physical science

Science:

Science Ch 1

Science:

Organized body of knowledge about nature Universe—everything Method of how to gain information Tool for solving problems Science

Brief History:

Ancient times Spirits controlled natural processes Age of Rational Thought Greek Philosophers Dark Ages in Europe Scientific Revolution Brief History

Scientific Method:

‘Formal’ method for doing science Observe Question (Hypothesis) Predict Test/experiment Draw conclusion Scientific Method

Problem solving:

Scientific Method Process of explanation and experimentation Make an observation Use 5 senses Problem: Senses can be deceived & are limited 5 Problem solving

Some Optical Illusions:

6 Some Optical Illusions Lines “a” and “b” are equal in length! Section 1.3

Optical Illusions:

7 Optical Illusions The lines are all horizontal! Section 1.3

Slide 8:

Section 1.3 8 http://kids.niehs.nih.gov/illusion/illusions.htm http://library.thinkquest.org/J0110336/types.htm

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Scientific Method, Cont.:

Make observation Qualitative—non-numerical description Quantitative—numerical measurement Formulate hypothesis Possible explanation for an observation Informed Guess (Educated guess) Must be testable Perform experiments to test hypothesis 10 Scientific Method, Cont.

Experiments:

Observation of natural phenomena Carried out in controlled manner Results can be duplicated Can be done by other researchers Independent vs dependent Independent—you control Dependent—see how they change They depend on Independent 11 Experiments

Law vs theory:

Fact Observed phenomenon that can be agreed to be true Law (Principle) Concise statement, in words or equation, about a fundamental relationship of nature Expresses generally observed behavior to which no exceptions are known Summarizes what happens Theory Tested explanation of observed behavior Well established hypothesis that has stood test of time May evolve as new information is gathered Attempts to explain why something happens 12 Law vs theory

Strengths vs Weaknesses:

Strengths vs Weaknesses Strengths Findings can be verified by repeating measurements or observations Weaknesses Limited to study things that can be measured Cannot answer theological or ethical questions Cannot explain unique Cannot decide value 13

Pseudoscience:

Fake science No experimental findings Pseudoscience

Science, Art, and Religion:

Science Natural world Asks how Art Personal interpretation and creative expression Religion Supernatural Asks why Science, Art, and Religion

Technology:

Using knowledge for practical purposes Provides instruments Safety Acceptability of risk Technology

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