I.

The Nature of Science

1. Problem Solving and Science
1.1 Problem Solving
1.2 Problem Solving Strategies
2. Scientific Processes
2.1 Scientific Method
2.2 Theories and Laws
2.3 Models
3. What is Science?
3.1 Science and Technology
3.2 Earth Science

1. Problem Solving and Science

1.1 Problem solving - problem solving is a process of finding solutions to problems
that face us daily.

1.2 Problem solving Strategies

 To guess and check – whenever you have a problem you have to guess the
cause of it and then check if it is really the cause. If not, you have to guess again
until you find the right answer.
 Follow the pattern – sometimes in a problem there is a pattern, in order to solve
it, you have to follow the pattern and guess what will happen next and then think of
a solution.
 Use a model or drawing – scientist uses models and drawing in solving problem
to be able for them to see the problem clearly and easily find a solution.

2. Scientific Processes

2.1 Scientific Methods

1) Determining the problem – first you 2) Testing – after making a hypothesis

have to identify or determine the problem you need to test it to know if it is right. In
through observations, then you can experimenting/testing there are control
make inferences to be able to have a and variables.
hypothesis. Controls – standard for comparison;
Observation – act of gathering constant
information using your senses Variables – changeable factors in an
Inferences – conclusion that is based on experiment
both observation and knowledge
Hypothesis – a proposed answer to the
problem that can be tested; an educated
guess
3) analyzing – when you are already 4) conclusion – lastly, you can make
done with testing you have to analyze your conclusion and solution to your
the results. problem.
2.2 Theories and laws
A hypothesis can become a theory when all new information/data gathered
over a long period of time support it. A theory can become a law when it is
sufficiently tested and validated.
Example: Newton’s First Law of Motion: An object continues at rest, or in motion,
until acted upon an outside force. It was Newton’s hypothesis 300 years ago and
because it has been tested, validated and withstood the test of time it became a
law.
Theories – an explanation backed up by results obtained from repeated tests or
experiments
Law – when a theory has been sufficiently tested and validated
2.3 Models
 Representation of an actual object or an idea of how an object looks
 A scale model represents a real object reduced in size
 Scale – is a fixed ratio between the size of the model and the size of the
real object
Example: a river that is 30meter deep has a model of 3meter. The ratio is
1:10 or 3:30.
2 Types of Models
Physical Models – it represents actual objects (airplanes, ships, buildings,
maps, etc.)
Mental Models – are ideas of how objects look (Atom)
3. What is Science?
 It is a process that produces knowledge about the physical world.
 Science aids in discovering answers to many questions.
3.1 Science and Technology
Scientist - is a person who uses scientific methods to learn about and explain
natural events.
Chemistry – is the study of properties and composition of matter. You need to
understand the basic concepts about matter in order to understand rocks and
minerals.
Physics – deals with forces, motion and energy and their effects on matter.
Motions on earth and moon, the properties of starlight and circulation of ocean
currents.
Biology – study of living organisms. Biological concepts about Earth’s history.
Technology – use of scientific discoveries. Technology is applied science.
3.2 Earth Science
 It is the study of planet earth and its place in space.
Four Major Specialization in Earth Science
Geology – is the study of Earth, its matter, and the processes that form and
change it.
Astronomy – is the study of objects in space, including stars, planets, and
comets.
Meteorology – is the study of weather and the forces and processes that
cause it.
Oceanography – is the study of Earth’s ocean.
 SPECIALIZATION IN EARTH SCIENCE
Earth Science Area Subject
astrogeology geology of the moon, planets, meteorites and other cosmic objects
paleontology Fossils and Earth history
geomorphology Earth’s surface features and their origins
petrology rocks
minerology minerals
paleoclimatology ancient climates and weather patterns
geophysics Earth’s internal structure and processes
tectonics effects of internal processes on earth’s surface, including ocean
formation and mountain building
geochemistry Earth’s composition