1. Physical Science
Chapter 1.1

2. Discover what science is
Objectives
Discover what science is
Describe the main branches of science and their relationship
Distinguish between laws and theories
Explain the significance of math and models in science

3. Harry Potter Magic? What is Science? Only for really smart people
Bunch of hard words we’ll never have to use
Something school makes you do
Harry Potter Magic?
Only for really smart people

4. Scientists describe universe using basic
rules, which can be discovered using
careful, methodical study
Science- is observing, studying, and
experimenting to find the nature of things
Science- a way of looking at the world and
interpreting it in a thoughtful, creative,
and logical manner
Science answers the question, “Why?” and is all about finding equilibrium

5. By nature, scientists are skeptical
Science is the search for facts not truth
By nature, scientists are skeptical

6. I. How does it take place
A. Investigate
B. Plan experiments
C. Observe
D. Test results
E. Has many branches- 2 main branches:
1. Social- including history,
sociology, psychology, etc.
2. Natural- chemistry, biology,
physics, anatomy and
physiology, etc.

7. 3. Physical Science- study of matter and
energy
a. Chemistry- study of matter
(interactions between matter)
b. Physics- study of energy
c. Earth/Space Science- third branch
included in this course, study of Earth
and its place in the universe
4. Technology- the application of science

8. II. Scientific Laws and Theories
A. Scientific Law- describes a process
in nature that can be tested by
repeated experiments
1. Its answers the question “Why?”
2. Allows predictions to be made
about how a system will behave
under a wide range of conditions
3. Generally accepted as fact
Theory vs. Law

9. B. Theory- provides an explanation of how a
process works
1. Answers the question how
2. An explanation that fits the facts- it
can be amended
3. To be valid (p. 8)
a. Must explain observations clearly
and consistently
b. Experiments that illustrate it must be
reportable
c. You must be able to predict from the
theory

10. C. Math can be used to describe physical events- quantitative analysis vs. qualitative
D. Models can represent physical events (like a working theory)
Models