The Scientific Method …and the Nature of Science

What is science? Science is the total collection of knowledge gained by man's observation of the physical universe. Science is the total collection of knowledge gained by man's observation of the physical universe. It tries to answer the questions "how" and "why." It tries to answer the questions "how" and "why." It is a logical way of problem solving. It is a logical way of problem solving. It is basically common sense It is basically common sense

The Two Types of Science Pure Science - studying things for the sake of gaining knowledge; new discoveries. Pure Science - studying things for the sake of gaining knowledge; new discoveries. Applied Science - the use of pure science in practical ways (technology). Applied Science - the use of pure science in practical ways (technology).

The Limitations of Science Cannot make value judgments. Cannot make value judgments. Cannot prove something doesn't exist (universal negative). Cannot prove something doesn't exist (universal negative). Scientific investigation is as limited as the instruments we use. Scientific investigation is as limited as the instruments we use.

Scientific Statements Facts - things that are observable and indisputable. Facts - things that are observable and indisputable. Data - any piece of information; usually gained through experimentation. Data - any piece of information; usually gained through experimentation. Laws - statements that describe patterns in nature with no known exceptions. Laws - statements that describe patterns in nature with no known exceptions. Theories - explanations usually based on evidence (may be wrong). Theories - explanations usually based on evidence (may be wrong). Models - man-made ideas to help us visualize scientific concepts. Models - man-made ideas to help us visualize scientific concepts.

The Scientific Method Observe the situation Observe the situation Ask a question Ask a question Turn that question into a testable idea Turn that question into a testable idea Predict the outcome of your experiment Predict the outcome of your experiment Perform your experiment Perform your experiment Analyze the results Analyze the results Evaluate your idea or hypothesis Evaluate your idea or hypothesis

Scientific Experimentation An experiment is a controlled test to find the answer to a question. An experiment is a controlled test to find the answer to a question. Only one condition in an experiment is changed at a time. Only one condition in an experiment is changed at a time. a. The conditions that affect the outcome are called variables. a. The conditions that affect the outcome are called variables. b. Independent Variable - the one changed by the experimenter. b. Independent Variable - the one changed by the experimenter. c. Dependent Variable - the condition that changes because of above. c. Dependent Variable - the condition that changes because of above. Factors in experiments that do not change are called constants. Factors in experiments that do not change are called constants.

Scientific Experimentation Experiments have two parts: Experiments have two parts: a. Control Group - group under normal conditions (nothing unusual done to it). a. Control Group - group under normal conditions (nothing unusual done to it). b. Experimental Group - the test group in which variables are changed. b. Experimental Group - the test group in which variables are changed. The goal of an experiment is to predict what might happen in similar situations. The goal of an experiment is to predict what might happen in similar situations.

Systems of Measurement English System of Measurement: is the one you use commonly, and includes pounds, feet, and gallons. English System of Measurement: is the one you use commonly, and includes pounds, feet, and gallons. International System of Measurement or SI: is called the metric system in the United States. This system is based on units of ten, and all science measurements are made using this system. International System of Measurement or SI: is called the metric system in the United States. This system is based on units of ten, and all science measurements are made using this system. Know these SI units: Know these SI units: Meter - unit of length (about a yard) Meter - unit of length (about a yard) Kilogram - unit of mass (about ½ a pound) Kilogram - unit of mass (about ½ a pound) Liter - unit of volume (about a quart) Liter - unit of volume (about a quart) Celsius Degrees - unit of temperature (about ½ a degree F°) Celsius Degrees - unit of temperature (about ½ a degree F°) Second - unit of time Second - unit of time

Is it true that cannibals don't eat clowns because they taste funny? - Steven Wright Is it true that cannibals don't eat clowns because they taste funny? - Steven Wright It is an important and popular fact that things are not always what they seem. For instance, on the planet Earth, man had always assumed that he was more intelligent than dolphins because he had achieved so much -- the wheel, New York, wars and so on -- whilst all the dolphins had ever done was muck about in the water having a good time. But conversely, the dolphins had always believed that they were far more intelligent than man -- for precisely the same reasons. It is an important and popular fact that things are not always what they seem. For instance, on the planet Earth, man had always assumed that he was more intelligent than dolphins because he had achieved so much -- the wheel, New York, wars and so on -- whilst all the dolphins had ever done was muck about in the water having a good time. But conversely, the dolphins had always believed that they were far more intelligent than man -- for precisely the same reasons. - Douglas Adams - Douglas Adams Final Words