nature and scope of science
TRANSCRIPT
Content list
What is Science The Nature of science Three different facets of
Science A Body of Knowledge (Content) Facts & concepts Hypothesis Theory Science the Process(Inquiry) Processes of Science Science as attitudes (Context) Conclusion References
What is Science?
As a way to explore nature As a subject to understand the secrets of the universe As a long list of facts to be memorized
The Nature of science :
The Nature of science Science is a process of finding facts, laws, principles, and concepts but the content does not represent science. Science is the quest for knowledge, not the knowledge itself. The nature of science is to investigate through experiences and then to logically explain the data gained through those experiences.
Three different facets of Science
Three different facets of Science can be described as a process (Inquiry), a set of ideas/ a body of knowledge (Content), and a set of attitudes (Context).
A body of knowledge(content)
Science as attitudes(context)
Science as process(inquiry)
A Body of Knowledge (Content) :
• A Body of Knowledge (Content) Content knowledge is the background information that we use as the basis for further exploration and experimentation, and it is the foundation on which new technologies and practical solutions are built. Content can be subdivided among the classic branches of science: biology, chemistry, physics, and earth/space science.
Facts & concepts
Facts & concepts Fact ... things that are observable and indisputable. something thought to be true, that actually exists. because of their actual existence facts can be checked; e.g water will not dissolve oil. Water has three phases. Metal piece jumps towards the magnet.
Concept.. is a specific idea abstracted from particular instances. e.g three states of matter.
Hypothesis
Hypothesis It is a tentative answer to the
scientific question. A testable explanation for what was observed. A hypothesis is not an observation, rather, a
tentative explanation for the observation It is based on the previous knowledge, facts,
and general principals.
Theory :
Theory In popular usage, a theory is just a vague and fuzzy sort of fact and a hypothesis is often used as a fancy synonym to `guess'.
A theory is a generalization based on many observation and experiments.
Principle or Law
• Stands the test of time, often without change • experimentally proven over and over • can create true predictions for different
situations • has uniformity and is universal terms used to
describe theories that are so well supported they are generally thought to be "facts". Theories become Laws (e.g., the Law of Gravity) when they are shown to be absolutely correct for the conditions to which they apply.
Science the Process(Inquiry)
Science the Process(Inquiry) List as many scientific processes as you can.
After viewing the next slide describe how you used at least six of the processes within the past week.
Processes of Science
• Processes of Science It is through the processes of science that knowledge is gained.
• Scientists collect information by using process skills
Process skill
Observing Observing ClassifyingClassifyingMeasuringMeasuring
RelationshipRelationshipPredictingPredicting
Formulating Formulating hypothesishypothesis
Science the Process
Problem solving and applying
Controlling variables Operationally
defining Observing and
recording Using equations and math Interpreting data
Processes Classifying Experimenting Modeling Measuring Communicating Predicting
Examples of Scientific Processes
Examples of Scientific Processes
Science as attitudes (Context)
Science includes a set of attitudes that encourage people to engage in scientific study.
AttitudesOpen mindedness
WillingnessCollaborate
Wonder
Scientific Attitudes
• Scientific Attitudes curiosity to explore their environment and question what they find
• keenness to identify and answer questions through carrying out investigations
.creativity in suggesting novel and relevant ways to solve problems
• open-mindedness to accept all knowledge as tentative and to change their view if the evidence is convincing
• perseverance in pursuing a problem until a satisfying solution is found
• concern for living things and awareness of the responsibility they have for the quality of the environment
What is not included in Science
1. Science does not make ethical or moral judgments.
2. There is no "good or bad", "right or wrong" in science.
3. Value judgments are made by people
Part V... Responsibilities
Responsibilities It the responsibility of "mankind" to understand how information is obtained through the scientific processes and to make informed ethical decisions on the use of that information.
The Three Facts of Science are Interrelated• The Three Facets of Science
are Interrelated Inquiry begins with an understanding of current content knowledge.
• Inquiry produces new content understanding.
• Context sets the goals and rationale for inquiry.
• Content knowledge is used in new technologies that affect the societal context.
• Content knowledge influences policy-making
Conclusion
These three facets of science should form the framework of any understanding of what science is, what science does, and how science education should be planned, conducted, and evaluated, from kindergarten through graduate school. In schools, we often teach only what a specific field of science knows, not the genuine nature of science.
Ziman, John (1978). Re lia ble kno wle d g e : An e x p lo ra tio n o f the g ro unds fo r be lie f in s c ie nc e . Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.
Poincare's.(2003).science and method. New York.
E.L.youmans.(1872).popular science monthly. New York.