nature of science 11/8/2015 nature of science 1. 11/8/2015 nature of science the investigation and...
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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
04/20/23Nature of Science
• 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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