What is Science?

Big Ideas Understand the meaning of science and the main

branches of science. Review characteristics of science. Understand the meaning and importance of

empirical evidence. Describe the idea of scientific explanation. Review six traits of a scientist. Understand science vs. pseudoscience.

Definition of Science Science is the study of natural events

and conditions.

There are many different branches of science…try to name some. • Biology – study of living organisms• Earth Science – study of the interior

and exterior of our planet• Astronomy – study of celestial objects• Physical Science – study of chemistry

(me) and physics

Within these categories, there are many specializations.

Characteristics of Science The study of science requires openness and review.

Whatever information one scientist collects, others must be able to see and comment upon.

All science must be testable and reproducible.

Empirical evidence are observations and measurements. It includes the data people gather to evaluate scientific explanations.• Evidence in science must come from empirical evidence.• If empirical evidence cannot be collected, it cannot be

studied as science.• Can you name some types of empirical evidence?

Scientific Explanation A scientific explanation provides a description of how a

process in nature occurs…describes how something in nature works.

Scientific explanations are based on observations and data…based on empirical evidence.

Often other scientists evaluate the explanation, collect more empirical evidence and modify/add to the explanation.• We need to re-evaluate because sometimes the

explanations are wrong.

Six Traits of a Scientist People who are involved in scientific work has

the following traits. Can you think of some traits? • Careful Observation – good at using senses

and/or scientific tools for measurement• Curiosity – want to know how something

works• Creativity – can think of new ideas• Logic – think through information and make

conclusion• Skepticism – does not believe everything said• Objectivity – can set aside personal

feelings/beliefs

Science vs. Pseudoscience Definition of pseudo: Not true, not actual

Pseudoscience is a belief or practice that is not based on scientific principle / empirical evidence.

Some characteristics of pseudoscience • Lack ability to measure or observe.• Statement cannot be proven false so must be

true.

Quick Review What is Science?

• Study of natural events and conditions Define empirical evidence.

• Data from observations and measurements Name some characteristics of science.

• Open for review, can be tested/measured, uses empirical evidence

What is a Scientific Explanation?• Description of how a process in nature occurs…describes how

something works What are common traits of a scientist?

• Careful Observation, Curiosity, Creativity, Logic, Skepticism, Objectivity

How is science and pseudoscience different?• Pseudoscience is not based on scientific principle / empirical

data