Chapter 1: The Nature of Science

Defining Science

Problem Solving

Scientific Method

Experimental Design

Defining Science

-Pure Science

.Research that adds to the body of scientific knowledge

.has no practical use

-Applied Science (Technology)

.the practical application of scientific knowledge

Pure

.human genetics

.polymer science

.atomic theory

.study of the human ear

Applied

.DNA fingerprinting

.Lycra spandex
.nuclear weapons

.hearing aids

-Life Science

.the study of living organisms

-Earth Science

.the study of Earth and Space

-Physical Science

.the study of matter and energy

.chemistry & physics

Problem Solving

1) Identify the problem

.What do you know?

.What do you need to know?

2)Plan a strategy

.Look for Patterns

.Break the problem into small steps

.Develop a model

3)Execute you plan

4)Evaluate your results

.Did you solve the problem?

.Is your answer reasonable?

Identify,Plan,Execute,Evaluate (IPEE)

Scientific Method

-Hypothesis::testable prediction

-Theory::explaination of "why"

.based on many observations + experimental results

-Scientific Law::predicion of "what"

describes a pattern in nature

Theories and laws are well-accepted by scientists, but...

THEY ARE NOT SET AND STONE

They are revised when new information is discovered

1)Determine the problem.

2)Make a hypothesis.

3)Test your hypothesis.

4)Analyze your results.

5)Draw conclusions.

Experimental Design

-Experiment::organized procedure for testing a hypothesis.

-Key Components:

.Control-standard for comparison

.Single Variable-keep other factors constant

-Types of Variables:

.Indepentant Variable

-adjusted by the experimenter

-what you vary

.Dependant Variable

-changes i response to the independant variable

-what you measure