psc chap. 1 about science. basics methods of science
TRANSCRIPT
PSC CHAP. 1
ABOUT SCIENCE
Basics
Methods of Science
PHYSICS IS THE BASIC SCIENCE
BIOLOGYAND OTHER LIFE
SCIENCES
CHEMISTRYAND OTHER PHYSICAL
SCIENCES
PHYSICS
MATHEMATICS
FACT
A close agreement by competent observers of a series of observations of the same phenomena
Observations
An observation is made by using our senses
We can improve our observations by using instruments
How do they improve our observations?– They help detect things we cannot sense– They measure more accurately
Observations
Observation without measurements are qualitative
example: He’s tall
Observation with measurements are quantitative
example: He’s 7 feet tall
Making Quantitative Observations
In order for a measurement to be useful, we must have standards: an exact quantity
Everyone agrees to use this
“universal language” Science uses International System of Units
– AKA: THE METRIC SYSTEM– See SI Sheet...
Hypothesis
What is it? a guess that is based on facts
A hypothesis is made by thinking NOT sensing
You make a logical decision based on observations– example: This room was built for science.
HYPOTHESIS
An educated guessA reasonable explanation of an observation
or experimental result that is not fully accepted as factual until tested over and over by experiment
SCIENTIFIC HYPOTHESES MUST BE TESTABLE
There must be a test for proving it wrong. Must also link to a general understanding of
nature.
SCIENTIFIC HYPOTHESIS???
Atoms are the smallest particles of matter.
The universe is surrounded by a second undetectable universe.
Albert Einstein is the greatest physicist of the 20th century.
YES
NO
NO
SCIENTIFIC HYPOTHESIS???
Most people stop for red lights. No material object can travel
faster than the speed of light. Intelligent life exists on other
planets somewhere in the universe.
NO YES
NO
Important Notes...
About the hypothesis… Start with “I think” It should solve the problem It should be based on
research It must be specific It must be testable
About the conclusions… Must be based on the data you
collected May support or refute the
hypothesis Not always “the end”…may
prompt revision of the hypothesis, experiment, etc.
LAW or PRINCIPLE
A general hypothesis or statement about a relationship of natural quantities that has been tested over and over again and has not been contradicted.
THEORY
A synthesis of a large body of information that encompasses well-tested and verified hypotheses about aspects of the natural world.
An explanation of a phenomenonUndergo changes, redefinition, and
refinement
What happens when evidence is found that contradicts a hypothesis, law, or principle?
It must be changed or abandoned unless the evidence turns out to be wrong.
SCIENTISTS MUST BE OPEN-MINDED
Must be able to accept their findings even if it is not what they want or expect.
Must distinguish between what they see and what they want to see
SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY ARE
DIFFERENT
…so the question of the day is...
How is science different from technology?
SCIENCE:
A method of answering theoretical questions.
Has to do with discovering facts and relationships and with establishing theories that organize and make sense of these facts and relationships.
TECHNOLOGY:
A method of solving practical problems. Has to do with tools, techniques, and
procedures for putting the findings of science to use.– Application of science
Scientific Method
A way to investigate the unknown.
A way of thinking-not just a series of steps.
Steps of the Scientific Method
Define the Problem Gather Information Form a Hypothesis Perform an Experiment Record and Analyze Data Draw Conclusions
SCIENTIFIC METHOD
Recognize a problem Make an educated guess about answer
– Hypothesis
Predict consequences of hypothesis Perform experiments to test predictions Formulate a general rule that organizes
hypothesis, prediction, and experimental data.
Facts, theories and laws...
Facts:
Theories:
Laws: