Chapter 2: Nature of Science
Chapter 2.1
The Scientist’s Mind
3 Scientists, 3 Individuals
Carl Sagan – a noted astronomer – popularized
science through books and TV.
Enriqueta Barrera became interested in local
geology while taking walks. Now the director of
Geology at National Science Foundation
Evan Forde – 1st African American in the Alvin
(submersible sub.)
All 3 scientists became Earth Scientists due to
curiosity
Different lives common Goals
Scientists will teach research in labs or out
in nature, on or in oceans.
Scientists look at the world in both logic
and curiosity.
Qualities of Scientific
Thinking
Scientists are observant they make
predictions based on evidence (materials or
data that can be measured and tested to
verify a prediction)
Hypothesis a tentative explanation for an
observation of phenomenon
Must be skeptical they question long-held
assumptions and try to prove or disprove
ideas
Technology is the practical application of
science to meet human needs.
The object of scientific study is to
understand the natural world.
Chapter 2.2
Scientific Methods of Inquiry
Creativity plays a large role in science
along with logic
Being able to test ideas with experiments is
the key to much of science
How scientists approach
questions
Scientific Inquiry - which involves
observing, asking questions, forming a
hypothesis, gathering data testing the
hypothesis, and sharing what has been
learned
Peer Review and Scientific
Journals
After the experiment the new knowledge needs
to be shared with and tested by other scientists
To share the knowledge Scientific Journals are
used
If the experts agree the paper has merit, it my be
published
If the experts feel the scientist has not done
enough to prove her point it is not published and
sent back with suggestions
Importance of testing Ideas
Some advances that look promising fall
short when tested
– E.g. cold fusion
H+H = He
Scientific Theories and Laws
Theory is an explanation of observable
events or facts for which no exception has
been found
Theories rise and fall from favor and new
information comes to light.
Scientific law – a re generalizations about
how the natural world behaves under
certain conditions
– No exceptions have ever been found
Chapter 2.3
Scientists Tools
Geology
Rock hammer used to collect specimens in
the field
Soil augers – pulls up a sample of soil
Crushers – to pulverize materials to study
Range finders – distance
Seismographs – to determine composition
of rock below ground
Tools to study Sky and Stars
Meteorologist
– Thermometers
– Arco vane – wind speed and direction
– Radar and satellites
Astronomer
– Telescopes - light, radio, x-rays, infrared
Tools with many uses
Computers and satellites have
revolutionized earth science