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Chapter 1 About Science About Physics http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eQR1r1KTjaE
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Scientific Method Scientific Method 1) Recognize a Question 2) Make educated guess (hypotheses) 3) Predict consequences of hypotheses 4) Perform experiments or make calculations to test predictions 5) Formulate the simplest general rule that organizes: hypotheses, predicted effects, experimental findings
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Fact - close agreement by competent observers who make same observations about a phenomenon. Law – tested over and over again and has not been contradicted Says “this is what happens” A generalization Based on observation alone Theory - synthesis of a large body of information that encompasses well- tested and verified hypotheses about certain aspects of the natural world An attempt to explain something Says “this happens because…” Science constantly changes! Only when solid experimental evidence exists This does not weaken science…. It makes it the best way to view and evaluate information
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The most important lesson of the year BE SCIENTIFIC IN YOUR THINKING Base opinions/claims on evidence What is unscientific about these claims? Intelligent life exists on other planets in the universe The alignment of the planets in the sky determines the best time for making decisions The government planned the attacks on 9/11 They all cannot be proven wrong! A good scientific claim is able to BE PROVEN WRONG There must be a test for falseness
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The essence of science is expressed in two questions: How would we know? And what evidence would prove this idea wrong? Assertions without evidence are unscientific and can be dismissed without evidence
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Hypotheses/Claims must be… Testable Repeatable Not based in opinion Backed by evidence Able to be proven wrong Bad Science Bad Science
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Scientific Honesty / Integrity All science is subjected to a rigorous amount of review Peer review Repeat trials Science self-regulates b/c a discredited scientist does not get a second chance Bad Science “Vaccines linked to Autism” “Vaccines linked to Autism Tobacco Companies – “Tobacco is not addictive” Oil Companies – “Climate Change is due to natural processes” The Earth is 5000 – 6000 years old. Vibram – Five Fingers Lawsuit Vibram – Five Fingers
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Pseudoscience / Conspiracy Theories Impossible to prove wrong This is not a good thing Pick and choose information Based in belief, not in evidence/science Just b/c something can’t be proven wrong, doesn’t mean that it is right
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Famous Conspiracy Theories?? Pearl Harbor 9/11 Kennedy Assassination Sandy Hook Moon Landing Hoax Moon Landing Hoax Assorted Alien Conspiracy Theories
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Science ‘The intellectual and practical activity encompassing the systematic study of the structure and behavior of the physical and natural world through observation and experiment’
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Physics The study of matter & energy Essentially the study of everything
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