1. SCIENTIFIC KNOWLEDGE 8th Science Advanced

2. Scientific Knowledge
Science is not a list of facts and information to be memorized!
Scientific knowledge grows and changes as new understanding evolves
Scientific explanations are based on EMPIRICAL EVIDENCE.
Cumulative body of observations of a natural phenomenon

3. SCIENTIFIC KNOWLEDGE is the result of:
Testing and Observation
Debate (argumentation)
Confirmation (repetition and replication)
So, what happens when the majority of the science community agrees on an idea?

4. CONSENSUS
The scientific community tries to reach a CONSENSUS, or general agreement.
Through scientific confirmation (repetition & replication)
Does NOT mean we “confirm” that we got the right answer!

5. Science CANNOT Prove Scientific knowledge is TENTATIVE
(open to change)
Science cannot “prove” an explanation
This eliminates the possibility for change
Science can “support” a conclusion or theory
This is done through scientific CONFIRMATION

6. SCIENTIFIC THEORIES
A scientific THEORY is a heavily-tested and well-supported explanation of a natural phenomenon.
A theory is different from a law…it will never become a law, nor is it intended to.
LAW – DESCRIBES WHAT happens
THEORY – EXPLAINS WHY it happens

7. Because theories are heavily-tested and well-supported:
SCIENTIFIC THEORIES
Because theories are heavily-tested and well-supported:
Theories are RARELY discarded or abandoned
They are continuously tested
They are modified or expanded to account for new evidence
Theories provide our BEST explanations for natural phenomena

8. SCIENTIFIC MODELS Representation of an object, idea, or process
Scientists often use MODELS as a tool to understand an object or idea.
3-D representation
2-D diagram
Physical Analogy
Theoretical Analogy or Metaphor

9. Scientific Models BENEFITS LIMITATIONS Money Safety
Opportunity/Convenience
Communication
LIMITATIONS
Can Create Misconceptions
Can Introduce Error
Often Based on Assumptions

10. So…What IS Science?
SCIENCE is a limited discipline that studies only naturally occurring events, while offering natural explanations for the phenomenon under study.
The characteristics of science:
- Consistent - Predictable
- Observable - Testable
Natural - Tentative
CONPTT

11. Science is ONE Tool
We have many “tools” we use to understand our lives/world
Science is one of these tools, along with art, philosphy, religion, etc…
Science is about questioning
asking questions, searching for answers, discovering new questions
Science is limited in what it can help us understand
Just like some tools are useful for some jobs, but not others

12. What are the Limits of Science?
Science Cannot:
Answer questions about the supernatural world or understand matters of faith, artistic expression, feeling, etc…(untestable or unobservable, subjective)
Science Can:
Investigate questions about the NATURAL world and explain observable/testable topics

13. What are the Limits of Science?
Science Cannot:
“Prove” an idea
Science Can:
Provide evidence that supports or disputes an idea and offers a tentative explanation

14. What are the Limits of Science?
Science Cannot:
Disregard evidence or assume outcomes without testing
Science Can:
Offer explanations to make sense of the empirical evidence and predict likely outcomes

15. Identifying “PSEUDOSCIENCE”
PSEUDOSCIENCE refers to areas of study that may make use of scientific concepts but whose conclusions and explanations do not exhibit the characteristics of science (CONPTT).
Examples