the nature of science. the goal of science is to understand the world around us. scientists attempt...
TRANSCRIPT
The Nature of Science
The goal of science is to understand the world around us.
Scientists attempt to solve mysteries of nature.
Facts are truths about nature.
When possible they perform experiments.
They develop a scientific theory.
A theory is the most logical explanation based on the facts.
They don’t just guess.
Theories may or may not be correct.
These theories must be tested over and over again.
If the theory passes each test, it may be accepted by the scientific community and become a law.
Laws, like theories, may change as new information is provided and new experiments are performed.
Science Process Skills
Skills you need to be a “good” scientist!!
ObservingDefinition – using one or more of your five senses
to gather information about an object
The moose feels soft and fluffy.
The moose is brown.
The moose smells like chocolate.
The moose tastes furry.
The moose jingles.
Observations MUST be accurate and factual – NO OPINIONS!!!
Moose are adorable.
Inferring and Predicting
Def. – guessing or making a conclusion about an object or future event based on what you observed
Classifying
Definition – putting objects into groups based on similar characteristics
shape
size
color
use
Representing Data
Definition –organizing measurements to make your information easier to use and understand
• It can be a picture, diagram, graph, etc.
0
10
20
30
40
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60
70
80
90
1st Qtr 2nd Qtr 3rd Qtr 4th Qtr
East
West
North
Communicating
• Describing an object or event to another person
• Sharing information
Measuring
• Definition – determining the length, area, volume, mass, or temperature to describe objects
Earth Science
Life Science
Physical Science
Branches of Science
Ecology
• the study of organisms and their environment
• An ecologist is someone who studies organisms and their environment
Microbiology
• study of microscopic organisms
• A microbiologist is a person who studies microscopic organisms
Botany
• the study of plants
• A Botanist is a person who studies plants
Zoology
• the study of animals
• A zoologist is a person who studies animals