What is Science Scientia Latin for knowledge Science

What is Science? Scientia (Latin for ‘knowledge’) Science is a way of knowing based on testable claims supported by… Observation and Experimentation empirical evidence What is NOT Science? Non-science: cannot be verified empirically. (obs. & exp. ) Examples: authority (people), emotion, religion, logic, philosophy

What is Chemistry? matter The “stuff” in the universe is made of “building blocks” formed in stars. atoms/elements Chemistry is the study of matter and how it reacts.

Science Process (How do you do science? ) science is a logical, organized way to solve a scientific problem. Question Observe Hypothesis (explain) Experiment (test) Theory (conclusion, explain)

Science Process (How do you do science? ) Observation: using your senses to obtain information Suppose you try to turn on a flashlight and it doesn’t light. An observation can lead to a question: What’s wrong with the flashlight?

Science Process (How do you do science? ) Hypothesis: a proposed explanation Based on previous observations, you propose that if the flashlight gets new batteries, then it will work.

Science Process (How do you do science? ) You can test your hypothesis by putting new batteries in the flashlight. If it lights, your hypothesis is valid. Experiment: test of a hypothesis Variables (can change) Ø independent: Ø dependent: you change it first. you observe it after. (it depends on what you changed) Ø controlled: held constant. (bulb)

Science Process (How do you do science? ) Once a hypothesis is validated and revised by repeated experiments, it may become a _____. Theory: a well-tested explanation for observations Theories must be revised to explain new observations

Science Process (How do you do science? ) Scientific Law: summarizes & describes the results of many observations and experiments Theories do NOT become laws! A scientific law doesn’t try to explain. Law of Gravity summarizes & describes F = G Mm d 2 vs. Theory of Gravity explains & interprets general relativity, gravitons, etc.

Science Process (Summary) analyze Observation/ Question Hypothesis Experiments Theory retest (explains) revise Scientific Law (summarizes / describes) THEORY “Fact”: (in science) is the strongest observation/event form of scientific among observers knowledge

Quick Quiz! 1. Knowledge would NOT be considered scientific knowledge if… A. it’s based on experimental data B. it’s theoretical C. it’s not observable and testable D. it’s easy to understand

Quick Quiz. 2. Chemistry is the study of ______ and how it reacts. A. anything with mass B. anything that takes up space C. matter D. A, B, and C

Quick Quiz. 3. What is one reason to study chemistry? A. to pass the test B. you need it before driver’s ed C. to be the coolest kid in school D. to explain the natural world around you

Quick Quiz. 4. What is a hypothesis? Observation A. information obtained from the senses. B. a proposed explanation for observations. Theory C. a thoroughly tested explanation for a broad set of observations. Law D. a concise statement that summarizes the results of many of experiments.

Quick Quiz. 5. What are two steps in the process of science? A. ask questions and make up answers B. observe and experiment C. ask a question and propose a theory D. test a hypothesis and prove it is true