1. Ms. Pollock 8th Grade Physical Science 2009 - 2010
The Nature of Science
Ms. Pollock
8th Grade Physical Science

2. What Is Science? Science is a way of learning about the natural world.
Why, how, or when?
Observation very important

3. Asking Questions
With science, we can answer questions about the natural world.
We cannot answer questions that involve emotion or beliefs.
Science answers questions that are measureable and verifiable.

4. Possible Explanations
The questions we ask are answered with available information.
It is impossible to know everything.
Explanations change as new information is obtained.

5. Example
Once believed that Apollo rode a chariot across the sky, was sun
Now we know Earth rotates and revolves around the sun.

6. Scientific Theories
Scientific theory: an attempt to explain a pattern observed repeatedly in the natural world
Not just a guess
Observation
investigation
Best explanation so far
Can be changed for new information

7. Scientific Theories
Evolution not yet completely proven

8. Scientific Laws
Scientific law: rule that describes a pattern in nature
Observed repeatedly
Aids in prediction
Cannot explain why something happens

9. Scientific Laws
Gravity

10. Systems in Science
System: a collection of structures, cycles, and processes that relate to and interact with each other
Not just found in science
Interacting parts within a whole

11. Systems in Science
Respiratory system
Endocrine system
School system

12. The Branches of Science
Life science
Earth science
Physical science

13. Life Science
Life science: study of living systems and the ways in which they interact
Living organisms, their habitats and behaviors
Health field, biology, zoos, botanists, farmers, beekeepers

14. Earth Science
Earth science: study of Earth systems and the systems in space
Nonliving things
Weather and climate
Geology, meteorology, astronomy, oceanography
Maps and formations

15. Physical Science Physical science: study of matter and energy
Living and nonliving things
Chemistry and physics

16. Careers Many careers in physical sciences Chemist, physicist
Ultrasound and X-ray technician

17. Science and Technology
Answers not helpful unless applied
Technology: practical use of science; applied science
Example light and fiber optics
A property of light passing through a fiber optic cable is science.
Using a fiber optic cable to transmit information is technology.

18. Science and Technology
Dustbuster
Solar energy
Programmable pacemakers
Voice-controlled wheelchairs
Wireless communication
Doppler Radar

19. Section 1 Review
1. Compare and contrast scientific theory and scientific law. Explain how a scientific theory can change.
2. Explain why science can answer some questions, but not others.
3. Classify the following statement as a theory or a law “Heating the air in a hot-air balloon causes the balloon to rise.”

20. Section 1 Review
4. Think critically. Describe the importance of technology and how it relates to science.
5. Infer. Scientists ask questions and make observations. What types of questions and observations would you make if you were a scientist studying schools of fish in the ocean?