Transcript The Nature of Science

The Nature of Science
Chapter 1-1
Science 8
Science in Society
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What is science?
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Science—way or a
process used to
investigate what is
happening around
you
– Helps solve
problems
– Helps answer
questions
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Is science new?
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Science is not new
– People throughout
history have tried to
explain things
happening around
them
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How do people find
answers to
questions in daily
life?
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Start with a problem
to solve
 Look for clues
 Find answers
Using Prior Knowledge
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What steps do
scientists take to
form theories?
Use prior
experience
2. Test predictions
3. Form theories
when predictions
have been well
tested
1.
 More than one time
Using Science & Technology
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What can science
lead to?
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Technology—
application of
science to make
products or tools
that people can use
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Computers
Cell phones
MP3
DVD
Wii
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What are some
resource materials
scientists use to find
information?
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Books
Newspapers
Magazines
Videos
Web pages
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What scientific skills
do scientists use?
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Observation—what you
learn through your
senses
Inference—how you
explain what you
observe
Measurement
Comparing/contrasting
– Alike/different
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Classifying
– Grouping based on
characteristics
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Observation
– Use of your five
senses
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What do you see?
What do you feel?
What do you hear?
What do you taste?
What do you smell?
– Can use instruments
• Thermometer,
meterstick, balances
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Inference
– Attempt to explain
your observations
– Must use accurate
data and
observations
Observation vs. Inference
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Observation
 Using your five
senses
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What do you see?
What do you feel?
What do you hear?
What do you smell?
What do you taste?
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Inference
 An attempt to
explain or interpret
obsservations
– What caused what
you observed
Observation or Inference
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2.
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4.
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6.
The candle is red.
The candle is using oxygen.
The flame is yellow.
The wax is dripping down the side of
the candle.
The flame is giving off carbon dioxide.
The candle is 4 inches high.
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8.
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The clouds are dark.
It is going to rain.
The rock has sharp edges.
The rock has holes.
The rock was formed near the Earth’s
surface
The lake temperature is 18 degrees.
The steaming water is hot.
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What information
should be included
in science journals?
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7.
Observations
Procedures followed
Materials/equipment
Results of
investigations
Measurements
Problems that
occurred
Data, tables, charts,
graphs