The Nature of Science/Chapter 1 (skipping 1.
3 for now)
The Process of Science
The Scientific Method – A standardized process that scientists
use to solve a problem
But what does this actually mean?
It is a proof method for proving a hypothesis wrong or right.
What is the Goal of Science?
• natural explanations for events in the natural world
To provide _____________________________________________________________________
• patterns in nature
These explanations are used to understand ______________________________________ to
predictions
make useful _______________________ about other natural events
Scientists use various forms of inquiry to explore life
• At the heart of science is inquiry
- information and formation of explanations
A search for _____________________________________________________________
• Biology blends two main processes of scientific inquiry
- Discovery
___________________________ science
- Hypothesis-based
___________________________________ science
Discovery Science
• Space and Ocean
Examples are ________________________________ Science – we have little to no background
prior
knowledge ______________ to doing the experiment
Hypothesis – Based Science
• specific questions
Inquiry that asks _________________________________
• hypothesis
In science, a ________________________
- Is a tentative answer to a well-framed question, an explanation on trial
- Makes predictions that can be tested
________________________________________________________________________
• A scientific hypothesis must have two important qualities
- testable
It must be____________________________
- falsifiable
It must be ____________________________
Designing Controlled Experiments- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aeH1FzqdQZ0
• Experiments must be designed to test
- two varibles
The relationship between ______________
- control
The ______________________ acts as a way to compare your results to what ‘normally’
happens
- Variables
- Independent (Manipulated)
_________________________________________________
- Dependent (Responding)
_________________________________________________
Types of Data
Are recorded observations
- quantitative
Can be _____________________ qualitative
or ______________________________
x quantitative
In most cases, ____________________________ data is preferred
x Why?
Quantitative data is preferred because quantitative can be biased.
Conclusions in Science
• data
Always based off of the ______________ collected from the experiment –
formation of an inference
_____________________________________
• support (NOT PROVE), refute, or revise the hypothesis being tested.
Evidence will ___________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
• questions
Can lead to the formation of new _________________ experiments
and ______________________
Limitations of Science
• Science cannot address supernatural phenomena
- testable
Because hypotheses must be _____________________ falsifiable
and _____________________
repeatable
and experimental results must be ____________________________
Errors in Science
• bias
A scientists goal is to eliminate _______________. All errors MUST be reported. WHY?
All errors must be reported for the accuracy of the controlled experiment.
- consistent problem with a tool
Systematic – a ______________________________________________________
(calibration is an example)
- Random – an error that was caused because we are
human and disrupted the data enough to bias the results
________________________________________________________________________
(spills, not following directions, use of the wrong tool, etc.)
Ways to Reduce Error- Why to each of them?
• Repeat Trials- To maximize accuracy
• Large Sample Sizes- More accurate data
• Proper Tool Choice-Make sure it works
• Proper Experimental Design- making sure that the data has independent and dependent variables
• FOLLOW DIRECTIONS!- person giving directions will know how to do the experiment
The Culture of Science
• Science is a social activity of sharing ideas
- Characterized by both cooperation and competition
• Peer Review
- Ensures validity
__________________________________
Repeat study findings
- __________________________________
- Safety
Science, Technology, and Society
• Technology
- technology
Discoveries in science can lead to new _______________________
- science
Discoveries in technology can lead to new ideas in __________________
- major
Contributes to _________________ impacts on life
Chapter 1
1.1 What is science
What is science?
• Definition is an organized way of gathering an analyzing evidence about the natural world. It is a
way of observing, a way of thinking and a “way of knowing” about the world. In other words,
process not a thing.
science is a __________________________
• natural
Science deals only in the __________________ world, “not” supernatural.
• Collect and organize information
• Propose explanations based on test they run
• So the goal of science is to provide natural explanations for events in the natural world. Science
understand
aims to use those explanations to _________________________ nature and aim to make useful
predictions about natural events
• (So how do we know something?)
• Where does knowledge come from?
• What does it mean to say that science is a process?
• What does it mean when we said “knowing” “understand” “natural”
b. Scientific methodology- What are these?
• Observation The act of noticing and describing events or process in a careful, orderly way
• Question background research
• Hypothesis Scientific explanation for set of observations that can be tested in ways that support or reject it
• Controlled experiment- independent/dependent variable, control group
• Data detailed records of experimental observations
• *Conclusion*
1.2 Science in Context
a. Exploration and Discovery- Why? Why are these important to scientists?
• Curiosity wondering
• Skepticism caution
• Open-mindedness doesn't lead to bias
• Creativity be creative
• Peer-review- REVIEW why are these important?
• Why is sharing the information/publishing your work important?
b. Theories
• well tested supported explanation that can change over time.
Definition- _____________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
• What are theories that you know of? Why are they theories?
Big Bang Theory, Fermant's Primes, Mersenne Primes
They are not yet proven.
• What does it mean to be a dominant view?
Dominant view is a term used on a widely accepted perspective on a topic.
c. Science and society
• society
Using science involves understanding its context in _____________ and its
limitation
__________________.
• Science involves natural phenomenon, not ethical or moral viewpoints- why?
Moral or ethical viewpoints can lead to bias.
• bias
How we use science in society can be affected by _________________. Bias is a particular
preference of view point that is personal rather than scientific.
• Science aims to be objective, but scientists are human too.
