Book work for Ch. 2 The Nature of Science

2.1 The Scientists' Mindanswer # 1-3 (pg. 28)

2.2 Scientific Methods of Inquiry

answer # 1-4 (pg. 33)

2.3 Scientists' Toolsanswer # 1, 3 (pg. 37)

Chapter review questionsanswer # 1, 2, 5-9, 16, 19-21, 23, 24 (pgs. 40-41)

2.1 The Scientists' Mindanswer # 1-3 (pg. 28)

1. Describe the unique characteristics of Carl Sagan, Enriqueta Barrera, and Evan Forde that assisted them in their scientific careers.– Ex. curious, interested in nature, keen observer…

2. Name two characteristics of scientific thinking that all scientists share.– Ex. Inquisitive, observant, creative, skeptical, cooperative

3. Explain why it is important for scientists to be skeptical.– Scientists need to question ideas and “prove” or “disprove”

them in order to understand the natural world.

2.2 Scientific Methods of Inquiryanswer # 1-4 (pg. 33)

1. What is a hypothesis? What steps are necessary before a hypothesis can be formulated?– A hypothesis is a tentative explanation for an observation.

Making observations and asking questions are necessary steps before a hypothesis can be formulated.

2. What is peer review? What is its role in scientific inquiry?– During peer review, a scientist’s documentation of his

or her work is reviewed by experts in the field prior to publication. It ensures that proper scientific methods have been used & that the work is ready to be considered and texted by other scientists.

2.2 Scientific Methods of Inquiryanswer # 1-4 (pg. 33)

3. Explain the value of testing and retesting ideas scientifically.– By testing & retesting ideas, scientists gather evidence

to determine whether an idea is scientifically valid.

4. How have you applied the method of scientific inquiry—formulating a question, gathering data, and forming a hypothesis—in your own life??– Answers will vary but should include the processes of

formulating a question, gathering data, and forming hypotheses.

2.3 Scientists' Toolsanswer # 1, 3 (pg. 37)

1. Describe how tools help scientists in their work.– Answers will vary.– Ex. Tools allow scientists access to more

information, extend the senses, etc.

3. How are computers and satellites changing the nature of science?

– Computers allow scientists to analyze larger amounts of data in a fraction of the time it took in the past. Satellites provide new views of Earth—both its surface & the ocean floor.

Chapter review questionsanswer # 1, 2, 5-9, 16, 19-21, 23, 24 (pgs. 40-41)

1. theory, law– Theory: an explanation based on available information; may be changed as

new info is found– Law: a generalization to which no exception has been found; does not change

2. hypothesis, theory– Hypothesis: a temporary explanation for an observation or phenomenon– Theory: a carefully tested hypothesis that seems to be the best explanation for

the phenomenon.

5. evidence, inquiry– Inquiry: the process of asking questions– Evidence: information that can be measured & tested to verify a prediction

6. hypothesis, question– Hypothesis: a temporary answer to a question– Question: seeks an answer

Chapter review questionsanswer # 1, 2, 5-9, 16, 19-21, 23, 24 (pgs. 40-41)

7. What are some qualities that scientists share?– strong powers of observation, logical, sense of wonder, creativity,

skepticism

8. How do scientists support their hypotheses?– by gathering, analyzing, & interpreting data

9. Describe the way in which a scientist might approach a question– Scientists are methodical in their approach & inventive in figuring out

ways to get information.

16. Think about Evan Forde’s 7th grade experience, when his science teacher asked him to write down observations about a candle. Take a common object and challenge yourself: How many observations about the object can you make? Remember that details are the key.– Answers will vary.

Chapter review questionsanswer # 1, 2, 5-9, 16, 19-21, 23, 24 (pgs. 40-41)

7. What are some qualities that scientists share?8. How do scientists support their hypotheses?9. Describe the way in which a scientist might

approach a question.16. Think about Evan Forde’s seventh grade

experience, when his science teacher asked him to write down observations about a candle. Take a common object and challenge yourself: How many observations about the object can you make? Remember that details are the key.

Chapter review questionsanswer # 1, 2, 5-9, 16, 19-21, 23, 24 (pgs. 40-41)

19. How many times was the water level tested in Study 1? in Study 2?– Study 1: 4 times; Study 2: 9 times

20. During Study 1, by how much did the water level decline between the first measurement and the final measurement?– About 40 feet

21. During Study 2, by how much did the water level decline between the first measurement and the final measurement?– About 40 feet

Chapter review questionsanswer # 1, 2, 5-9, 16, 19-21, 23, 24 (pgs. 40-41)

23. What must have taken place between the measurement taken near March 1, 1995, and the one taken September 1, 1995?– There must have been a lot of rain.

24. If a third study were done, what do you think a graph made from its data would look like? Explain your thinking.– If it covered the same months, it would

probably look the same as the other two studies. There are probably periods of rainy months & dry months in each season of the year. These would be roughly the same from year to year.