1. Discovery science emphasizes inquiry and observation 2.1

2. Science as Inquiry  The word science is derived from a Latin verb “to know”.  At the heart of science is inquiry – people asking questions.  Your own curiosity is the starting point for exploring life through inquiry.

3. Observations and Data  The questions that drive scientific inquiry are based on observations.  Observations – the use of senses  Recorded observations are called data.  All observations depend on human senses.

4.  Observations are often recorded as measurements, also called quantitative data.  Data may also be qualitative, in the form of descriptions instead of measurments.

5. What is Discovery Science?  Discovery science, also called descriptive science, describes natural structures or processes.  Sometimes things are discovered by accident in discovery science.  Alexander Fleming accidentally discovered Penicillium.

6. Inferences in Science  An inference is a logical conclusion based on observations.  Inferences are important in science because the help refine general questions into specific questions.

7. Generalizations in Discovery Science  Generalization is a general conclusion.  Some of the largest breakthroughs in science have come when scientists have put many specific observations together to reach a generalization.  It is also possible to generalize quantitative data.  Observations, data, inferences, and generalizations all advance people’s understanding of life.