1. Section 1.2 Using Science to Solve Problems 1.To understand scientific thinking 2.To illustrate scientific thinking 3.To describe the method scientists use to study nature Objectives

2. Section 1.2 Using Science to Solve Problems A. Solving Everyday Problems Scientific thinking helps us solve all types of problems we confront in our lives. Scientific thinking involves –observations –defining a problem –construction of explanations –evaluation of possible explanations or solutions to the problem

3. Section 1.2 Using Science to Solve Problems B. Using Scientific Thinking to Solve a Problem

4. Section 1.2 Using Science to Solve Problems B. Using Scientific Thinking to Solve a Problem David and Susan have symptoms of lead poisoning

5. Section 1.2 Using Science to Solve Problems B. Using Scientific Thinking to Solve a Problem No other customers have symptoms – lead is not from food

6. Section 1.2 Using Science to Solve Problems C. The Scientific Method The scientific method is a procedure for processing the information that flows from the world around us in which we: –Make observations –Formulate hypotheses –Perform experiments to test our hypotheses

7. Section 1.2 Using Science to Solve Problems C. The Scientific Method

8. Section 1.2 Using Science to Solve Problems C. The Scientific Method Observations Are Not Hypotheses An observation can be witnessed and recorded. A hypothesis is an interpretation – a possible explanation of why something happens. Types of Observations An observation can be qualitative or quantitative Quantitative observations include both a number and a unit Write down three quantitative and three qualitative observations Write down three observations and three related hypotheses

9. Section 1.2 Using Science to Solve Problems C. The Scientific Method Theories Are Not Laws A natural law is a summary of behavior. A theory is our attempt to explain why it happens. Theory or Law? Metals are more dense than gases Gravitational forces make a pen drop to the bench Hydrogen atoms are usually found in pairs Gas burns because the methane combines with oxygen and gives off heat and light