The Nature of Science

Section 1.2 Pages 11-15

What is Science?

• Science is a body of knowledge based on the study of nature.

Characteristics of Science

• Uses scientific theory• Expands scientific

knowledge• Challenges accepted

theories• Questions results• Tests claims• Undergoes peer review• Uses metric system

Scientific Theory

• A theory is an explanation of a natural phenomenon supported by many observations and experiments over time.

• A theory is a generally accepted scientific principle.

Expands scientific knowledge

• Most scientific fields are guided by research that results in a constant reevaluation of what is known.

• This reevaluation often leads to new knowledge that scientists then evaluate.

Challenges accepted theories

• Scientists welcome debate about one another’s ideas.

• Sciences advance by accommodating new information as it is discovered

Questions results

• Observations or data that are not consistent with current scientific understanding are of interest to scientists.

• These inconsistencies often lead to further investigations.

Test Claims

• Science-based information makes claims based on a large amount of data and observations obtained from unbiased investigations and carefully controlled experimentation.

Peer Review

• Peer review is a process by which the procedures used during an experiment and the results are evaluated by other scientists who are in the same field or who are conducting similar research.

Uses metric system

• The metric system uses units with divisions that are powers of ten.

• The metric system is also known as the International System of Units or SI

• In biology, the most common SI units are:– meter (length)– liter (volume)– gram (mass)– second (time)

What Science is not!

• Claims not supported by scientific explanations are not science.

• Examples: Astrology, horoscopes, psychic reading, tarot and palm reading, physiognomy, and phrenology are all non-science

• These practices are called pseudosciences and are often driven by cultural and economic factors

• Pseudoscience tries to imitate real science, but is not supported by scientific explanation.

Science in your life

• Almost every aspect of your life is somehow affected by science

• Examples: Forensics, medical advances, space exploration, and agriculture are a few examples

• In today’s world, scientific literacy is a necessity– A person who is scientifically literate combines a

basic understanding of science and its processes with reasoning and thinking skills

Ethics

• Ethics are a set of moral principles or values

• Some advances in science raise ethical issues for a society

• Examples: Genetic engineering, cloning, euthanasia, cryonics, global warming, deforestation, and pollution