Transcript The Scientific Method

The Scientific Method
…and the Nature of Science
What is science?
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Science is the total collection of knowledge
gained by man's observation of the physical
universe.
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It tries to answer the questions "how" and "why."
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It is a logical way of problem solving.
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It is basically common sense
The Two Types of Science
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Pure Science - studying things for the
sake of gaining knowledge; new
discoveries.
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Applied Science - the use of pure science
in practical ways (technology).
The Limitations of Science
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Cannot make value judgments.
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Cannot prove something doesn't exist
(universal negative).
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Scientific investigation is as limited as the
instruments we use.
Scientific Statements
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Facts - things that are observable and
indisputable.
Data - any piece of information; usually gained
through experimentation.
Laws - statements that describe patterns in
nature with no known exceptions.
Theories - explanations usually based on
evidence (may be wrong).
Models - man-made ideas to help us visualize
scientific concepts.
The Scientific Method
Observe the situation
 Ask a question
 Turn that question into a testable idea
 Predict the outcome of your experiment
 Perform your experiment
 Analyze the results
 Evaluate your idea or hypothesis
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Scientific Experimentation
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An experiment is a controlled test to find the answer to a question.
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Only one condition in an experiment is changed at a time.
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a. The conditions that affect the outcome are called variables.
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b. Independent Variable - the one changed by the
experimenter.
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c. Dependent Variable - the condition that changes because of
above.
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Factors in experiments that do not change are called constants.
Scientific Experimentation
Experiments have two parts:
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a. Control Group - group under normal
conditions (nothing unusual done to it).
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b. Experimental Group - the test group
in which variables are changed.
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The goal of an experiment is to predict
what might happen in similar situations.
Systems of Measurement
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English System of Measurement: is the one you use commonly,
and includes pounds, feet, and gallons.
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International System of Measurement or SI: is called the metric
system in the United States. This system is based on units of ten,
and all science measurements are made using this system.
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Know these SI units:
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Meter - unit of length (about a yard)
Kilogram - unit of mass (about ½ a pound)
Liter - unit of volume (about a quart)
Celsius Degrees - unit of temperature (about ½ a degree F°)
Second - unit of time
Final Words
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Is it true that cannibals don't eat clowns because they
taste funny? - Steven Wright
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It is an important and popular fact that things are not
always what they seem. For instance, on the planet
Earth, man had always assumed that he was more
intelligent than dolphins because he had achieved so
much -- the wheel, New York, wars and so on -- whilst
all the dolphins had ever done was muck about in the
water having a good time. But conversely, the dolphins
had always believed that they were far more intelligent
than man -- for precisely the same reasons.
- Douglas Adams