Course Title: Advanced Animal Science
Lesson Title: What is Science?
TEKS Addressed in Lesson: 130.7 c 2 a b c d
http://ritter.tea.state.tx.us/rules/tac/chapter130/index.html
Lesson Objectives. The student will be able to:
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Summarize the definition and importance of science
Describe a hypothesis
Describe a scientific theory
Compare hypotheses and theories
Synthesize a hypothesis for given situations
Tools and Equipment
PowerPoint: What is Science?
Projector
Key Terms / Vocabulary
Science: "use of evidence to construct testable explanations and predictions of natural
phenomena, as well as the knowledge generated through this process."
Scientific Method: a system of observation and experimentation used to answer
questions about natural phenomena.
Hypothesis: a supposition or proposed explanation made on the basis of limited
evidence as a starting point for further investigation
Scientific Theory: refers to a comprehensive explanation of some aspect of nature that
is supported by a vast body of evidence. Many scientific theories are so well established
that no new evidence is likely to alter them substantially
Engage / Interest Approach/Anticipatory Set
Facilitate classroom discussion on how they perceive science. Do they feel it is irrelevant? Do
they feel it has little effect on what they do every day? Bring up examples of science and why it
is an important subject to understand. Discuss how it affects every day life: the fuel we drive,
the food we eat, the electricity we all use every day has come from scientific advancements.
Science isn’t just limited to chemistry and biology – it’s a way of thinking. Today we will uncover
that method of thinking.
Explore & Explain / Teaching Plan and Strategy / Presentation of New Material
Lecture Format. Review over the “What is Science?” PowerPoint in class.
How do we define science?
• Science, as defined by the National Academy of Sciences, is the "use of evidence to
construct testable explanations and predictions of natural phenomena, as well as the
knowledge generated through this process."
What does it really mean?
• Science is a tool to understand how the universe works around us.
• Science is a system of acquiring knowledge.
• A system of observation and experimentation used to describe and explain
phenomena.
• Scientific discovery takes a long time, and is the interconnection of many different
studies and existing knowledge
Why? Why is it important?
• Through explanations and knowledge gained through science, we are able to improve
our lives.
• What has science done for you?
• Electricity
• Observations and experimentation by Ben Franklin and Alessandro Volta in the
1700s pioneered the way for harnessing the power of electricity.
• Modern Medicine
• Through science, we enjoy the benefits of:
• Vaccines
• Eradication of diseases such as smallpox
• Extended lives through the treatment of once deadly diseases
• Many people alive today are here because of the benefits that modern medicine
provided them.
• Modern Agriculture
• Science has played a key role in developing a safe and abundant food supply in
developed countries.
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Specialized biologists (plant breeders) started developing high-yielding varieties
of crops through new techniques in breeding.
• Today biotechnology plays an essential role in further transforming our food
system, ensuring we have a plentiful and safe food supply for future generations.
Impact of Science on Society
• Those were some examples of products of modern science. Almost everything we enjoy
today is the result of science.
• Science also enables us to make informed personal and policy decisions concerning
health, agriculture, economics, etc.
• As a result, it is extremely important to understand science and distinguish between
“bad science” and “good science”.
• Groups can take advantage of ignorance to push their agenda.
The Scientific Method
• As we discussed, science is a system of observation and experimentation.
• This system of observation and experimentation is the scientific method. The scientific
method is the engine behind science.
• List out what you feel are the steps of the scientific process.
Define a Question
“How do I synthesize a pesticide to attack a specific pest?”
Observe
Information gathering (literature review)
Forming of a Hypothesis
“Getting pimples is unaffected by eating greasy food”
Test the Hypothesis
Perform an experiment and collect data. The experiment must be reproducible.
Data Analysis
Perform statistical analysis.
Interpret the Data and its Implications
This will provide a starting point for further hypotheses.
Publish Results
This allows others to learn about your discovery and develop further advanced research.
Retest
An important part of the scientific process is testing the work of others to ensure you get the same results.
Hypothesis
• After your observations/researching existing information about issue, you will form an
educated guess to answer your question.
• Hypothesis is defined as: “a supposition or proposed explanation made on the basis of
limited evidence as a starting point for further investigation”.
• Basically, it is a suggested solution for an unexplained occurrence that does not fit into
current accepted scientific theory.
• It must be worded so that it can be tested, and subsequently answered.
• This is called falsifiability and testability.
• In order to make it testable, you express your hypothesis using an independent variable
and dependent variable.
• Independent Variable (IV): variable you change
• Dependent Variable (DV): you observe changes of this variable with the changes of the
IV.
Example Scientific Experiment
• Define a Question: “What happens if I water a plant with different liquids?”
• Information gathering: research on the methods water is absorbed through the plant
• Hypothesis: “Normal water with little to no additives is the most effective liquid to
water”.
Types of Variables:
 Independent: This is the variable you change. Give example.
 Dependent: You collect data on this variable based off of the changes you make to the
independent variable.
 Control: Unchanged, constant
Implications/Conclusion:
 What would your conclusion be given for this data?
o Water is the best method of watering your plant.
 Recommendations?
o Water only with water.
Theories:
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A scientific theory is a well-substantiated explanation for natural phenomena.
– Theory is the result of repeatedly testing and confirming hypotheses with the
use of the scientific method.
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Theory Examples:
– Heliocentric Theory
– Germ theory of disease
– Cell theory
Elaborate / Activity/Application/ Student Engagement /Laboratory
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In groups, develop a plan for a scientific experiment.
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Draw out and explain all the steps for the scientific theory for your experiment.
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Remember: the scientific process is methodical and intricate. It’s important to make
sure the experiment is accurate.
Evaluation / Summary
Classroom questioning:
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What is a scientific hypothesis?
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What are the steps of the scientific theory?
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Describe each step of the scientific theory
– Provide examples
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Compare and contrast hypotheses and theories
References/Additional Materials / Extended Learning Opportunities/ Enrichment
University of California, Berkeley: Understanding Science
http://undsci.berkeley.edu/index.php
Livescience: What is a Scientific Theory? http://www.livescience.com/21491-what-is-ascientific-theory-definition-of-theory.html
College & Career Readiness Standard
Science IV 1 a
©Texas Education Agency, 2015