Section 2.1 The Scientist’s Mind

Observance: Scientists observe their surroundings Observance: Scientists observe their surroundings. They ask questions, make predictions, and gather evidence. This helps them learn about a process or explain a phenomenon.

Creativity: Scientists speculate, or hypothesize, to explain their observations and evidence. They think of new ways to test their ideas.

Skepticism: Scientists keep an open mind to new explanations and to unexpected evidence. This helps them avoid preconceptions or missed discoveries.

Cooperation: Scientists share information, evidence, and hypotheses with each other. This helps them pool resources for the best results.

Scientific Methods of Inquiry Section 2.2 Scientific Methods of Inquiry

Section 2.2 Identify question Develop hypothesis Find evidence Test evidence Formulate theory Present theory for peer review

2. After step 6, then what? After a scientist presents his or her theory for peer review, he or she may decide to do more work on the theory, if the peer review says more work is needed; or, the scientist may find that another question has grown out of the work and decide to pursue that question.

Section 2.3 Scientists’ Tools

Rock hammer: split rocks to gather rock samples; geology Earth drill: get material from underground; geology Laser rangefinder: measure distance; geology Aerovane: measure wind speed and direction; meteorology Telescope: study stars and planets; astronomy Radar: get large-scale view of weather patterns; metorology Computer: analyze data; all fields Satellite: map Earth from space; all fields

Suppose you are outfitting your school’s science room Suppose you are outfitting your school’s science room. What tools would you buy first and why? We need a computer, rock hammer, GPS Unit with software, telescope, and thermometer. With these tools, I could gather samples, view far away objects, measure temperature, and quickly analyze my data.