1.

1 The Nature of Science

Pages 4 - 11
 Goal 1

Explain how science works

• Science actions
– Observing
– Studying
• Recorded observations
– Experimenting
– Carefully designed experiments
• Address the phenomenon
• Numerous trials
• Technology and Math
• Transparency
– All methods / data
– Truthful and accurate
– Results tested
• Types of data

1. Quantitative
• Numbers
• Examples:

2. Qualitative
• Descriptive
• NO numbers
• Examples:
Quantitative data
Qualitative data
 Goal 2

Recognize the difference

between scientific law and
scientific theory
• Scientific law

– Statement of an observed event /

phenomenon

– NO explanation of event / phenomenon

– Example
• The sun rises every morning and sets
every evening.
• Scientific theory

– An explanation of an event / phenomenon

– Tested repeatedly

– Can be used to make predictions

– Example
• The sun rises every morning and sets
every evening because the earth is rotating
 Law or theory?

3. Objects fall towards the Earth.

5. Objects fall towards the Earth because of

the force of gravity.

7. Ice forms on ponds in the winter.

9. Ice forms on ponds in the winter because

the temperature drops below 0° celsius.
 Goal 3

Describe the 3 branches of

science and their specialties*
1. Biological Sciences
• Science of living things
• *Botany = study of plants
• *Zoology = study of animals
• *Ecology = study of interactions in nature
1. Physical Science
• Science of matter and energy
• *Physics = forces and energy
• *Chemistry = matter and its changes
1. Earth Science
• Science of Earth
• *Geology = physical nature and history of
Earth
• *Meteorology = atmosphere and weather
 Thanks to the following individuals who have generously
contributed images with creative commons’ licenses!!

Halite … by smccann on Flickr

Sara with binocs…….Randylane on Flickr
Skateboarder study… Monkeyc.net on Flickr
Nut balancing…. Scoobymoo on Flickr
Thermometer… Ryan R on Flickr
Old Faithful scatter plot … pd by NWstephens on wikipedia
Old Faithful pic… by RMHermen on wikipedia
Sunrise … cruadinx on Flickr
Treefrog … by rainforest_harley on Flickr
Atomic bomb … pd-gov on wikipedia
Grand canyon … by Diliff on wikipedia