What is Science?
What is Science?

Science = Latin “to know”
Inquiry is at the heart of science.

Inquiry: search for information and
explanation
Two main processes:
1. Discovery science
2. Hypothesis-based science
Discovery Science
 Describes
nature through
observation and analysis of data
 Data = recorded observations
– Qualitative and quantitative
 Inductive
reasoning: derive
generalizations based on specific
observations
– Uses CER Claim, Evidence, Reasoning
Hypothesis-Based Science
 Hypothesis:
makes predictions that
can be tested by recording more
observations or experiments
 AP
Biology: “If … , then … because…”
 Results can either support or refute
the hypothesis
– Not “My hypothesis is correct”
The Myth of the Scientific Method
Published research articles follow the
steps of the “textbook” scientific method
 Most scientific inquiries don’t follow this
structured form
 Scientists can be working with the wrong
hypothesis and have to redirect research
 Discovery science - contributes to
understanding of nature without using the
“scientific method”

Experiments
 Hypothesis
 Use
control and experimental groups
 Design:
– Independent variable (IV)
– Dependent variable (DV)
– Control
– Constants
– # Trials
Hypothesis / Theory / Law
Hypothesis



Explanation to
specific question
Tested by
experiment or
continued
observation
Can be disproven,
but not can’t proven
to be true
Theory





Summarizes
pattern found in
nature
Broader in scope
New hypotheses
can be generated
from it
Supported by
massive body of
evidence
States WHY it
happened.
Scientific Law





Statement of fact
Explains things, but
doesn’t describe
them
Generally accepted
to be true and
universal
Basis for scientific
method
States WHAT
happens
Theories and Laws
go hand in hand –
they work together
Scientific Theory and Scientific
Law

Scientific Theory
usually describes a
phenomenon seen
in nature.
Scientific Law
usually explains
how a process
works under a
BOTH are given set of
supported through
conditions with a
continuous
experimentation!
mathematical
formula.

Theory, Law or Hypothesis




A theory attempts to explain WHY something
happens but makes no attempt at all to tell
WHAT happens.
A law is a mathematical equation that tells
exactly WHAT is going to happen; it makes no
attempt at all to explain WHY.
A THEORY NEVER BECOMES A LAW--THEY
DESCRIBE TOTALLY DIFFERENT THINGS!
A hypothesis is an educated guess which will
eventually be accepted as a theory or a law,
depending on whether the hypothesis attempts to
explain WHY or WHAT.
7 Science Practices for AP Bio
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
Use representations and models to
communicate and solve problems
Use mathematics appropriately
Pose scientific questions to extend
thinking or guide investigations
Plan and implement data collection
Analyze data and evaluate evidence
Work with scientific explanations and
theories
Connect and relate knowledge across
scales and domains
Video clip: Science Practice 1
Using & Refining Models