NATURE OF SCIENCE

Nature of ScienceA way of knowing of the natural

world.

Understand/explain how the many functions of our body and environment work.We express our knowledge or understanding of a function by describing the underlying mechanism.

Nature of ScienceGoal: knowledge

Understand,ExplainDevelop conceptsBuild up mental pictureAnswer our questionsPredict

Nature of ScienceAssumption 1:

The world is real!

Our understanding provides a “True” picture of that world.

Concepts are shared and verifiable.

Nature of ScienceAssumption 2:

The world is knowable!

Natural processes operate in a fairly consistent manner, and we can discover these patterns.

Nature of ScienceOur evidence is

Experiential

Experimental.

Senses,material world

From experiments,observation

Not: Divine Revelation, Supernatural,

Scripture.

Nature of Science

Science teaching:Not be revelationNot by authority

Nature of Science

Doing Science Study / Learning

Nature of Science

a) Scientific ideas are subject to change

b) Scientific knowledge is durable

c) Science cannot provide answers to all questions.

Scientific MethodThe goal of science is understanding the functioning of the Universe.

1. Collecting EVIDENCE2. Formulate possible models /explanations

(causal hypotheses)3. Test hypotheses by further observation /

experiments.

Nature of Science

a. Science demands evidenceb. Science is a blend of logic and

imaginationc. Science explains and predictsd. Scientists try to identify and avoid biase. Science is NOT authoritharian

Nature of Science

CONFIDENCE IN SCIENCE:

a) Funding agenciesb) Experiments are repeatedc) Peer-review of publicationsd) Follow-up research by different

groups.

Mitch McConnell: “ I don’t buy that climate is changing.”

Nature of ScienceSCIENCE AND THE GREAT DEBATES OF THE DAY:

Not all statements are equal. Role of experts. The Debate:

List and evaluate evidence Evaluate logic.

Nature of ScienceThe Scientific enterprise

a. Science is part of modern societyb. Science is a complex social activityc. Science is organized into content

disciplines and is conducted in various institutions.

d. Ethical principles.e. Scientist participate in public affairs.