Chapter 1: The Nature of Science Section 1: What is Science?

Science A process used to investigate what is happening around you Used to provide possible answers to questions Has been around for many years

Using Prior Knowledge Inferences – Using what you know to draw conclusions Observations – Using the five senses to draw conclusions

Technology The application of science to make products or tools that people can use Changed over time – Ex. Computers, Televisions, Microwaves, Phones, Music Players, Medicine

Communication in Science Scientific Journals – Published research papers – Shares scientific results and conclusions – Often online or part of digital collections Online Blogs, Wikis, or Websites – Useful tools scientists can use to share information, experiments, and ideas

Chapter 1 Section 2: Doing Science

Scientific Method Recognize or State the Problem Form a Hypothesis Test Hypothesis (Experiment) Analyze Data Draw Conclusions Communicate Results

How Can the Problems Be Solved? Descriptive Research – Answers scientific questions through observation Experimental Research Design – Answers scientific questions through testing hypotheses Scientific Methods – Ways or steps to follow to try to solve problems

Bias Good investigations avoid bias When scientists expect certain results during an experiment To avoid bias: – Use careful measurements – Use a random sample – Conduct multiple trials

Using Proper Materials It is important to use up-to-date scientific materials – Balances, spring scales, microscopes, metric rulers Leads to more accurate data

Using Models Represent things that happen too slowly, too quickly, are too big or too small to observe directly Save time and money

Scientific Measurement International System of Units – SI – Based on multiples of ten – Prefix + Measurement

Common SI Measurements

Common SI Prefixes

Data Information collected in an experimented Put into a Data Table – Organized into Columns and Rows Data is then Analyzed – Charts and Graphs Data is then communicated – Presentations, Journals, Posters, etc.

Experimental Research Design Form a hypothesis – Prediction or statement that can be tested Variables – Aspects of the experiment that can be changed Independent Variable – Variable that is changed in an experiment Dependent Variable – Variable that is measured in an experiment

Experimental Research Design Variables (Continued) – Constants Variables that stay the same in an experiments Control Group – A sample in an experiment that is treated like the other experimental groups, except that the independent variable is not applied – Provides validity, or reliability, to the experiment

Validity Reliability of an experiment Can be insured by – Conducting multiple trials – Having a control group – Avoiding bias

Chapter 1 Section 3: Science and Technology

Technological Advances Technology is constantly changing Makes life more convenient Influences your daily life

Technology is the Product of Many Historical scientists and scientists today have contributed to our ideas of technology. Men, women, old, young, and people of different race and culture have contributed to scientific discovery.

Information Technology The globalization or worldwide distribution of information via digital media Has literally made the world a smaller place