1. Nature of Science & Scientific Investigations Physical Science Honors

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)
“Consensus” is reached when an idea/explanation is generally accepted within the scientific community.

4. 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
REPETITION & REPLICATION

5. Scientific Theories & Laws
Many people have the MISCONCEPTION that a theory is a scientific idea that will become a law when it is proven…
This is INCORRECT!
Scientific theories DO NOT become scientific laws! NEVER…ever…ever
theories and laws are two different things!

6. SCIENTIFIC LAW
A statement that describes what happens in nature consistently under a specific set of conditions.
A law will tell you what is expected to happen every time under those conditions.
A law will NOT tell you why it happens.
Ex: The Law of Gravity
On Earth, in the absence of an applied force, objects will fall toward the center of the Earth.

7. SCIENTIFIC THEORY Theories are used to explain laws.
An explanation of a natural phenomenon that is well supported by a substantial amount of testing and confirmation.
A theory will tell you why something happens (or our best attempt at an explanation)
Theories are used to explain laws.
Ex: The Theory of Gravity
Unequal distribution of mass causes a curvature of space-time which results in an apparent “attraction” between two objects with mass, often described as the “force” due to gravity.

8. Theory vs. Law Scientific LAWS describe WHAT happens
So…
Scientific LAWS describe WHAT happens
Scientific THEORIES explain WHY it happens
Sometimes, competing theories offer different explanations for the same law.
What happens then?
Further testing & confirmation, debate
If contradictory evidence is confirmed, a theory can be modified to fit the new evidence. Because theories are so well-supported, it is rare that they are completely discarded.

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

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

11. 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

12. 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

13. 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

14. 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

15. 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

16. 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