1. What is Science?

2. Inquiry is at the heart of science.
What is Science?
Science = Latin “to know”
Inquiry is at the heart of science.
Inquiry: search for information and explanation
Two main processes:
Discovery science
Hypothesis-based science

3. Discovery Science
Describes nature through observation and analysis of data
Data = recorded observations
Qualitative and quantitative
Inductive reasoning: derive generalizations based on specific observations

4. Hypothesis-Based Science
Hypothesis: makes predictions that can be tested by recording more observations or experiments
AP Biology: “If … , then … because…”
Results can either support or refute the hypothesis
Not “My hypothesis is correct”

5. The Myth of the Scientific Method
Published research articles follow the steps of the “textbook” scientific method
Most scientific inquiries don’t follow this structured form
Scientists can be working with the wrong hypothesis and have to redirect research
Discovery science - contributes to understanding of nature without using the “scientific method”

6. Experiments Hypothesis Use control and experimental groups Design:
Independent variable (IV)
Dependent variable (DV)
Control
Constants
# Trials

7. Hypothesis / Theory / Law
Explanation to specific question
Tested by experiment or continued observation
Can be disproven, but not can’t proven to be true
Theory
Summarizes group of hypothesis supported by repeated testing
Broader in scope
New hypotheses can be generated from it
Supported by massive body of evidence
Scientific Law
Statement of fact
Explains things, but doesn’t describe them
Generally accepted to be true and universal
Basis for scientific method

8. Science Practices for AP Bio
Use representations and models to communicate and solve problems
Use mathematics appropriately
Pose scientific questions to extend thinking or guide investigations
Plan and implement data collection
Analyze data and evaluate evidence
Work with scientific explanations and theories
Connect and relate knowledge across scales and domains

9. Video clip: What is Science?
HHMI Lecture (12:27-14:18)