bonded together in chains cisplatin

HYPOTHESIS a reasonable and testable explanation of observations gather data look for pattterns propose explanation (hypothesis) often written in “if – then” format describes cause and effect relationship

Experiments are used to test hypotheses

EXPERIMENT a process carried out under controlled conditions must document and control variables VARIABLE – any aspect of an experiment that can be changed to affect the outcome of the experiment CONTROL EXPERIMENT – procedure in which a variable is kept constant from one trial to the next isolates key variables

Conclusions must come only from data obtained in experiments

Hypothesis that withstands repeated testing may become part of a theory

THEORY a well-tested explanation of observations a broad generalization that is based on observation, experimentation, and reasoning explanation, not fact cannot be completely proven should explain most of what is observed if proven wrong, must be thrown out or modified

MODEL a simplified representation of an object, system, process, or idea can take many forms refined as new info becomes available

SCIENTIFIC LAW a descripton of the natural world that has proven reliable over time a statement or mathematical expression that reliably describes the behavior of the world describes, not explains

Hypothesis predicts an event.

Theory explains it.

Law describes it.