What is Science?

Science is a process that uses observations and investigations to gain knowledge about nature.

• Must be capable of being disproved.• Must incorporate existing knowledge.• Must be able to absorb new findings.• Must be capable of predicting outcomes.• Must be stated in clear, unambiguous

language.• Must be part of an ongoing process to

gain knowledge and understanding.

Requirements for Science

• Cannot answer questions about the supernatural.

• Cannot answer questions about morality.

• Is not democratic.

Limits of Science

What is the Scientific Method?

- an organized set of investigational procedures

-usually presented as steps to be followed

1. State the Problem

• Why?

• How?

• Should be stated in a clear and concise manner

2.Gather Information & Make Observations

Learn about the background of the problem from:

–Your own research–Research from other

scientists

2.Gather Information & Make Observations

2 types of observations:

Qualitative: describe characteristics, but do NOT involve numbers (He is tall.)

Quantitative: involve measurements and numbers (He is 6’11”).

3.Form a Hypothesis

• A hypothesis is NOT a guess.• A prediction of what you think will

happen under certain conditions based on what you know from observations or research.

• State your prediction in measurable terms so that it can be tested.

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4. Test the Hypothesis

• An experiment is a set of steps you follow to test a hypothesis

• The procedure or steps of your experiment should be very detailed.

5. List and Analyze the Results

6. Draw a Conclusion

• Looking at the results and comparing them with the problem

• Was your hypothesis correct?• WHY or WHY NOT? Explain!!!• A clear and concise answer to the

orginal question.

7. Report Results

• The results and conclusions are communicated to the public or published in a scientific journal.

• This is important both to disseminate knowledge and to allow other scientists to test, replicate, and question the results.

Repeatability

• If the experiment is well-designed, then the outcome should be the same whenever the experiment is replicated.

• Repeatability, getting the same results every time, is an important requirement of science and a major difference between science and other ways of gaining knowledge.

Review: Scientific Method

1.State the Problem

2.Gather Information and make Observations

3.Form a Hypothesis

4. Test the hypothesis.

5. List and Analyze the Results

6. Draw a Conclusion

7. Report Results

An Important Note!

• The steps presented are VERY simplified in order to introduce the main features of scientific thinking.

• In reality, scientists engage in many different activities in many different sequences. Investigations often involve repeating the same steps many times to account for new information and ideas.

In Other Words…

the process of science is exciting, dynamic, and unpredictable. Science relies on creative people thinking outside the box!