what is science? · pdf file · 2014-09-08ii. branches of physical science ... 6...
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What is Science?
Science Journal Notes
Include these pictures or diagrams in your science journal.
I. Scientific SkillsScience: a method of learning about the natural world.
A. Observing: Using your senses (i.e. seeing, hearing, tasting, smelling and touching) to gather information.
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Quantitative Observation: Description using numbers. (ex. 5 cats, 110 meters) “Quantity”
!
Qualitative Observation: Description using words. (ex. tall, dense, soft, yellow) “Quality”
B. Inferring: Explaining your observations based on prior knowledge.
C. Predicting: Making a forecast of what will happen in the future based on prior knowledge.
II. Branches of Physical Science☼ Physical Science is the study of matter, energy, and the changes they undergo. !
Chemistry: The study of the properties of matter and how matter changes.
!
Physics: The study of matter, energy, motion and forces and how they interact.
III. The Process of Scientific InquiryScientific Inquiry: The method by which scientists learn about the world.
“The” Scientific Method
A. Posing Questions • Scientific questions can be answered
by carrying out experiments. • Scientific inquiry cannot answer
questions based on opinions or values. !
B. Developing Hypotheses Hypothesis: A possible answer or
explanation for an observation that can be tested in an experiment.
!
TPS: Give an example of a scientific hypothesis.
C. Designing an Experiment Parameter: A factor that can be
measured in an experiment. Ex. Temperature, height, number of
mice
Manipulated (Independent) Variable: The variable that is purposely changed in an experiment.
Responding (Dependent) Variable: The variable that changes in response to the manipulated variable.
Controlled Variables: The factors you keep the same during an experiment.
!
TPS: Suppose you wanted to test whether a steel or wood-framed building is better at withstanding an earthquake. Identify the manipulated and responding variables for this experiment. What factors would you control for?
D. Collecting and Interpreting Data Data: Facts, figures, and other
evidence gathered in an experiment. Graph: A visual representation of data. Plant Growth in Soils with Differnet pH
Aver
age
Plan
t Gro
wth
(cm
)
0.0
15.0
30.0
45.0
60.0
pH6 6.2 6.4 6.6 6.8 7 7.2
GraphData Table
E. Drawing Conclusions • Conclusions state whether the data supports, or does not support, the hypothesis. F. Communicating Results • Scientists report their findings in published journals and at conferences. !
IV. How Science Develops☼ Scientists use models and develop theories and laws to explain the natural world. !
A. Scientific ModelsModel: A picture, diagram, or other
representation of an object or process.
The Atom Plate Tectonics
B. Scientific Theories and LawsTheory: A well-tested explanation for a
wide range of observations or experimental results.
Ex. Atomic Theory, Natural Selection Law: A statement that describes what
will happen every time under a given set of conditions.
Ex. Law of Gravity