1. …and the Nature of Science
The Scientific Method
…and the Nature of Science

2. What is science?
Science is the total collection of knowledge gained by observation of the physical universe.
It tries to answer the questions "how" and "why."
It is a logical way of problem solving.
It is basically common sense.

3. The Scientific World View
The world is understandable - truth exists
Scientific theories are subject to change
Science cannot provide answers to all questions

4. Characteristics of Science
Science is a process
Scientific theories must be falsifiable
Scientific theories must be able to predict
Scientific experiments must be repeatable
Confidence in theories is not absolute

5. The Limitations of Science
Cannot make value judgments.
Cannot prove something doesn't exist (universal negative).
Scientific investigation is as limited as the instruments we use.

6. Inductive and Deductive Approaches
Inductive Approach
Empirical data leads to generalization
Experiments or observations lead to predictions about the future
Used by scientists trying to discover or explain phenomena
Deductive Approach
Observations lead to explanations about past events or observed phenomena
Post-dictions can be tested with experiments
Used by Police and CSI specialists

7. Inductive Approach Example
Empirical Data
The more times I water my grass during the week, the greener the grass becomes
Generalization
More water equals greener grass
This yields correlation only
not cause and effect

8. Deductive Approach Example
General idea
More water equals greener grass
Prediction
The more I water, the greener the grass will become
Experiment
Vary the amount of water and measure how green the grass becomes

9. Scientific Statements
Facts - things that are observable and indisputable.
Data - any piece of information; usually gained through experimentation.
Theories - explanations usually based on evidence (may be wrong).
Models - man-made ideas to help us visualize scientific concepts.
Laws - statements that describe patterns in nature with no known exceptions.

10. The Scientific Method Observe the situation Ask a question
Turn that question into a testable idea
Predict the outcome of your experiment
Perform your experiment
Analyze the results
Evaluate your idea or hypothesis

12. Systems of Measurement
English System of Measurement: is the one you use commonly, and includes pounds, feet, and gallons.
International System of Measurement or SI: is called the metric system in the US. It’s based on units of ten, and all science measurements use this system.
Know these SI units:
Meter - unit of length (about a yard)
Kilogram - unit of mass (about ½ a pound)
Liter - unit of volume (about a quart)
Celsius Degrees - temperature unit (about ½ degree F°)
Second - unit of time (same unit in metric, subdivides by tenths)

13. It’s All Greek to Me! Mono - 1 Duo/Di - 2 Tri - 3 Tetra - 4 Penta - 5
Hex/Hexa - 6
Hepta - 7
Octa - 8
Deca - 10
Hecaton 100

14. Friends, Romans, Countrymen!
1 - una
2 - duo
3 - tres, tria
4 - quattuor
5 - quinque
6 - sex
7 - septem
8 - octo
9 - novem
10 - decem
100 - centum
mille