Nature of Science

What is scientific literacy

& why is it important?

Video: Neil deGrasse Tyson

Skeptic

Questions the validity or authenticity of

claims

Believes that extraordinary claims

require extraordinary evidence

Two Types of Science

Pure Science research that adds to the body of scientific

knowledge

has no practical use

Applied Science (Technology) the practical application of scientific knowledge

EXAMPLES

PURE human genetics

polymer science

atomic theory

study of the human ear

APPLIED DNA fingerprinting

Lycra® spandex

nuclear weapons

hearing aids

Branches of Science

Life Science

Earth/Space Science

Physical Science

• the study of living organisms (biology)

• the study of our planet and the

universe

• the study of matter (chemistry) and

energy (physics)

Scientific Method

1. Determine the problem.

2. Make a hypothesis (testable prediction).

3. Test your hypothesis.

4. Collect and analyze data.

5. Draw conclusion.

Scientific Method

1. Determine the problem.

Do I run faster while listening to no music or listening to

Drake on my iPod?

2. Make a hypothesis.

Scientific Method

3. Test your hypothesis.

4. Analyze the results.

5. Draw conclusions.

Experimental Design

Experiment - organized procedure for

testing a hypothesis

Key Components:

• Variable – something that changes during an

experiment

• Control - standard for comparison

• Constants – anything that remains the same

throughout the experiment

• Repeated trials - for reliability

Experimental Design

Types of Variables

Independent Variable

• adjusted by the experimenter

• what you vary

Dependent Variable

• changes in response to the independent variable

• what you measure

Observations

Observations refer to noting a fact or

occurrence by using our senses.

We make observations by using our sight,

smell, touch, taste, and our ability to hear.

Qualitative and Quantitative Observations

Qualitative observations describe the

quality of an object, such as a objects

color, shape, and size.

Quantitative observations are based

on measuring and include numbers.

Observations

Read the following examples

and then decide if the example

is qualitative or quantitative.

It is light green in color.

It tastes sour.

One leaf is 9 cm long.

It makes a loud pop sound.

The mass of the

computer is 1.5 kg.

It gets darker over a period of time.

The flowers smell sweet.

Leaves are stiff.

The temperature of the

room increases by 8

degrees C.

The football player ran 19

yards.

Inferences

Inferences are an explanation for an observation. They

are based on previous knowledge.

Example:

Observation: The grass in front of the school is wet.

Possible Inferences:

Does Wheel Size Affect

Skateboarding Speed?

Design your own experiment:

Problem: Does wheel size affect skateboard speed?

Hypothesis:

Test

Control

Constants

Independent Variable (what you change)

Dependent Variable (what you measure)

Materials

Procedure

Data

Analyze Data

Draw Conclusion

What does a scientist look like?

Ted Talk