1. The Nature of Science
How can you differentiate between science and non-science using the scientific method?

2. Observation vs Inference
What can you observe?
What can you infer?

3. All science is a process of inquiry
What is SCIENCE?
All science is a process of inquiry
We can only study problems in the natural world that can be understood using the processes of science
Scientists use the 5 senses to observe and evaluate
Theories can change; we don’t have all the answers or solutions!
Talk about theories vs laws before cell theory

4. Observation Vs Inference
Based your senses
Of the statements you wrote down, which are observations?
Why are these observations?
Educated guess based in evidence
Of the statements, which are inferences?
Why are these inferences?

5. Review: Observation vs Inference
What can you observe?
What can you infer?

6. 6 Criteria of Science “CONPAT”
Consistency: the results of repeated observations and/or experiments concerning a naturally occurring event are reasonably the same

7. 6 Criteria of Science “CONPAT”
Observable: the event under study can be observed and explained using our senses

8. 6 Criteria of Science “CONPAT”
Natural: a natural cause must be used to explain why or how the naturally occurring event happens.
Scientists cannot use supernatural explanations as to why or how naturally occurring events happen
Reference to the supernatural is outside the realm of science

9. 6 Criteria of Science “CONPAT”
Predictable: the cause of the naturally occurring event can be used to make specific predictions
Based on your observations, you can make predictions (hypotheses)

10. 6 criteria of Science “CONPAT”
Able to change: scientific theories are subject to revision and correction, even to the point of the theory being proven wrong.
Scientific theories will be continue to be modified to consistently explain observations of naturally occurring events
As technology improves, so does our ability to make better observations

11. 6 Criteria of Science “CONPAT”
Testable: the cause of the naturally occurring event must be testable through the processes of science
You must be able to measure it in some way!
References to the supernatural events or causes are not relevant tests

12. Non-Science
An area of knowledge which does not meet the criteria of science (CONPAT)
Topics areas may be very logical and based on good reasoning, but simply do not fall within the realm of science
Examples: personal opinions

13. So, what makes something scientific?
False-Science
Also known as “pseudoscience”
It can be portrayed and advertised as legitimate science by its followers and supporters
Phenomena conflict with known physical laws
Example: fortune-telling
So, what makes something scientific?

14. Turn & Talk-Check For Understanding
Are each of the following statements scientific or not? Why?
Walking under a ladder causes bad luck.
Some plants eat meat.
All life comes from life and nothing else.
All living things are made of cells.

15. Check for Understanding
Tell whether the statement IS or IS NOT a scientific statement.
Walking under a ladder causes bad luck.
NOT scientific! Meets none of the criteria.

16. Check for Understanding
Tell whether the statement IS or IS NOT a scientific statement.
2. Some plants eat meat.
This IS scientific! We can OBSERVE this, and it meets all of the remaining criteria too.

17. Check for Understanding
Tell whether the statement IS or IS NOT a scientific statement.
3. Life comes from life, and it doesn’t come from anywhere else.
This IS scientific! It meets all the criteria.

18. Check for Understanding
Tell whether the statement IS or IS NOT a scientific statement.
4. All living things are made of cells.
This IS scientific! It meets all the criteria.

19. The Scientific Method
The scientific method is a cycle that scientists follow that ensures the criteria of science (CONPAT) are met
All steps can be repeated.
There is no beginning or end of the cycle.

20. Scientific Method
Question
The Scientific Method

21. Observations vs. Inferences
Observations: use only the senses to describe (NEVER taste)
Inferences: a conclusion that you have based on evidence and reasoning
*Expand your concept map from “question” so that it somehow includes this information!
Question
Inference
Observe

22. Scientific Method
Question
Form Hypothesis

23. Making a Hypothesis
Hypothesis: a testable prediction based on your observations
An inference can become a hypothesis
Why is a hypothesis testable?
Phrased as an “if.., then…” statement
If I go to bed early, then I won’t wake up as tired.
Usually an inference can become a hypothesis

24. Scientific Method
Question
Form Hypothesis
Test/ Experiment

25. Performing Experiments
There are several important parts to any experiment:
Independent Variable: what you’re testing; what you manipulate
Dependent Variable: the result; what you look for
Constant: anything that doesn’t change
Control: basis for comparison; you don’t change anything; “standard” conditions
*Add these to your concept map (test/experiment)
Define Independent, dependent, constant, control

26. Performing Experiments
Test/
Experiment
Control
Independent Variable
Constant
Dependent Variable

27. Scientific Method Analyze Data Question Form Hypothesis
Test/ Experiment
Analyze Data

28. Analyze Data What were the results of your experiment?
Do you see patterns or trends in your data?

29. Scientific Method Evaluate Results Question Form Hypothesis
Test/ Experiment
Analyze Data
Evaluate Results

30. Evaluating Your Results
Time to reach conclusions
What did you learn during the experiment?
Did your results match your hypothesis?
What do you do if your results don’t match your hypothesis?

31. Check for Understanding
Where does the scientific method begin and end?
Why is the scientific method considered a cycle?

32. Mystery Box C – level 2 working with partner H- ask three before me
A- Without opening them, try to guess what is in each box!
M- remain at the appropriate mystery box until instructed to move
P- working with your partner, complete your own activity sheet
Success!
Observations / inferences / conclusion (how could I test?)
Science is repetition , inquiry