Nature of ScienceScientific MethodStandards of Measurement

The Nature of Science The word science comes from the Latin for

Knowledge Science is the process we use to learn

about the world we live in The three categories of Science

Physical Science – energy & matter Life Science - life & life processes Earth Science – earth & space

Physical Science Areas of study – Chemistry, Physics, Materials Science Professions – Materials scientist, Chemist, physicist

Life Science Areas of study – Biology, Medicine, Botany Professions – Biology teacher, Doctor, Dentist

Earth & Space Science Areas of study – Geology, Astronomy, Oceanography Professions – Geologist, Astronaut, Meteorologist

We learn about the natural world in order to make predictions about what will happen

This includes everything from when is the best time to plant crops and the best clay combinations for the best pots to which materials can be combined to make the best computer chips and what is the best treatment regimen to cure cancer.

We find out about the natural world by investigating. Observation – Experimenting – Modeling.

The Scientific Method

Our senses are our only link to the natural world

We Observe the world around us using; Sight, Hearing, Touch, Taste and Smell

We Experiment by bringing different factors together and observe how they interact.

We Model to help us understand Things that are too large, too small, to dangerous or too complex to easily understand.

In Experimenting we use variables Independent Variable – the one we control Dependent Variable – the one controlled by the

independent v Constants – the factors in an experiment tht don’t change Controls – the factor that we compare our results to.

Objectivity – keep an open mind when viewing results Theories – an explanation based on results Scientific Laws – Statement about what happens Science has Limits – can’t answer questions about

opinion or the superntural Technology – ue of pure science to improve the lives

of people

Why everyone can understand each other

Having a standard that everyone agrees with.

Keeps customers and suppliers from being unhappy with each other. No one likes to receive something different that

what they expected. They can get quite irate. Ensures that experiments are repeatable

People in Figi can replicate experiments done here

Measurement Systems English

Based on age old measurement systems Metric

International System of Units Agreed on by Scientists around the world

Easier to use and calculate with because the differences in units are based on multiples of 10

You must choose the units you use to fit the task

To measure the distance between two towns

Kilometers

To measure the length of a room Meters

Volume The amount of space occupied by an

object Length x width x height Cubic centimeters

Liter Based on a cube 10 cm on a side

ml = 1 cubic centimeter

Temperature Fahrenheit

Water Freezes at 32° F Water Boils at 212° F

Celsius Water Freezes at 0° C Water Boils at 100° C

Kelvin Water Freezes at 273 K Water Boils at 373 K

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