The nature of Science

Mr. Morris Physical Science

Cornell Notes How-to Basics

Summary When: - Top level main IdeasAfter class, during review - For quick reference

Notes ● Record the lecture here, use

○ Concise sentences○ Symbols○ Equations○ Lists○ Skips space between

ideas

Cues● Main Ideas● Questions● Prompts to

help you study

When: After lecture, during review

Learning Goal and title for notes

Scientific Method

Scientific Method1. State the problem/ pose a question2. Research the problem /gather information3. Form an hypothesis4. Design experiment to test the hypothesis5. Observe, analyze & record data6. Arrive at a conclusion

1. State the problem/ pose a question

• Questions usually arise from observations made… – Why did “this” happen? – How does “this” work?

2. Research the problem /gather information

• Once you have a question in mind, research the possible answers so that you can make an “educated guess” as to the answer.

3. Form an hypothesis

• Hypothesis – your educated guess to answer the question

• Possible explanations for a set of observations made

Hypothesis Examples1. If I replace the battery in my car, then my car

will get better gas mileage.2. If I eat more vegetables, then I will lose weight

faster.3. If I add fertilizer to my garden, then my plants

will grow faster.4. If I brush my teeth every day, then I will not

develop cavities.5. If I take my vitamins every day, then I will not

feel tired.

4. Design experiment • Experiment must be repeatable• Controlled experiments allow for only one factor to be

tested at a time… the variable– Independent variable: the variable changed– Dependent variable: the factor that changes when the

manipulated variable changes

5. Observe, analyze & record data

• Collect data, make measurements, record information

• Analyze the data you’ve collected.• Empirical evidence - is information acquired by

observation or experimentation• Does the data support or reject your hypothesis?

– If hypothesis is inaccurate, restate and develop a new hypothesis and continue.

6. Arrive at a Conclusion

• Be able to repeat the experiment.• Report the results of your conclusions

Cornell Notes

• Now we want to ask questions that relate and connect to this topic.

Turn and talk to your partner, develop 3 questions about the notes you just took.

Theory Vs Law

• Theory: is a well-tested explanation for a wide range of observations or experimental results.

• Law: describes a basic principle of nature that always occurs under certain conditions.

13

Review• Scientific Law: This is a statement of fact meant

to describe, in concise terms, an action or set of actions. It is generally accepted to be true and universal, and can sometimes be expressed in terms of a single mathematical equation.

Review• Hypothesis: This is an educated guess based upon

observation. It is a rational explanation of a single event or phenomenon based upon what is observed, but which has not been proved. Most hypotheses can be supported or refuted by experimentation or continued observation

• Theory: A theory is more like a scientific law than a hypothesis. A theory is an explanation of a set of related observations or events based upon proven hypotheses and verified multiple times by detached groups of researchers. One scientist cannot create a theory; he can only create a hypothesis.

Final Thoughts

• The biggest difference between a law and a theory is that a theory is much more complex and dynamic. A law describes a single action, whereas a theory explains an entire group of related phenomena. It is important to note that while theories can be tweaked, they are seldom, if ever, entirely replaced.