Advanced Animal Science c (2) (a)(b)(c)(d) What is Science? Advanced Animal Science c (2) (a)(b)(c)(d)

Objectives Today you will be able to: Summarize the definition and importance of science Describe a hypothesis Describe a scientific theory Compare hypotheses and theories Synthesize a hypothesis for given situations

How do we define science? Science, as defined by the National Academy of Sciences, is the "use of evidence to construct testable explanations and predictions of natural phenomena, as well as the knowledge generated through this process."

What does it really mean? Science is a tool to understand how the universe works around us. Science is a system of acquiring knowledge. A system of observation and experimentation used to describe and explain phenomena. Scientific discovery takes a long time, and is the interconnection of many different studies and existing knowledge

Why? Why is it important? Through explanations and knowledge gained through science, we are able to improve our lives. What has science done for you? University of California, Berkeley

Products of Modern Science Electricity Observations and experimentation by Ben Franklin and Alessandro Volta in the 1700s pioneered the way for harnessing the power of electricity.

Products of Modern Science Modern Medicine Through science, we enjoy the benefits of: Vaccines Eradication of diseases such as smallpox Extended lives through the treatment of once deadly diseases Many people alive today are here because of the benefits that modern medicine provided them.

Products of Modern Science Modern Agriculture Science has played a key role in developing a safe and abundant food supply in developed countries. Specialized biologists (plant breeders) started developing high-yielding varieties of crops through new techniques in breeding. Today biotechnology plays an essential role in further transforming our food system, ensuring we have a plentiful and safe food supply for future generations.

Impact of Science on Society Those were some examples of products of modern science. Almost everything we enjoy today is the result of science. Science also enables us to make informed personal and policy decisions concerning health, agriculture, economics, etc. As a result, it is extremely important to understand science and distinguish between “bad science” and “good science”. Groups can take advantage of ignorance to push their agenda.

What is Science? The Scientific method

The Scientific Method As we discussed, science is a system of observation and experimentation. This system of observation and experimentation is the scientific method. The scientific method is the engine behind science. List out what you feel are the steps of the scientific process.

The Scientific Method General Principles Define a Question “How do I synthesize a pesticide to attack a specific pest?” Observe Information gathering (literature review) Forming of a Hypothesis “Getting pimples is unaffected by eating greasy food” Test the Hypothesis Perform an experiment and collect data. The experiment must be reproducible. Data Analysis Perform statistical analysis. Interpret the Data and its Implications This will provide a starting point for further hypotheses. Publish Results This allows others to learn about your discovery and develop further advanced research. Retest An important part of the scientific process is testing the work of others to ensure you get the same results.

What is Science? Hypothesis

Hypotheses After your observations/researching existing information about issue, you will form an educated guess to answer your question. Hypothesis is defined as: “a supposition or proposed explanation made on the basis of limited evidence as a starting point for further investigation”.

Hypotheses Basically, it is a suggested solution for an unexplained occurrence that does not fit into current accepted scientific theory. It must be worded so that it can be tested, and subsequently answered. This is called falsifiability and testability.

Hypotheses In order to make it testable, you express your hypothesis using an independent variable and dependent variable. Independent Variable (IV): variable you change Dependent Variable (DV): you observe changes of this variable with the changes of the IV.

Example Scientific experiment

Example Experiment Define a Question: “What happens if I water a plant with different liquids?” Information gathering: research on the methods water is absorbed through the plant Hypothesis: “Normal water with little to no additives is the most effective liquid to water”.

Types of Variables Independent Dependent Control This is the variable you change. You collect data on this variable based off of the changes you make to the independent variable. Unchanged, constant. 1 9 8 1 1 7 9 9 6 8 8 5 7 7 4 6 6 3 5 5 2 4 4 3 3 1 2 2 1 1 Example Using various liquids to “water” a plant versus your control: water. Example Plant height Example Type of plant, soil. Plant water

Example Scientific Experiment Raw Data Water Treatment (IV) Soda Orange Juice Vinegar Water Plant #1 10.2 12.4 4.5 19.8 Plant #2 12.6 11.9 6.7 21.5 Plant #3 11.7 10.5 5.9 21.9 Plant #4 9.8 11.3 6.4 22.3 Height (in)

Example Scientific Experiment Water Treatment (IV) Soda Orange Juice Vinegar Water Plant #1 10.2 12.4 4.5 19.8 Plant #2 12.6 11.9 6.7 21.5 Plant #3 11.7 10.5 5.9 21.9 Plant #4 9.8 11.3 6.4 22.3 Height (in) Data Analysis Soda Orange Juice Vinegar Water Mean 11.075 11.525 5.875 21.375 Standard Deviation (σ) 1.305 0.818 0.974 1.100

Implications/Conclusion What would your conclusion be given this data? Recommendations? Soda Orange Juice Vinegar Water Mean 11.075 11.525 5.875 21.375 Standard Deviation (σ) 1.305 0.818 0.974 1.100

The Next stage: Theories We have tested hypotheses – now what? The Next stage: Theories

Theories A scientific theory is a well-substantiated explanation for natural phenomena. Theory is the result of repeatedly testing and confirming hypotheses with the use of the scientific method. Hypothesis Hypothesis Scientific Theory Hypothesis Hypothesis

Theories The US National Academy of Sciences defines theories as: The formal scientific definition of theory is quite different from the everyday meaning of the word. It refers to a comprehensive explanation of some aspect of nature that is supported by a vast body of evidence. Many scientific theories are so well established that no new evidence is likely to alter them substantially.

Theories The common usage of the term theory does not reflect scientific theory.

Examples of Theories What are some examples of theories?

Examples of Theories Heliocentric theory The model in which the Earth and planets revolve around the Sun at the center of the Solar system. Is this a fact? It serves as an example of how many theories are well established and no new evidence can substantially alter them.

Examples of Theories Germ theory of disease: Cell theory: States that some diseases are caused by microorganism Cell theory: Cells are the basic unit of structure in all organisms and also the basic unit of reproduction.

Distinguishing: Hypotheses and Theories Suggested explanation for an observable phenomenon Prediction of a possible relationship between two events Very specific – focused on certain events Well-established, unified explanation Developed after a set of proven hypotheses Based on a wide set of data It is a general principle

Identifying Hypothesis or Theory? “If I add a certain amount of growth regulator to this plant, it will cease growing taller.”

Identifying Hypothesis Why? Specific Suggestion, prediction Predicting a correlation among events

Identifying Hypothesis or Theory? “Based on the studying of fossils and the modern distribution and reproduction of organisms, natural selection is how life has developed through the ages.”

Identifying Theory Why? General Well-substantiated, unified explanation Repeated testing, evidence

Activity

Activity In groups, develop a plan for a scientific experiment. Draw out and explain all the steps for the scientific theory for your experiment. Remember: the scientific process is methodical and intricate. It’s important to make sure the experiment is accurate.

Assessment

Assessment What is a scientific hypothesis? What are the steps of the scientific theory? Describe each step of the scientific theory Provide examples Compare and contrast hypotheses and theories