Science and the Scientific Method

What is Science?

• Science is a way to understand our world and how it works • It is a way to systematically study the natural world.

Types of Science

• Life Science (Biology) • The study of living organisms • Includes zoology, botanay and ecology • Earth Science • The study of the Earth and Space • Includes geology,meteorology, and astronomy • Physical Science • The study of matter and energy • Includes physics and chemistry

How do we do science?

• Using the Scientific Method • Steps in the Scientific Method • State the Problem • Gather Information • Form Hypothesis • Test Hypothesis (Experiment) • Analyze the Data • Draw Conclusions • Repeat if the Hypothesis is supported or Revise if the Hypothesis is not supported

Experiment Procedure

• Independent Variable – what you are testing for • Dependent Variable – the variable you are recording • Run or Trial – when you perform your experiment • Control – a test run where the independent variable is left in it’s natural state, or what is kept constant

Failure?

In 1928, the Scottish scientist Alexander Fleming was investigating disease-causing bacteria when he saw that one of his cultures contained an area where no bacteria were growing. Instead, an unknown organism was growing in that area. Rather than discarding the culture as a failure, Fleming investigated the unfamiliar organism and found that it was a type of mold. This mold produced a substance that prevented the growth of many disease bacteria. What he found by questioning the results of a “failed” experiment became the first modern antibiotic, penicillin. Major discoveries are often made by accident when trying to find something else.

Theory vs. Law

• • •

Law

Describes a process in nature that can be tested by repeated experiments.

Does not explain how a process takes place An example is gravity • • • •

Theory

Can be tested Is supported by evidence from experiments that can be repeated Can be changed if new evidence is discovered An example is the Big Bang Theory

Technology

• Techonology is the application of science for practical purposes.

• Does not solve all problems • Technology can create as many problems as it solves

Ethics in Science

• Right versus Wrong in Science