Unit+1

= The Nature of Science - Unit 1 = ​
 * Science** is the process of observing, studying, and attempting to explain our world. the word science comes from the Latin word //**scire**// which means //to know//. So science means having knowledge.

Science involves making observations in order to solve problems. We are all scientists. We observe and question the things artocound us. As scientists, we attempt to find answers to questions. Scientists seek facts, and from those facts they propose explanations or theories to explain events they observe in the world. In science, new observations often suggest more new science problems to investigate. Since there are many different types of problems, scientists usually specialized in one area of study. Each branch of science is a different area of study but all branches of science are related. The three main branches of science are: Astronomy Oceanography || Zoology Botany Ecology Microbiology || Physics Chemistry || In this class, we will be concentrating on the field of Physical Science. Physical Science can be divided into two main areas of study: physics and chemistry. Physics is the study of energy and chemistry is the study of matter.
 * **Earth and Space Science** || **Life Science** || **Physical Science** ||
 * Geology

Pure Science vs Applied Science

 * Pure science** is the gathering of new information or the discovery of a new fact. Pure science adds to scientific knowledge but does not have practical uses.

To understand how air pressure works is pure science, to use that information to make a drinking straw is technology.
 * Technology** (applied science) is the practical use of scientific information.

Problem vs Exercise
A **problem** exists when a situation exists in which a person does not immediately see a course of action that will lead to a solution. If a course of action is obvious, then the situation is an **exercise**. A process that uses certain skills to solve a problem is called **critical thinking**.

Everyone solves problems differently. You need to develop several different strategies that you can use when faced with a problem. A **strategy** is an organized approach to a problem that breaks down the task of obtaining and organizing information into stages. Problems are rarely a completely new, unique situation. Therefore, you can try one or more of the problem solving techniques: Science is a process for observing, studying, and attempting to explain our world. Scientists attempt to find answers to questions. Problem solving is the process of moving toward a goal when the path to that goal is uncertain. We solve problems every time we achieve something without having known beforehand how to do so. We experience simple problems every day: finding lost keys, deciding what to do when our car won't start, even improvising a meal from leftovers. But there are also larger and more significant "ill-defined" problems, such as getting an education, becoming a successful person, and finding happiness.
 * = Solve similar or simpler problem ||  ||= Make a model ||
 * = Make a drawing ||  ||= Act out a problem ||
 * = Work backwards ||  ||= Talk to experts ||
 * = Guess and check ||  ||= Look for patterns ||

Misconceptions

 * You can't write anything down unless you know the answer
 * A way to solve a problem should be obvious when you first encounter it
 * There is only one right way to solve a problem or
 * There is only one right answer
 * Guessing is not allowed

Scientific Method
When scientists try to solve a problem, they usually search for an answer in an orderly and systematic manner. Although many problems have been solved by pure chance, using a method of scientific thinking greatly improves the probability of finding an answer to a question. There are five basic parts to the scientific method.

Statement of the Problem
The first step in solving a problem is to make sure you completely understand the problem. After a careful analysis of the situation, you must limit it to a single, clearly defined issue before you can proceed. The statement of the problem is usually in the form of a question.

Gathering Information
All scientific discoveries begin with a basic idea. In order to determine whether or not the idea has merit, you must do research. This research allows you to see what has been done in the past so that you won't repeat work already done and it could possibly offer you some solutions.

Forming a Hypothesis
The third step in the scientific method is to make an educated guess at the solution. This is called the //**hypothesis**//, since it is a reasonable solution based on knowledge and judgment rather than on ignorance and superstition.

Experimentation
It is now time to test your hypothesis. The experiment must be thought out ahead of time to obtain all the necessary materials. The test must be done with accurate notes, so other people can reproduce the same experiment in the same conditions. Each experiment must contain two procedures: One procedure must contain //**control**// and one must contain a //**variable**//. Furthermore, there must be a sufficient number of experimental subjects, repetition, and careful observations.

VARIABLES A variable is anything that changes. In the two procedures, this is the procedure with the change. However, there can only be one variable, otherwise, the test is invalid. If this was not the case, you wouldn't know if the results were because of the variable or whether it was altered by something else. You must always be on the lookout for extraneous variable (i.e., the temperature, humidity, placement of your tools, and other things you would ordinarily not pay attention to.) These variables must be kept the same for both procedures. They are called the **//constant variables//**.

During an experiment, it is important that you only test one variable at a time. The variable that is being tested is called the //**independent variable**//. The action or result caused by the independent variable is called the //**dependent variable**//.

CONTROL This is something that every valid experiment must contain. In two procedures, the procedures are identical, until, at one point, a variable is introduced. The variable is the thing being tested in the experiment. The procedure with the variable is the one involving the experiment. The procedure without the variable is called the //**control**//.

SUFFICIENT NUMBER OF SUBJECTS Large numbers of organisms should be used so that variables such as disease and individual differences may be ruled out. Also, mathematically speaking, the more organisms, the better the accuracy. Also, do not be quick to assume that works on some animals will work on humans. The results may be completely different.

REPETITION An experiment must be repeated many times to assure its reliability. If it is not repeated, you can not be sure if the experiment is valid or if it was just a fluke.

OBSERVATIONS AND DATA Any activity that is designed to test a hypothesis is an experiment. During an experiment it is important to make careful observations and write down everything that occurs. An **//observation//** is any information that is gathered through our senses. Everything we hear, taste, smell, or touch is an observation. It is very important to make accurate observations because you want to learn everything you can about the problems you are working on. However, you can't always rely on your senses. Scientific tools are often used to provide more accurate observation. The tools of a scientist may include telescopes, microscopes, lasers, thermometers, balances, computers rulers, etc. **Data** is all the information collected as observations and measurements. As you observe the world, you also make inferences. An **//inference//** is a judgment or assumption based on reasoning from observations. The girl is smiling therefore she is happy. The dog is barking at the door, therefore, someone is at the door. The air conditioner ran all day, it must be hot outside.

Formation of Conclusions
After careful evaluations of your results, you must answer one question: Was my hypothesis correct? Even if you have proved your hypothesis false, it does not necessarily mean it is wrong. In your experiment, you may have uncovered a new hypothesis. Remember though, a good conclusion often leads to another hypothesis.

Theory vs Law
In everyday use, //theory// means a guess or a hunch, something that maybe needs proof. //In science, a// theory //is not a guess, not a hunch. It's a well-substantiated, well-supported, well-documented explanation for our observations.// It ties together all the facts about something, providing an explanation that fits all the observations and can be used to make predictions. In science, //theory// is the ultimate goal, the explanation. It's as close to proven as anything in science can be.

//Some people think that in science, you have a// theory//, and once it's proven, it becomes a// law//. That's not how it works.// In science, we collect facts, or observations, we use //laws// to describe them, and a //theory// to explain them. You don't promote a //theory// to a //law// by proving it. A //theory// never becomes a //law//.

Laws describe things, theories explain them. An example will help you to understand this. There's a //law// of gravity, which is the description of gravity. It basically says that if you let go of something it'll fall. It doesn't say why. Then there's the //theory// of gravity, which is an attempt to explain why.

Physical/Theory vs Law.wmv