The Nature of Science Ch 1

Obj. 2 Using the scientific method

State Correlation 1a-10e

What will you learn?

Define & understand Science

Types & use of Models

Identify & understand steps to the Scientific Method

Drawing & evaluating conclusions

What do you think of when you hear the word Science?

What is Science? A way of learning more about the natural

world Learning process usually begins by

observing with eyes and asking a question

Scientist ask questions about the natural world

Science cannot answer all questions

Answers are uncertain because new knowledge & discoveries are being made continuously

Examples of questions Why, how, or when something occurred

Why do leaves change color in the fall?

How do clouds form?

When did dinosaurs live?

Can you think of an example?

Topics not answered by Science Art: What does this painting mean?

Politics: Who should I vote for?

Personal preference: What is your favorite color?

Morality: Is the death penalty fair?

Science cannot tell you what is right or wrong, good or bad.

Can you answer these questions with SCIENCE?

Who is your best friend?

Why do we have day and night?

What causes a fire to burn?

What does this poem mean?

Yes NO

Yes

Yes

Yes

NO

NO

NO

Science offers possible explanations

Theory verses Law Scientific Theory: an attempted explanation for

repeatedly observed patterns in the natural world (can change) ex. Theories of dinosaur extinction

Scientific Law: a rule that describes a pattern in nature, but it does not attempt to explain why (does not change) Law of gravity

Scientist Study Systems Systems: a collection of structures, cycles,

and processes that relate to and interact with each other Ex. Your school system

3 Branches of Science Life Earth Physical

Life Science Study of living things and how they

interactExamples:

Biologist, Zookeeper, Farmer, & Physician

Earth Science Study of non-living things on earth &

space such as rocks, clouds, rivers, planets, & stars

Examples: Geologist, Meteorologist, & Astronaut

Physical Science Study of matter and energy and energy

2 General Fields: Physics Chemist

What Branch of Science Does salt water boil faster than fresh water?

What causes stars to burn different colors?

What can be done to protect crops from insects?

Life

Life

Life

Earth Physical

PhysicalEarth

PhysicalEarth

Models are necessary in Science Models are representations of an object or event

used as a tool for understanding the natural world Uses

Communicate observations and ideas Test predictions Save money, time, and lives

3 basic types Physical Computer Idea

Models change over time Map of Earth Solar System

Models Physical: can be seen or touched

Dinosaur in museum

Computer: seen on computer, but cannot touch Weather forecast map

Idea: Concepts that describe how someone thinks about something in the natural world Theory of relativity

What kind of MODEL?1. GPS system

Physical Computer Idea

1. Clay model of the ocean floorPhysical Computer Idea

1. Big Bang TheoryPhysical Computer Idea

Technology The practical use of Science

Examples:

camera computer hammer

Review1. Which is an example of technology?

a. Screwdriver b. poem c. atom d. horse2. Which branch of science includes the study of weather?

a. Life b. physical c. earth3. What explains something that takes place in the natural

world?a. scientific law b. technology c. scientific theory

4. An airplane model is an example of what type of model?a. physical b. idea c. computer

5. Using a computer to make 3-D pictures of a building is what type of model? a. physical b. idea c. computer