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Understanding Science and Its Methods

This document provides an introduction to science and the scientific method. It begins with definitions of key scientific concepts like the three main categories of science - life science, Earth science, and physical science. It then explains the typical steps of the scientific method: (1) stating a problem, (2) gathering information, (3) forming a hypothesis, (4) experimentation with variables, (5) analyzing data, (6) forming a conclusion. Models, theories, and laws are also discussed. The document emphasizes that science teaches problem-solving skills that can be applied in everyday life.

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13 views4 pages

Understanding Science and Its Methods

This document provides an introduction to science and the scientific method. It begins with definitions of key scientific concepts like the three main categories of science - life science, Earth science, and physical science. It then explains the typical steps of the scientific method: (1) stating a problem, (2) gathering information, (3) forming a hypothesis, (4) experimentation with variables, (5) analyzing data, (6) forming a conclusion. Models, theories, and laws are also discussed. The document emphasizes that science teaches problem-solving skills that can be applied in everyday life.

Uploaded by

misterbrowner
Copyright
© Attribution Non-Commercial (BY-NC)
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

Essential Question:

How does science apply in


my everyday life?
Introduction to Science

What is Science? What is Science? (cont.)


• Science – systematic knowledge of the • Science studies natural patterns.
physical or material world gained through 1. Science is classified into three
observation and experimentation main categories: life science,
• from the Latin word scientia, which means Earth science, and physical
knowledge science: sometimes a scientific
study will overlap the categories

Scientific Methods
2. Science explains the natural
world; explanations can • Scientific method - organized set
change over time. of investigation procedures
3. Scientists investigate nature 1. State a problem.
by observation, 2. Gather information.
experimentation, or 3. Form a hypothesis or educated
guess based on knowledge and
modeling. observation.

1
4. An experiment with variables is a common 5. Analyze data from an
way to test a hypothesis.
a) A dependent variable changes values as
experiment or investigation.
other variables change 6. Form a conclusion based on
b) An independent variable is changed to
determine how it will affect the dependent the data.
variable.
c) A variable that does not change when
7. Reduce bias by keeping
other variables change is a constant. accurate records using
d) A control is the standard to which test
results can be compared.
measurable data, and repeating
the experiment.

Essential Question: A Model Scientific Method


State the problem
• How does science apply in my
everyday life? Modify
Gather information
hypothesis
Form a hypothesis
Repeat
Test the hypothesis several
Science teaches problem-solving times

skills that can be used every day. Analyze the data

Draw conclusions

Hypothesis not supported Hypothesis supported

Scientific Methods Scientific Methods in Action

2
Models Scientific Theories and Laws
• Models represent ideas, events, • A theory is an explanation based on
or objects and can be physical or many observations and
computerized. investigations.
• A scientific law is a statement about
something that always seems to be
true.

Review: Variables
Terminology
• Independent and dependent
• Hypothesis variables are related to one another.
• Experiment • The Independent part is what you,
• Dependent Variable the experimenter, changes or enacts
• Independent Variable in order to do your experiment.
• Constant • The dependent variable is what
• Control changes when the independent
variable changes - the dependent
• Theory
variable depends on the outcome of
• Scientific Law
the independent variable.

Review: Variables Review: Variables


• For example, if you open a faucet • Controlled variables are quantities that a
scientist wants to remain constant.
(the independent variable), the
• For example, if we want to measure how
quantity of water flowing much water flow increases when we open
(dependent variable) changes in a faucet, it is important to make sure that
response-- you observe that the the water pressure (the controlled
water flow increases. variable) is held constant.

3
Review: Variables Review: Constant and Control
• Independent • Constant- factors that are kept the
–What is the experimenter same
changing? • Control- group that the results of
• Dependent the experimental group can be
–What is being compared to. It is a standard.
investigated/measured/ observed?

Section Assessment
1. What is the first step a scientist usually takes
to solve a problem?
2. What is the dependent variable in an
experiment that shows how the volume of gas
changes with changes in temperature?
3. Explain why a control is needed in a valid
experiment.
4. How is science different from technology?

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