The Nature
of Science
The goal of science is to understand
the world around us.
Scientists attempt to solve mysteries
of nature.
Facts are truths about nature.
When possible they perform experiments.
They develop a scientific theory.
A theory is the most logical explanation based on the facts.
They don’t just guess.
Theories may or may not be correct.
These theories must be tested over and over again.
If the theory passes each test, it may be accepted by
the scientific community and become a law.
Laws, like theories, may change as new information is
provided and new experiments are performed.
Science Process Skills
Skills you need to be a “good”
scientist!!
Observing
Definition – using one or more of your five senses
to gather information about an object
The moose feels soft and fluffy.
The moose is brown.
The moose smells like chocolate.
The moose tastes furry.
The moose jingles.
Observations MUST be accurate and factual
– NO OPINIONS!!!
Moose are
adorable.
Inferring and Predicting
Def. – guessing or making a conclusion about an
object or future event based on what you observed
Classifying
Definition – putting objects into groups
based on similar characteristics
shape
size
color
use
Representing Data
Definition –organizing
measurements to
make your
information easier to
use and understand
90
80
70
60
50
East
West
North
40
30
20
10
0
• It can be a picture,
diagram, graph, etc.
1st Qtr
2nd Qtr
3rd Qtr
4th Qtr
Communicating
• Describing an object
or event to another
person
• Sharing information
Measuring
• Definition –
determining the
length, area,
volume, mass, or
temperature to
describe objects
Branches of
Science
Earth
Science
Physical
Science
Life
Science
Ecology
• the study of
organisms and their
environment
• An ecologist is
someone who studies
organisms and their
environment
Microbiology
• study of microscopic
organisms
• A microbiologist is a
person who studies
microscopic
organisms
Botany
• the study of plants
• A Botanist is a person
who studies plants
Zoology
• the study of animals
• A zoologist is a
person who studies
animals