Science A body of knowledge and the process for building that knowledge of the natural world.

Based on inquiry that develops explanations and is rooted in unbiased observations and experiments

Theory An explanation of a natural phenomenon supported

by many observations and experiments

Scientist consider an idea a theory when enough evidence from many related investigations supports an idea

Most highly regarded theories in biology that are supported by countless observations and investigations, have extensive supporting evidence Example: Cell Theory

Organisms are made up of one or more cells, basic units of life, and cells come from preexisting cells

Scientific Law

Describes relationships under certain conditions in nature

Example: Law of Conservation of Matter

Indicates that before and after a change the same amount of matter exists

Does not explain why, just says that it does happen

Theories vs. Laws

Not the sameTheory – explanationLaw – describes the relationship

Science Makes Observations and Draws Conclusions

Observations lead to questions

Investigations and experiments help to draw conclusions

Science Expands Knowledge

Research that results in a constant reevaluation of what is known

Reevaluation often leads to new knowledge that scientists then evaluate

Search for new knowledge is the driving force that moves science forward

What is Pseudoscience?Pseudo – meaning false

Areas of study that try to imitate science, often driven by cultural or commercial goals

Examples: Astrology, horoscopes, psychic reading, tarot card reading, palmistry, science fiction, magical medical cures, etc.

Not science based explanations

Bias claims that are a mixture of factand opinion

Claims that can not be tested

Not based on scientific research

Do not look to extend knowledge base

Science Challenges Accepted Theories

Scientists debate one another’s ideas

Discuss new developments and findings

Disagreements lead to further research

Your ViewsWhat do you think should

happen when investigations begin to show data and observations that do not agree with current scientific understandings?

Science Questions Results

Inconsistencies lead to additional investigations

Scientist find interest when observations and data are not consistent with current scientific understanding

Science Tests Claims Standard experimental procedures

Based on unbiased investigations and carefully controlled experimentation scientists make claims and draw conclusions based on a large amount of data and observations

Use of data to test and support claims

Data is analyzed before any conclusions are drawn

Scientists Undergo Peer Review

Peer review is a process by which the procedures and results of an experiment are evaluated by other scientist in the same field

Gives credibility and prevents false information

Compare and contrast their work - how new information is stumbled upon sometimes

Importance of Scientific Literacy

Science is in everyday life

Vast amount of information in print, online and on television

A scientifically literate individual can be an educated consumer who can participate in discussions about important issues and support policies that reflect their views.

Ethics – a set of moral principles or values that guide society