Intro and Scientific Method
WELCOME!
Our First Day
STUDENT DATA SHEET
• Name (“Nickname”) [pronunciation hints]
• Banner ID
• Math & Science Background
• Academic Major
• Career Goals
• Telephone Number(s)
• Email Address
• Free Space
LECTURE OUTLINE
• The Scientific Method
• Measurements & Unit Conversions
• Significant Figures
• Classification of Matter
SOME TERMINOLOGY
• Observation – Use of the senses, or extensions thereof, to acquire information about natural phenomena
• Hypothesis – A tentative explanation of natural phenomena
• Experiment – An observation of natural phenomena carried out in a controlled manner
About Experiments
• “Good” data is reproducible
• Rational conclusions can be drawn from reproducible data
SOME TERMINOLOGY
• Theory – A tested explanation of natural phenomena.
• Law – A concise statement or mathematical equation about natural phenomena. A summary of patterns seen in large collections of data. Usually has broad applicability.
SOME TERMINOLOGY
• Scientific Method – The general process of acquiring, testing, and refining information about natural phenomena.
