1. SCIENTIFIC KNOWLEDGE Bridge Physical Science

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. Scientific knowledge is TENTATIVE (open to change)
Science CANNOT Prove
Scientific knowledge is TENTATIVE
(open to change)
Science cannot “prove” an explanation
This eliminates the possibility for change
Science can “support” an explanation 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.
A heavily-tested and well-supported explanation of a natural phenomenon.
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