Introduction to Science /

Branches of Science  There are three main branches of science: a. Physical science (physics, chemistry, etc) b. Life science (biology, physiology, etc) c. Earth science (meteorology, astronomy, etc)

Earth Science  Earth Science includes Meteorology - the study of the atmosphere and the processes that produce weather Astronomy - the study of the universe Geology – the study of the earth’s materials Geography?

Science is interdisciplinary Many types of scientific research require blending the three main branches An ecologist might study how climate (earth science) affects animals (life science) An paleontologist might study how a volcano (earth science) impacted the animals living in the vicinity (life science)

Check-up How do the branches of science function independently and interdependently to help us understand our world?

Scientific methods Scientists use different research methods or processes in different situations. All science is based on observation of facts

The Nature of Science  Science assumes the natural world is Consistent Predictable  Goal of science To discover patterns in nature To use the knowledge to predict

Check-up If scientists often use different processes in their research, what commonalities make all these processes scientific? Are horoscopes scientific? Why or why not?

physical science assumptionsgoalsmaterials investigated life science earth science

Scientific Inquiry Scientists usually begin by making an observation. “Hey, it seems like the clouds usually turn gray before it rains.” From that observation, they might ask a question. “What causes the clouds to turn gray?”

Scientific Inquiry From their questions, scientists begin to create ideas. “I think the clouds turn grey because they’re more filled with water and that water blocks the sunlight from passing through and reaching our eyes.”

Scientific Inquiry  An idea can become a Hypothesis Theory  So, what does that mean?

Scientific Terminology Hypothesis A possible explanation for an observation or possible answer to a scientific question A hypothesis is not a random guess. A hypothesis must be testable!

Scientific Inquiry Theory A well-tested explanation for a wide- range of observations or scientific investigations. A hypothesis may eventually become a theory. Or many hypotheses might be combined into a theory. Examples: relativity, biological evolution

Scientific Inquiry A theory is not the same as a law. A scientific law describes some aspect of how the physical universe operates. It describes what scientists expect to happen every time under a defined set of circumstances. Examples: gravity, conservation of energy

Check-up In science, what is the difference between a hypothesis, a theory and a law? Why is evolution called a theory? Is evolution also a hypothesis? Why or why not? Is evolution also a law? Why or why not?

Compare and Contrast Matrix certainty / complexity / amount of testing hypothesis theory law

Term DefinitionCharacteristics Examples Non-examples

Frayer Diagrams Complete for hypothesis, theory and law

Scientific Inquiry So, how does a scientist test a hypothesis? Hypotheses can be tested by scientific research (experiments or other scientific investigations)

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