1. Today’s Science in the Classroom What does Science mean to you?

2. Which is science? Astronomy The study of the stars and the whole universe Astrology The study of the influence of heavenly bodies on human affairs.

3. What is science? Science is a tool. “I have high cholesterol, what should I do?” –Take cholesterol lowering medication. –Consult your astrologer. –Pray to the god Baal and sacrifice a goat.

4. Definitions We need to have a standard definition of words in order to understand what we are talking about. “Widgets” Sometimes words have more than one meaning.

5. Your Definition Can it be changed? Real world examples Facts, Theories, and Laws Group Project: What are the differences and similarities between Facts, Theories and Laws?

6. Everyday Vs. Science Everyday Fact Something that is true Scientific Fact A fact is an observation

7. Everyday Vs. Science Everyday Theory An educated guess Theory = Hypothesis Hasn’t been tested Scientific Theory A synthesis of facts and well-tested hypothesis What is a hypothesis? In science, a hypothesis is an educated guess that can be tested!

8. Everyday Vs. Science Everyday Law Rules or regulations set by authority Scientific Law A theory that has been tested over and over and hasn’t been found false

9. Recap: Facts, Theories, and Laws What does the word “Theory” mean to you? Does it mean the same to a scientist? Is a Theory less than a Law? Do Theories “grow up” to be Laws?

10. Science Requirements Objective reality –We all see the same world. Constant Laws of Nature –What happens here, happens there. –What happened yesterday will happen tomorrow. The Cosmos is knowable.

11. Theories So: a theory is a highly successful hypothesis. All hypotheses make predictions. All theories make predictions. All theories can be tested. Result: Any scientific theory is subject to change! It can also be improved with new observations.

12. Repeatability A successful theory is repeatable. –By you and –By someone else. Examples: –Cold Fusion (1989) –Particles moving faster than the speed of light (2011)

13. Non-scientific Theories Make no predictions Un-testable Can’t be falsified Pseudoscience – theories that claim to be scientific but either are not testable, are not repeatable or not based on observations Examples: Infomercials Not repeatable Not based on observations that anyone can make

14. Non-scientific Theories Car won’t work?  Aliens drained the battery. Car won’t work?  Gods must be angry. Other ideas?

15. The Scientific Method 1.Observe an event. 2.Develop hypothesis which makes a prediction. 3.Test the prediction. 4.Observe the result. 5.Revise the hypothesis. 6.Repeat as needed. 7.A successful hypothesis becomes a Scientific Theory. model test

16. Everyday Science Scientific MethodCar Repair ObservationEngine won’t turn over. Hypothesis (prediction)Predict battery is dead. TestReplace battery. Observe resultEngine now turns over. Revise hypothesis?Not needed. New test?Not needed. Scientific TheoryCars won’t work without a fully charged battery.