Basic Science Terms
DOING SCIENCE
Science starts with a question.
Science assumes that the universe is orderly
and can be explained.
Science is unbiased (objective).
Basic Science Terms
Science
Technology
Branches of science
Physics
Theory
Law
Hypothesis
Model
Science
The study and Example
pursuit of
knowledge about A physicist tries to
the natural world. understand how
the Sun gives us
light.
Significance of Science
The search for knowledge adds to our
understanding of the physical world.
Scientists want to know!
Science affects society by
stimulating thought
satisfying curiosity
influencing views of the world
providing knowledge necessary for new
technological advances
Technology
The application of Example
science to meet
human needs. Designing and
building solar
panels for
alternative energy
automobiles
Significance of Technology
Put the findings of science to use
Try to solve practical problems
New technology often leads to new
discoveries and the advancement of
science
Examples of Technologies that
led to the Advancement of
Science
Telescope…used to discover new planets,
moons and stars
Microscope…used to discover
microorganisms that cause disease, such
as bubonic plague
Internet and computer…processing a huge
amount of data in a matter of seconds
The Branches and Disciplines of
Science
Natural Science
Life Science
Physical Science 1. Biology Earth Science
1. Physics 1. Geology
2. Zoology
2. Chemistry 2. Meteorology
3. Botany
The branches of science are
separate, yet integrated.
Physical Science
Earth Science
Life Science
Science disciplines physics meteorology
chemistry paleontology
biology astronomy
geology
Significance of Branches of
Science
Separate, but integrated
Example: the study of fossils requires an
understanding of geology and biology!
Branches of Natural Science
Earth Science
Life Science
Physical science: Chemistry and Physics.
What is Chemistry?
Chemistry is the study of matter and how it changes.
What is physics?
What is Physics?
The study of “The entire universe
motion, forces and is built upon of the
energy. principles revealed by
a study of physics.”
-
Andrew Zimmerman J
ones
Significance of Physics
Foundation for other sciences.
Everything around us is affected by it.
Explains phenomena such as orbiting
satellites, weightlessness, lightning, sonic
booms, magnetism and energy
transformations.
Scientific Theory
A synthesis of a Examples
large body of
information that
Atomic theory explains
encompasses well- the atom
tested and verified
hypotheses about Plate Tectonics explains
aspects of the the formation of
volcanoes,
natural world. earthquakes and
mountains
It represents the best explanation about a
natural phenomenon at this time
Scientific Law or Principle
A summarizing Example
statement about
the relationship of
natural quantities. F = ma is
Newton’s 2nd
Law of Motion
A Scientific Theory
Is… Is Not
The current best accepted
An opinion
explanation about a
Unchanging Fact
phenomenon in the natural
world Hypothesis
Weighty Trivial
Exhausts all current
knowledge gained
Huge deal
Not easily replaced
Growing body of work
A Scientific Law
Is… Is Not
A summary of An opinion
something observed in Hypothesis
nature Trivial
Fact
A theory
Often expressed as an
An explanation
equation
A Scientific Model
Is…
A representation of Is Not
An opinion
something in nature or
the real world for study Hypothesis
Can be scale or real size
A theory
Can be a computer
The real thing or event
model or a tangible
model, mathematical
model, graphic organizer,
predictive tool
Significance of a Scientific
Theory
It has been extensively tested through
scientific investigation and never
disproven
It grows slowly through contributions
from many investigators.
Can be replaced if new evidence is
discovered
Is this a strength or a weakness?
Significance of a Law
A law summarizes, does not try to explain
Sometimes is represented by an equation
explanation
vs. F = ma
Newton’s Theory Newton’s 2nd
of Motion Law of Motion
Scientific Hypothesis
An educated guess Example
that can be tested.
If the mass on a
cart is increased,
then the cart’s rate
of acceleration will
decrease given the
same force.
Significance of a Scientific
Hypothesis
Drives the scientific process
Has not been proved
Can be adjusted and retested depending on
the outcome of the first test
SCIENTIFIC MODEL
A representation of Examples:
an object or event
that can be studied A globe
so that the real Computer models
for hurricanes
object or event can
be understood.
Significance of Models
A model can be tested by comparing its
predictions to actual observations in the real
world.
Can use scientific method by changing one
variable to see how it affects the other
variable(s).
A close match does not necessarily mean
that the model is the only “true” model or the
only one that would work.
Theory
vs…law/hypothesis/model
Theory is an explanation that has been
proved through testing
Law is a summary (often expressed as an
equation)
Hypothesis is an question or educated guess
that can be tested (but has not been tested)
A model is a representation of something that
can be used to study it.
Scientific Theory
A synthesis of a large body of information
that encompasses well-tested and verified
hypotheses about aspects of the natural
world.
An explanation that evolves over time
Tested, but never disproven.
Sometimes replaced if new evidence is
discovered
Example:
Atomic theory explains the
Scientific Law or Principle
A general hypothesis or statement about the
relationship of natural quantities that has
been tested repeatedly and has not been
contradicted.
Summarizes
Sometimes is represented by an equation
Example:
F = ma is Newton’s 2nd Law of
Motion
Scientific Hypothesis
An educated guess that can be tested.
A reasonable explanation
Has not been proven
Requires testing
Example:
If the mass on a cart is increased, then the
cart’s rate of acceleration will decrease
given the same force.
Identifying Variables in a
Scientific Hypothesis
The three variables
are underlined.
Independent
variable Dependent
variable
If the mass on a cart is increased,
then the cart’s rate of acceleration will
decrease given the same force.
Control variable
The if statement shows independent variable, the
then statement shows the dependent variable.
Variables
Explain how the dependent and independent
variables are different.
Scientific Method
Each table is responsible for writing the steps
of the scientific method.
List steps on paper provided
[Link]
[Link]
Science Terms—Section 1.4
Everyone take one sheet of loose leaf and cut as
shown.
Label each panel formed with the following terms
Fact
Theory
Law or Principle
Hypothesis
Define each term. Learn how each term is different.
Work with your table members.