Science
Science Is a Way of Knowing
• Science means “to know”
• Science seeks to answer
questions about nature
and natural phenomena
in order to know how
physical and biological
systems function and
utilize this knowledge.
• Scientific knowledge is
not static, paradigms shift
as continued
experimentation and new
technologies produce
information.
Science: Discovery vs Hypothesis-Based
Discovery
science involves
collecting data
through
verifiable
observations
and
descriptions.
Based on
Inductive logic
HypothesisBased science
involves the
testing of a
proposed
hypothesis
through a
controlled
experiment.
Based on
deductive logic
Scientists Have
Solutions
• The scientific method is the
process used by all scientists.
• Scientific discoveries and
hypotheses must be reviewed
by scientists and appropriate
intellectuals.
• Science is a human construct,
therefore, fallible.
• Scientific research should not
be biased or value laden.
• Scientific discoveries and
breakthroughs are for the
good of all.
• Science and technology are
tied in a cyclical relationship
because they flourish from
each other.
The
Scientific
Method Is
a
Hypothesis
Driven
Systematic
Process
to
Conduct
Scientific
Experiments
&
Investigations
Steps of The Scientific Method
1. State the question, define the
problem, or observation to
be explored.
2. Conduct a preliminary research
of the topic.
3. State the hypothesis, which is
an educated guess
concerning the answer,
result, or outcome.
4. Conduct a scientific experiment
to test the hypothesis.
5. Analyze the data collected
during the experiment.
6. Conclude to accept or reject
the hypothesis.
7. Report results/conclusion.
Scientific Experiment Have Variables and Control
• Experiment search for cause and effect relationships. Changes to
one item cause something else to vary in a predictable way. These
changing quantities are called variables, and an experiment
usually has three kinds:
– independent variable is the one that is changed by the scientist.
In an experiment there is only one independent variable.
– dependent variable changes in response to the change the scientist
makes to the independent variable. The number of dependent variables
in an experiment varies, but there is often more than one.
– controlled or constant variables are quantities that a scientist wants to
remain constant
There are 2 groups In a controlled, scientific
experiment and only one independent variable is
tested at a time.
-The independent variable treatment is applied to
the Test Group only.
- The Control Group does Not get the independent
variable treatment.
• A hypothesis is a tentative
explanation or answer that is
tested during the investigative
experiment.
• If the data collected during the
experiment supports the
hypothesis, then conclude to
accept the hypothesis
– the experiment must be repeated
several times to insure accuracy.
• If the experimental data does
not support the hypothesis, then
conclude to reject the
hypothesis
– Use the new data to reformulate
the hypothesis, modify the
experiment and retest.
The
Hypothesis
Scientific Hypotheses Lead to Theories
• A scientific theory is an
established and
experimentally verified
fact or collection of facts
(hypotheses) about
natural phenomena.
– A theory’s premise has
withstood the test of time
• It has been repeatedly
tested by many scientists
• It has been tested with
state of the art technology
• It has been reviewed by the
scientific community at
large.
Inquiring Minds Want to Know
Science Is the process through which humans
satisfy their natural curiosity about nature. It is a
means for humans to express their intellectual
and creative abilities leading to advancements in
technologies and solutions to dilemmas.