Basic Science Terms

DOING SCIENCE

Science starts with a question. Science assumes that the universe is orderly

and can be explained. Science is unbiased (objective).

Basic Science Terms

Science Technology Branches of science Physics Theory Law Hypothesis Model

Science The study and

pursuit of knowledge about the natural world.

Example

A physicist tries to understand how the Sun gives us light.

Significance of Science

The search for knowledge adds to our understanding of the physical world.

Scientists want to know! Science affects society by

stimulating thought satisfying curiosity influencing views of the world providing knowledge necessary for new

technological advances

Technology The application of

science to meet human needs.

Example

Designing and building solar panels for alternative energy automobiles

Significance of Technology

Put the findings of science to use Try to solve practical problems New technology often leads to new

discoveries and the advancement of science

Examples of Technologies that led to the Advancement of Science Telescope…used to discover new planets,

moons and stars Microscope…used to discover

microorganisms that cause disease, such as bubonic plague

Internet and computer…processing a huge amount of data in a matter of seconds

The Branches and Disciplines of Science

Natural Science

Physical Science

Life Science

Earth Science

1. Physics

2. Chemistry

1. Biology

2. Zoology

3. Botany

1. Geology

2. Meteorology

The branches of science are separate, yet integrated.

Life Science

Physical ScienceEarth Science

physics

biology

chemistry

geology

paleontology

meteorology

astronomy

Science disciplines

Significance of Branches of Science Separate, but integrated Example: the study of fossils requires an

understanding of geology and biology! Branches of Natural Science

Earth Science Life Science Physical science: Chemistry and Physics.

What is Chemistry? Chemistry is the study of matter and how it changes. What is physics?

What is Physics?

The study of motion, forces and energy.

“The entire universe is built upon of the principles revealed by a study of physics.”

-Andrew Zimmerman Jones

Significance of Physics

Foundation for other sciences. Everything around us is affected by it. Explains phenomena such as orbiting

satellites, weightlessness, lightning, sonic booms, magnetism and energy transformations.

Scientific Theory A synthesis of a

large body of information that encompasses well-tested and verified hypotheses about aspects of the natural world.

Examples

Atomic theory explains the atom

Plate Tectonics explains the formation of volcanoes, earthquakes and mountains

It represents the best explanation about a natural phenomenon at this time

Scientific Law or Principle

A summarizing statement about the relationship of natural quantities.

Example

F = ma is Newton’s 2nd Law of Motion

A Scientific Theory

Is…The current best accepted explanation about a phenomenon in the natural worldWeightyExhausts all current knowledge gainedHuge dealNot easily replacedGrowing body of work

Is NotAn opinionUnchanging FactHypothesisTrivial

A Scientific Law

Is…A summary of something observed in natureFactOften expressed as an equation

Is NotAn opinionHypothesisTrivialA theoryAn explanation

A Scientific ModelIs…A representation of something in nature or the real world for studyCan be scale or real sizeCan be a computer model or a tangible model, mathematical model, graphic organizer, predictive tool

Is NotAn opinionHypothesisA theoryThe real thing or event

Significance of a Scientific Theory

It has been extensively tested through scientific investigation and never disproven

It grows slowly through contributions from many investigators.

Can be replaced if new evidence is discovered

Is this a strength or a weakness?

Significance of a Law

A law summarizes, does not try to explain Sometimes is represented by an equation

vs.

Newton’s Theory of Motion

F = ma

Newton’s 2nd Law of Motion

explanation

Scientific Hypothesis

An educated guess that can be tested.

Example

If the mass on a cart is increased, then the cart’s rate of acceleration will decrease given the same force.

Significance of a Scientific Hypothesis Drives the scientific process Has not been proved Can be adjusted and retested depending on

the outcome of the first test

SCIENTIFIC MODEL

A representation of an object or event that can be studied so that the real object or event can be understood.

Examples:

A globe Computer models

for hurricanes

Significance of Models

A model can be tested by comparing its predictions to actual observations in the real world.

Can use scientific method by changing one variable to see how it affects the other variable(s).

A close match does not necessarily mean that the model is the only “true” model or the only one that would work.

Theory vs…law/hypothesis/model Theory is an explanation that has been

proved through testing Law is a summary (often expressed as an

equation) Hypothesis is an question or educated guess

that can be tested (but has not been tested) A model is a representation of something that

can be used to study it.

Scientific Theory

A synthesis of a large body of information that encompasses well-tested and verified hypotheses about aspects of the natural world. An explanation that evolves over time Tested, but never disproven. Sometimes replaced if new evidence is

discovered

Atomic theory explains the atom

Example:

Scientific Law or Principle

A general hypothesis or statement about the relationship of natural quantities that has been tested repeatedly and has not been contradicted. Summarizes Sometimes is represented by an equation

F = ma is Newton’s 2nd Law of Motion

Example:

Scientific Hypothesis

An educated guess that can be tested. A reasonable explanation Has not been proven Requires testing

If the mass on a cart is increased, then the cart’s rate of acceleration will decrease given the same force.

Example:

Identifying Variables in a Scientific Hypothesis

If the mass on a cart is increased, then the cart’s rate of acceleration will decrease given the same force.

The three variables are underlined.

Independent variable

Control variable

Dependent variable

The if statement shows independent variable, the then statement shows the dependent variable.

Variables

Explain how the dependent and independent variables are different.

Scientific Method

Each table is responsible for writing the steps of the scientific method.

List steps on paper provided

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Iv70Fzxxjw&feature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GUQUqV0_PTc&feature=related

Science Terms—Section 1.4

Everyone take one sheet of loose leaf and cut as shown.

Label each panel formed with the following terms Fact Theory Law or Principle Hypothesis

Define each term. Learn how each term is different. Work with your table members.