The Nature of Science

Ms. KlinkhachornSeptember 22, 2009

Overview

The Nature of Science:1. Tentative2. Creative3. Observations and Inferences4. Subjective5. Culturally and Socially Embedded6. Empirically Based7. Theories and Laws

Tentative

• Tentative = subject to change, experimental– Synonyms: temporary, conditional

• Science is constantly changing– As we gain more information, we alter how we see

things

Creative

• Creative = imaginative, artistic – telling a story when you don’t necessarily have

one– We invent explanations for the things we see.

Then we test them.• In order to make discoveries and drive

technological change, scientists need to think outside of the box– New ideas for testing, gives a starting point

Observations

• Data that is recorded and collected…– Using the five senses• Example: Sight, Smell, Taste

– With scientific instruments• Example: Scale, Ruler

• When we describe what we observe, we give as many details as possible– Pretend like you are telling somebody who has no

idea what you are talking about

Observations

Qualitative Quantitative

• “l” for letters• Uses descriptive words• quality = characteristic• subjective• varies by person

• “n” for numbers• Uses numbers• quantity = amount• objective• consistent

Inferences

• Inference = a logical conclusion based on observations and prior knowledge– An explanation for what we observe– Synonyms: assumption, deduction

• Help make our questions more specific

What do you observe?

What do you observe?

Our Classroom

• Qualitative?– Example: The walls are (kind of) white

• Quantitative?– Example: There are 3 sinks.

• What can you infer? (Pretend your are an outsider)– Example: You can infer this is a science room.

Subjective

• Subjective = based on inner experience rather than fact– Synonyms: personal, biased

• Our beliefs, previous knowledge, experiences, and expectations influence our work in science– How we conduct experiments– Observations – what we see and don’t see– Interpretations of results

Exit Slip Procedures• Purpose of Exit Slip:– Not a quiz– How well did you understand today’s lessons?– Let’s me see where there are breakdowns in understanding…

how can I teach it better?• Directions:– Make sure you complete the entire slip– If you have a question, raise your hand. Do NOT shout out. Do

NOT ask your neighbor.– No talking, humming, singing, whispering, etc

• Points will be deducted– Turn it in at the end of class in the bin