PSC CHAP. 1 ABOUT SCIENCE

Basics Methods of Science

PHYSICS IS THE BASIC SCIENCE

FACT è A close agreement by competent observers of a series of observations of the same phenomena

Observations  An observation is made by using our senses  We can improve our observations by using instruments  How do they improve our observations? –They help detect things we cannot sense –They measure more accurately

Observations  Observation without measurements are qualitative example: He’s tall  Observation with measurements are quantitative example: He’s 7 feet tall

Making Quantitative Observations  In order for a measurement to be useful, we must have standards: an exact quantity  Everyone agrees to use this “universal language”  Science uses International System of Units –AKA: THE METRIC SYSTEM –See SI Sheet...

Hypothesis  What is it? a guess that is based on facts  A hypothesis is made by thinking NOT sensing  You make a logical decision based on observations –example: This room was built for science.

HYPOTHESIS è An educated guess è A reasonable explanation of an observation or experimental result that is not fully accepted as factual until tested over and over by experiment

SCIENTIFIC HYPOTHESES MUST BE TESTABLE 4 There must be a test for proving it wrong. 4 Must also link to a general understanding of nature.

SCIENTIFIC HYPOTHESIS??? 4 Atoms are the smallest particles of matter. 4 The universe is surrounded by a second undetectable universe. 4 Albert Einstein is the greatest physicist of the 20th century. 4 YES 4 NO

SCIENTIFIC HYPOTHESIS??? 4 Most people stop for red lights. 4 No material object can travel faster than the speed of light. 4 Intelligent life exists on other planets somewhere in the universe. 4 NO 4 YES 4 NO

Important Notes... 4 About the hypothesis… 7 Start with “I think” 7 It should solve the problem 7 It should be based on research 7 It must be specific 7 It must be testable 4 About the conclusions… 7 Must be based on the data you collected 7 May support or refute the hypothesis 7 Not always “the end”…may prompt revision of the hypothesis, experiment, etc.

LAW or PRINCIPLE è A general hypothesis or statement about a relationship of natural quantities that has been tested over and over again and has not been contradicted.

THEORY è A synthesis of a large body of information that encompasses well-tested and verified hypotheses about aspects of the natural world. è An explanation of a phenomenon è Undergo changes, redefinition, and refinement

What happens when evidence is found that contradicts a hypothesis, law, or principle?

It must be changed or abandoned unless the evidence turns out to be wrong.

SCIENTISTS MUST BE OPEN- MINDED 4 Must be able to accept their findings even if it is not what they want or expect. 4 Must distinguish between what they see and what they want to see

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY ARE DIFFERENT

…so the question of the day is... How is science different from technology?

SCIENCE: 4 A method of answering theoretical questions. 4 Has to do with discovering facts and relationships and with establishing theories that organize and make sense of these facts and relationships.

TECHNOLOGY: 4 A method of solving practical problems. 4 Has to do with tools, techniques, and procedures for putting the findings of science to use. –Application of science

Scientific Method 4 A way to investigate the unknown. 4 A way of thinking-not just a series of steps.

Steps of the Scientific Method 4 Define the Problem 4 Gather Information 4 Form a Hypothesis 4 Perform an Experiment 4 Record and Analyze Data 4 Draw Conclusions

SCIENTIFIC METHOD 4 Recognize a problem 4 Make an educated guess about answer –Hypothesis 4 Predict consequences of hypothesis 4 Perform experiments to test predictions 4 Formulate a general rule that organizes hypothesis, prediction, and experimental data.

Facts, theories and laws... 4 Facts: 4 Theories: 4 Laws: