Ch. 1, Section 1 – The Nature of Science

I. Problem Solving

A. Problems vs. Exercises

1. Problem: A question about something that has no easy or obvious answer.

Ozone Hole Animation

2. Exercise: A question that has obvious steps to find answer.

B. Ways to Solve Problems…

1. Predict solutions and try them (retrace steps)

2. Look for patterns and make predictions (always late for class)

3. develop a model – an idea, system, or structure that representsthe problem.(planes in wind tunnels)

4. Break down the problemintosmaller

problems.(saving the earth)

[The 16-foot wind tunnel at Ames Research Center]

C. Scientific Problem Solving1. There are certain steps to solving problems in science (scientific method)

a. Observation: using senses to gather information(determine the problem)

b. Hypothesis: predictions that can be tested

c. Experiment: testing predictions made (analyze results)

d. theory: making an explanation based on observations(draw conclusions)

e. scientific law: “rule of nature” proven many times tobe true

HMMMMM...

3. Experimentation

a. Experiment: Organized procedure for testing a hypothesis

b. What is needed to perform experiments:

1. Control: A standard for comparison

2. Constants: Unchanging factors

3. Variables: changing factors

a. Independent Variable: adjusted in experiment (x)

b. Dependent Variable: depends on value of independent (y)

II. Graphing

A. Bar Graphs: Used for comparing objects (like hair colors)

B. Circle (Pie) Graphs: Used to represent parts of a whole (percents)

C. Line Graphs: Used to show trends or changes over time (stocks)

III. Metric System: System of measurement based on multiples of 10; used worldwide; uses prefixes when converting

A. Length: distance between two points; measured in meters (m)

B. Mass: the “stuff” that makes up an object; measured in kilograms (kg)

C. Volume: the amount of space an object takes up; measured in liters (L)

D. Time: the interval between two events; measured in seconds (s)

E. Density: the amount of mass in a certain volume; measured in (kg/L)

F. Temperature: measure of how “hot or cold” an object is; measured in degrees Celsius (C); SI units Kelvin (K)

[kilo-(k) hecto-(h) deka-(dk) BASE- deci-(d) centi-(c) milli-(m)]

B-d, B-d, B-d, That’s All Folks!!