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Understand the meaning of science and the main
branches of science.
Review characteristics of science.
Understand the meaning and importance of empirical
evidence.
Describe the idea of scientific explanation.
Review six traits of a scientist.
Understand science vs. pseudoscience.
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Science is the study of natural events and
conditions.
There are many different branches of
science…try to name some. 
• Biology – study of living organisms
• Earth Science – study of the interior and
exterior of our planet
• Astronomy – study of celestial objects
• Physical Science – study of chemistry
(me) and physics
Within these categories, there are many
specializations.
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The study of science requires openness and review. Whatever
information one scientist collects, others must be able to see and
comment upon.
All science must be testable and reproducible.
Empirical evidence are observations and measurements. It
includes the data people gather to evaluate scientific
explanations.
• Evidence in science must come from empirical evidence.
• If empirical evidence cannot be collected, it cannot be studied
as science.
• Can you name some types of empirical evidence?
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A scientific explanation provides a description of how a process in
nature occurs…describes how something in nature works.
Scientific explanations are based on observations and
data…based on empirical evidence.
Often other scientists evaluate the explanation, collect more
empirical evidence and modify/add to the explanation.
• We need to re-evaluate because sometimes the explanations
are wrong.
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People who are involved in scientific work has the
following traits. Can you think of some traits? 
• Careful Observation – good at using senses
and/or scientific tools for measurement
• Curiosity – want to know how something works
• Creativity – can think of new ideas
• Logic – think through information and make
conclusion
• Skepticism – does not believe everything said
• Objectivity – can set aside personal
feelings/beliefs
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Definition of pseudo: Not true, not actual
Pseudoscience is a belief or practice that is not based on
scientific principle / empirical evidence.
Some characteristics of pseudoscience
• Lack ability to measure or observe.
• Statement cannot be proven false so must be true.
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What is Science?
• Study of natural events and conditions
Define empirical evidence.
• Data from observations and measurements
Name some characteristics of science.
• Open for review, can be tested/measured, uses empirical evidence
What is a Scientific Explanation?
• Description of how a process in nature occurs…describes how
something works
What are common traits of a scientist?
• Careful Observation, Curiosity, Creativity, Logic, Skepticism,
Objectivity
How is science and pseudoscience different?
• Pseudoscience is not based on scientific principle / empirical data