1. What is Science?

2. 2. Gather Information (Research)
Scientific Method
Example:
What is irritating the cat’s skin?
Observe cat behavior and called owner
1. State the Problem
2. Gather Information (Research)

3. 3. Form Hypothesis (educated guess)
Scientific Method
Example:
If the cat litter is changed, then the skin irritation will decrease.
3. Form Hypothesis (educated guess)

4. Scientific Method Example: 4. Experiment
Control: cat with deodorant litter
I.V. – cat without deodorant litter
D.V. – Amount of irritated skin
Constants: cats, amount of litter, and others.
4. Experiment
Control: Comparison group
Independent Variable: What is being tested / changed
Dependent Variable: What is being measured
Constants: Anything that is kept the same throughout experiment

5. Scientific Method Example: 5. Collect & Analyze Data
Number of sores, Size of sores, Frequency of scratching
Deodorant in cat litter most likely caused skin irritation.
5. Collect & Analyze Data
6. Conclusion

6. Hypothesis not correct
Scientific Method
Repeat Experiment Back to step 4
Form New Hypothesis Back to step 3
Hypothesis not correct
Hypothesis correct

7. Types of Science
Physical Science is the study of matter and energy
Examples:
Chemistry
Physics

8. Types of Science
2. Life Science is the study of living things Examples: Zoology Botany

9. Types of Science
3. Earth Science is the study of Earth & Space Examples: Geology Astronomy

10. Theory or Law?
Theory – NOT a guess, but it is an explanation based on MANY observations and experiments
Examples: Cell theory, Big Bang theory, Plate Tectonic theory
Law – Statement about how things work in nature that seem to be true all of the time
Examples: Law of conservation of mass, Newton’s Laws of Motion
Theories and Laws can change over time