1. Chapter 1, Section 2 The Nature of Science
The Study of Life
Chapter 1, Section 2
The Nature of Science

2. What is Science?
Science is a body of knowledge based on the study of nature.
Scientific inquiry is both a creative process and a process rooted in unbiased observations and experimentation.
Chapter 1, Section 2

3. What Science is Not!
Claims not supported by scientific explanations are not science
Astrology, horoscopes, psychic reading, tarot and palm reading, physiognomy, and phrenology are all non-science
These practices are called pseudosciences and are often driven by cultural and economic factors
Pseudoscience tries to imitate real science, but is not based on scientific observation
Notice how “non-science” sounds like “nonsense”! Physiognomy is the act of judging a person’s character by physical features, phrenology is reading the bumps on a person’s head to determine character
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4. Character istics of Science
Uses scientific theory
Expands scientific knowledge
Challenges accepted theories
Questions results
Tests claims
Undergoes peer review
Uses metric system
Students can make a graphic organizer for this.
Chapter 1, Section 2

5. Scientific Theory
A theory is an explanation of a natural phenomenon supported by many observations and experiments over time.
A theory is a generally accepted scientific principle
Cell Theory – Cells are the basis of all life, all things are composed of cells, Theory of Evolution, Atomic theory – matter is made of atoms, how atoms are constructed
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6. Expands Scientific Knowledge
Most scientific fields are guided by research that results in a constant reevaluation of what is known.
This reevaluation often leads to new knowledge that scientists then evaluate.
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7. Challenges Accepted Theories
Scientists welcome debate about one another’s ideas.
Sciences advance by accommodating new information as it is discovered.
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8. Questions Results
Observations or data that are not consistent with current scientific understanding are of interest to scientists.
These inconsistencies often lead to further investigations.
The wings of a bat were once thought to resemble a bird’s wing. Closer observation showed that they resemble a human hand.
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9. Tests Claims
Science-based information makes claims based on a large amount of data and observations obtained from unbiased investigations and carefully controlled experimentation.
Chapter 1, Section 2

10. Peer Review
Peer review is a process by which the procedures used during an experiment and the results are evaluated by other scientists who are in the same field or who are conducting similar research.
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11. The Metric System
The metric system uses units with divisions that are powers of ten.
The metric system is also known as the International System of Units or SI
In biology, the most common SI units are the meter (length), liter (volume), gram (mass), and second (time)
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12. Science in Your Life
Almost every aspect of your life is somehow affected by science
Forensics, medical advances, space exploration, and agriculture are a few examples
In today’s world, scientific literacy is a necessity
A person who is scientifically literate combines a basic understanding of science and its processes with reasoning and thinking skills
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13. Biology Fighting Diseases
medicine is one of the most direct ways that progress in biology affect our lives
AIDS
the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is a virus that destroys the immune system, causing acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS)
AIDS patients can not defend against infection
Cancer
cancer is a growth disorder of cells that occurs when cells divide uncontrollably
diet and exposure to chemicals can effect susceptibility to certain types of cancer
Cystic Fibrosis
cystic fibrosis is a fatal disorder in which abnormally thick mucus build up in organs
CF is caused by a defective gene that effects the cells ability to pump chloride ions
Students just need to know about these diseases, not the details about them.
Chapter 1, Section 2

14. Ethics Ethics are a set of moral principles or values
Some advances in science raise ethical issues for a society
Genetic engineering, cloning, euthanasia, cryonics, global warming, deforestation, and pollution are examples
Click on euthanasia video clip on this slide
Chapter 1, Section 2

15. Assignment
Complete Section 1.2 Assessment on pg. 15 (1-6) in your notebook
Refer to page 1114 for help with question 6
Complete pages 5-7 in your Science Notebook
Chapter 1, Section 2

16. a body of knowledge about a natural phenomenon
1.2 Formative Questions
What is a theory?
a body of knowledge about a natural
phenomenon
a creative tool for designing investigations
explanation
a scientific inquiry that seeks to provide an
an explanation supported by observations
and experiments

17. Scientists discard observations and
1.2 Formative Questions
True or False
Scientists discard observations and
data that are not consistent with current
scientific understanding.

18. A scientist wants to report the findings from
1.2 Formative Questions
A scientist wants to report the findings from
her investigations. Before her information can
be published, what must it go through?
forensics
peer review
scientific methods
the metric system

19. What do issues such as AIDS, global
1.2 Formative Questions
What do issues such as AIDS, global
warming, genetic engineering, and cloning
have in common?
They involve ethics.
They involve forensics.
They must be addressed by scientists.
They require the metric system.