What is Science? Science refers to a method of learning about the natural world, as well as to the knowledge gained through that process. Scientific Inquiry refers to the diverse ways in which we try to answer questions and solve problems concerning the natural world. Observation: using the five senses to gather information. Inference: an interpretation based upon our observations.

Develop a hypothesis (If/Then). Experimenting and testing. The Scientific Method Ask a question. Develop a hypothesis (If/Then). Experimenting and testing. Collect and organize data. Analyze data. Draw conclusions (substantiate or refute). Retest.

Objective Statement: a statement of fact. The game lasted three hours. Subjective Statement: a statement of opinion. The game lasted too long! Science is objective by nature.

A Hypothesis is a possible explanation for observations relating to a scientific question. This is stated as an “If…Then…”. A hypothesis is often tested by conducting a controlled experiment. In this type of experiment, scientists determine how one particular variable affects the outcome.

Controlled Experiment An experiment in which all the variables stay the same except for one – which is the manipulated variable

Variable: a factor that can change in an experiment Variable: a factor that can change in an experiment. There are two types…but you knew that right  Manipulated or Independent Variable: changed by the scientist (dats you!). Responding or Dependent Variable: changes because of the manipulated variable. Data are the facts figures and other evidence gained through observation

Variables Manipulated or Independent Variable changed or controlled by the scientist. Example: The amount of water (in ml) given to a plant daily. Responding or Dependent Variable changes because of the manipulated variable. Example: The measured daily growth of the plant (in cm).

Theory v Law Ok…it’s like this…a theory ties together (it’s unifying) many related facts, observations, supported hypotheses. It EXPLAINS WHY THINGS HAPPEN, and allows us to make predictions. A Law also ties this type of information together, and allows us to make predictions, BUT…IT DOES NOT EXPLAIN WHY?

In general, both a scientific theory and a scientific law are accepted to be “true” by the scientific community as a whole. Both are used to make predictions of events.

3 types of models 1st physcial model – an actual 3D imitation 2nd mathematical model – numbers, data, equations 3rd conceptual model – qualitative models

Scientific Models Representations of objects or systems 1st Type: Physical- An actual 3-D imitation that can be studied. Limitation: Not exactly like the real thing…for example…a plastic model of a temperate forest doesn’t actually have living inhabitants that interact.

2nd Type: Mathematical-Numbers, Data, Equations…if you have certain data, you can “plug it into” the model and make PREDICTIONS. Limitation: It still isn’t the actual event…it’s a prediction and predictions can be wrong.

3rd Type: Conceptual-qualitative models that help to diagram important interrelationships among processes and systems that we study. Limitation: Again…not the real thing…but helps us understand the real thing.

Qualitative vs. Quantitative Describes QUALITIES… Purple Hairy Salty Describes QUANTITY 14.745 cm 55 square meters 4 x 104 A.U.