Physical Science Chapter 2 – The Scientific Method

Chapter Objectives 1. Discuss the steps of the scientific method and apply them to real-world situations 2. Evaluate the types of data in experimentation and suggest ways data can be corrupted or misinterpreted 3. Use theories and laws to establish workable scientific activities 4. Emphasize the importance of communication in scientific endeavors 5. List and give examples for each of the limitations of science, especially as they relate to origins and value judgments.

Scientific Method The Scientific Method is a ___________, __________ approach to finding a solution or explanation of a problem.

Scientific Method 1. Clearly __________ and __________ the problem  Keep it simple 2. Form a __________  Hypothesis – a proposed __________ to the __________  Requires __________  More than an “____________ __________”

Scientific Method 3. Perform ___________  __________ experiment – an experiment where all factors in the experiment are controlled except one experimental factor (___________)  The group(s) with the variable are called __________ groups  The group without the variable are called __________ group

Scientific Method  Information gathered from the experiment is called ___________  __________________ data – non-numerical data such as color, texture, etc.  __________________ data – numerical data such as measurements  Scientists use controlled experiments that collect quantitative data as much as possible to propose solution to problems

Scientific Method 5. _________ the data  Information is analyzed by classifying and organizing the data so that trends and patterns can be seen

Scientific Method 6. Make a ___________  Using the data, scientists come up with a solution to the problems  Good conclusions should: 1. Relate to the __________________ 2. Account for the __________________ 3. Predict the __________________ 4. Stay as __________________ as possible

Scientific Method 7. _____________ the conclusion  _____________ the experiment to verify the conclusion  Use the conclusion to make ____________ for future experiments

Theories vs. Laws  __________ a partially verified idea that ties together a number of different observations. They attempt to explain ____________ for observations  Where did we come from?  ____________ describe consistent patterns in nature _____________ observations)

Science and the Bible  The Bible is not a science textbook!  However, it does have some science information in it.  All science falls into 1 of 3 categories:  It may __________ the Bible and is __________  It may _______ with the Bible and it is _______  It may not be discussed in the Bible and is either __________ of __________

Limitations of Science  Can only deal with the __________ world – only what can be observed  Is limited by the person who practices it.  Cannot establish __________  Cannot prove __________ statement – all, none, every, not every, etc.  Cannot deal with __________ judgments.