1. Scientific Inquiry

2. Science – from the Latin verb scire = “TO KNOW”
Science is not a list of facts, it is a constant process

3. All science is based on two assumptions…
1. The natural world behaves in a
consistent and predictable manner
2. Through careful, systematic study, we
can understand and explain the
natural world’s behavior

4. The Process of Scientific Inquiry

5. Hypothesis – a possible explanation based on gathered data.
Must be tested, analyzed, and retested
If repeated testing fails, hypothesis should be discarded
Example:
The Nebular Hypothesis

6. ScientificTheory Very well tested
Best explanation for certain observed facts
Widely accepted by scientific community
ScientificTheory
Example: The Theory of Plate Tectonics

7. Scientific Law Universal and invariable facts of the physical world
Can still be disproved if evidence is found!
Scientific Law
Example: The Law of Gravity

8. The Scientific Method

9. The 6 Steps: State the PROBLEM Conduct RESEARCH Formulate a HYPOTHESIS
Perform the EXPERIMENT
ANALYZE the results
Draw a CONCLUSION

10. Not a linear process  it’s cyclical!

11. Accuracy & Precision are both vital

12. ACCURACY: capable of providing a correct reading or measurement.
In science it means 'correct'.
A measurement is accurate if it correctly reflects the size of the thing being measured.
PRECISION: exact, as in performance, execution, or amount.
In science it means repeatable, reliable, getting the same measurement each time."