Nature of Science

04/20/23Nature of Science1

04/20/23Nature of Science

• The investigation and exploration of natural events

• A way to answer questions & solve problems• Cannot solve all kinds of problems• One way of understanding the world around us• Based on observations, testable data, & logic• Is constantly changing

What is Science

04/20/23Nature of Science

• Observation – results from using one or more of your senses to gather information.

• e.g.-noticing that your neighbor’s rooster wakes you at 6:30 AM every morning is an observation.

• Makes use of all human senses• Often leads to questions hypothesis

Observation

04/20/23Nature of Science

• Scientists then form a hypothesis

• Possible explanation for an observation that can be tested

• e.g., you observe that each time you spray an ant or a wasp with Raid™, it dies. From these observations you infer that Raid kills all insects

• Based on repeatable observation, experience and other scientific research

• Can be used to make predictions

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• You test your hypothesis by designing an experiment.• Variables• Independent – changed by the experimenter.• Dependent – affected by changes in the

independent variable (the factor that is measured)• Constant – stay the same during the experiment

(ensures results are due to the independent variable)

• After an experiment, you organize your data and results.• Make a graph• Make calculations

• Finally you can begin to draw conclusions.• A summary of the information gained from the

experiment

04/20/23Nature of Science

• Laws - describes a repeatable pattern in nature.• Theories - explanation of observations or

events; supported by many facts gathered over time.

• Both are based on repeated observations and tests

• Both can be rejected or modified at any time

• Debate and revision of ideas in science is a natural process. Debate is NOT evidence that a theory is flawed.

Theories & Laws

Description vs. Explanation

Description: a spoken or written summary of observations

Explanation: an interpretation of observations

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