1.1 The Nature of Science

Pages 4 - 11

Goal 1

Explain how science works

• Science actions– Observing

– Studying• Recorded observations

– Experimenting

– Carefully designed experiments

• Address the phenomenon

• Numerous trials

• Technology and Math

• Transparency

–All methods / data

–Truthful and accurate

–Results tested

• Types of data

1. Quantitative• Numbers• Examples:

2. Qualitative• Descriptive• NO numbers• Examples:

Quantitative data

Qualitative data

Goal 2

Recognize the difference between scientific law and

scientific theory

• Scientific law

– Statement of an observed event / phenomenon

– NO explanation of event / phenomenon

– Example• The sun rises every morning and sets

every evening.

• Scientific theory

– An explanation of an event / phenomenon

– Tested repeatedly

– Can be used to make predictions

– Example• The sun rises every morning and sets

every evening because the earth is rotating

Law or theory?

1. Objects fall towards the Earth.

2. Objects fall towards the Earth because of the force of gravity.

3. Ice forms on ponds in the winter.

4. Ice forms on ponds in the winter because the temperature drops below 0° celsius.

Goal 3

Describe the 3 branches of science and their specialties*

1. Biological Sciences

• Science of living things

• *Botany = study of plants

• *Zoology = study of animals

• *Ecology = study of interactions in nature

2. Physical Science

• Science of matter and energy

• *Physics = forces and energy

• *Chemistry = matter and its changes

3. Earth Science

• Science of Earth

• *Geology = physical nature and history of

Earth

• *Meteorology = atmosphere and weather

Thanks to the following individuals who have generously contributed images with creative commons’ licenses!!

Halite … by smccann on FlickrSara with binocs…….Randylane on Flickr

Skateboarder study… Monkeyc.net on FlickrNut balancing…. Scoobymoo on Flickr

Thermometer… Ryan R on FlickrOld Faithful scatter plot … pd by NWstephens on wikipedia

Old Faithful pic… by RMHermen on wikipediaSunrise … cruadinx on Flickr

Treefrog … by rainforest_harley on FlickrAtomic bomb … pd-gov on wikipedia

Grand canyon … by Diliff on wikipedia