1. An introduction to thinking about Science
Our Science World
An introduction to thinking about Science

2. Many people think that all Science is too difficult and completely out of reach. In reality Science is all around us in our every day lives. Science is about questioning, investigating, discovering and trying to understand the world around us. Scientists use their understanding to create new inventions or propose new theories about the world. Have a look around the room you are in right now and list as many objects as you can that would have used Science to create them.
What is Science?

3. Science Branches of Science Physics Astronomy Biology Geology
Mechanics
Branches of Science
Forces
Electronics
Astrophysics
Physics
Palaeontology
Astronomy
Science
Ecology
Entomology
Seismology
Geology
Chemistry
Biology
Botany
Biochemistry
Physiology
Toxicology
Pharmacy
Oncology
Do you know what scientists would be investigating if they studied the topics in the blue-grey boxes?

4. Do you think that psychology (the study of behaviour) is a branch of Science? Some people say it is and some say it isn’t.

5. A Scientist is someone who carries out Science, that is, they question, investigate, discover and try to explain the world around us. Scientists can be inventors or try to create new ideas or discoveries about the world we live in. I believe there is a Scientist in all of us. If you have ever wondered how something works or why it behaves the way it does, then you are on your way to thinking like a Scientist. Have you ever tried to invent something? Name one object you would like to invent. Have you ever discovered anything new? Name something you would like to discover.
The Scientist
In your opinion, what are the top 5 greatest inventions or discoveries of all time? Which would you find it hard to live without?

6. The Scientist
What does a Scientist look like? Have a go at drawing a typical Scientist.
Did your Scientist have a white coat and glasses?
Was your scientist male?
Nearly all of the Scientists used so far in this powerpoint have glasses, a lab coat and are male. Why do you think that Scientist’s are so regularly depicted this way when in reality they look like you and me?
Name some famous Scientists.

7. How does a Scientist work?
Scientists are always making observations. They have to use all their senses to collect as much accurate information as they can in order to make their discoveries. Note: which sense do we not use during School Science Classes?
Above everything else, Scientist have to be careful to record what they observe and not what they think they observe, or what they expect to observe. This is not always so easy. What do you observe with your sense of sight in the following slide?

9. How does a Scientist work?
When working Scientifically a Scientist must not only be careful when observing (so they don’t make a mistake and gather the wrong information), but they must design a valid investigation. A valid investigation allows them to gather the information they need. Have a look at the next cartoon and suggest why this research project is not at all valid.

11. Scientific inventions
Believe it or not, quite often scientists can make new discoveries purely by accident. Penicillin (used to fight infections) was discovered this way.

12. What is in a Science laboratory?
When conducting an investigative experiment, scientist usually work in a laboratory. Even if they make observations outside the laboratory, they will often bring their results back for further investigation. For example chemists might bring back water samples to test its quality. Scientists use specific equipment. Have you seen some of these items before? What do you think they would they be used for?
What is in a Science laboratory?

13. What does Science mean to you?
How does Science impact on your life? Think about your favourite sport, hobby or passtime. Make a list of all the Scientific inventions or discoveries that would have needed to be made in order for you to enjoy this activity. For example, if you like snow skiing then you could start with meteorologists that prepare a snow report each morning. You could also think about the designer of the skis – how would they test skis to know they were the fastest or most manageable skis? Chemists would have developed the sun screen you have to wear so you don’t get burnt from the UV rays. This is just a start…see how you go with your favourite thing…

14. Where will Science take us in the future?

16. Our Science World References
Kim, Nick [no date] Nearing Zero retrieved from website January 2004.