Global Perspectives Section 1.2 – Using Science to Solve Environmental Problems

In order to solve environmental problems, we must first understand our environment.

The most effective tool that humans have developed for accurately understanding the natural world is science.

There are two basic types of science: 1. Pure science 2. Applied science

PURE SCIENCE This type of science seeks to answer questions about how the natural world works. Physics and biology are examples.

APPLIED SCIENCE This type of science uses the information provided by pure science to solve a problem. Engineering and medicine are examples.

Environmental science is an applied science. Many different sciences contribute to environmental science and are needed to solve environmental problems.

One of the most important foundations of environmental science is Ecology. Ecologist study how living things interact with each other and with their nonliving environments.

In order to find answers, scientists use methods – scientific methods – that have been found to provide accurate, reliable answers.

Six steps to the scientific method: 1. Observing

OBSERVING Scientific experimentation always begins with and rests on a solid foundation of observation. Good observations include detailed and accurate descriptions. Many scientists have answered important and fundamental scientific questions by simply observing.

Six steps to the scientific method: 1. Observing 2. Hypothesizing

HYPOTHESIZING Observations give us answers to questions about the natural world, but they almost always give rise to still more questions. When a scientist wants to know the answer to a very specific question, forming a hypothesis that can be tested is usually the best way to find an answer. A hypothesis is an educated guess that guides scientists in their experimentation.

Six steps to the scientific method: 1. Observing 2. Hypothesizing 3. Experimenting

EXPERIMENTING Many times, the questions that arise from observations cannot be answered conclusively from general observations. In these cases, scientists may do experiments to find answers. In an experiment, hypothesis is tested in a controlled environment.

Six steps to the scientific method: 1. Observing 2. Hypothesizing 3. Experimenting 4. Organizing and Interpreting Data

ORGANIZING AND INTERPRETING DATA By keeping accurate records, scientists can use mathematics to determine the meaningfulness of their experimentation.

Six steps to the scientific method: 1. Observing 2. Hypothesizing 3. Experimenting 4. Organizing and Interpreting Data 5. Using Graphics and Sharing Information

USING GRAPHICS AND SHARING INFORMATION Organizing data into graphic illustrations helps scientists analyze the data and explain it clearly to others.

Six steps to the scientific method: 1. Observing 2. Hypothesizing 3. Experimenting 4. Organizing and Interpreting Data 5. Using Graphics and Sharing Information 6. Communicating Results

Communicating results After the scientist has analyzed his or her data and has determined that what has been learned from the work is important enough to be of interest to other scientists, the results must be published