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Nature of Science
What is scientific literacy
& why is it important?
Video: Neil deGrasse Tyson
Skeptic
Questions the validity or authenticity of
claims
Believes that extraordinary claims
require extraordinary evidence
Two Types of Science
Pure Science research that adds to the body of scientific
knowledge
has no practical use
Applied Science (Technology) the practical application of scientific knowledge
EXAMPLES
PURE human genetics
polymer science
atomic theory
study of the human ear
APPLIED DNA fingerprinting
Lycra® spandex
nuclear weapons
hearing aids
Branches of Science
Life Science
Earth/Space Science
Physical Science
• the study of living organisms (biology)
• the study of our planet and the
universe
• the study of matter (chemistry) and
energy (physics)
Scientific Method
1. Determine the problem.
2. Make a hypothesis (testable prediction).
3. Test your hypothesis.
4. Collect and analyze data.
5. Draw conclusion.
Scientific Method
1. Determine the problem.
Do I run faster while listening to no music or listening to
Drake on my iPod?
2. Make a hypothesis.
Scientific Method
3. Test your hypothesis.
4. Analyze the results.
5. Draw conclusions.
Experimental Design
Experiment - organized procedure for
testing a hypothesis
Key Components:
• Variable – something that changes during an
experiment
• Control - standard for comparison
• Constants – anything that remains the same
throughout the experiment
• Repeated trials - for reliability
Experimental Design
Types of Variables
Independent Variable
• adjusted by the experimenter
• what you vary
Dependent Variable
• changes in response to the independent variable
• what you measure
Observations
Observations refer to noting a fact or
occurrence by using our senses.
We make observations by using our sight,
smell, touch, taste, and our ability to hear.
Qualitative and Quantitative Observations
Qualitative observations describe the
quality of an object, such as a objects
color, shape, and size.
Quantitative observations are based
on measuring and include numbers.
Observations
Read the following examples
and then decide if the example
is qualitative or quantitative.
It is light green in color.
It tastes sour.
One leaf is 9 cm long.
It makes a loud pop sound.
The mass of the
computer is 1.5 kg.
It gets darker over a period of time.
The flowers smell sweet.
Leaves are stiff.
The temperature of the
room increases by 8
degrees C.
The football player ran 19
yards.
Inferences
Inferences are an explanation for an observation. They
are based on previous knowledge.
Example:
Observation: The grass in front of the school is wet.
Possible Inferences:
Does Wheel Size Affect
Skateboarding Speed?
Design your own experiment:
Problem: Does wheel size affect skateboard speed?
Hypothesis:
Test
Control
Constants
Independent Variable (what you change)
Dependent Variable (what you measure)
Materials
Procedure
Data
Analyze Data
Draw Conclusion