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Hewitt Chapter 1 Nature of Science (Scientific Method (A method to gain,…
Hewitt Chapter 1
Nature of Science
What is science?
A method of exploring nature & discovering the order within
A tool for solving problems
Branches of Science (examples)
Life Sciences
Zoology
Botany
Physical Sciences
Geology
Chemistry
Physics (The Basic Science)
Study of matter and energy interaction
Study of motion, forces, energy, matter, heat, sound, light, composition of atoms
Forms the basis of other sciences
Inferences & Observations
Inference is the result of a mental process which attempts to explain or catalogue or speculate about that observation (trying to explain your observation)
May or may not be correct
Inference is when you draw a conclusion or offer an explanation
Scientific Method
A method to gain, organise and apply new knowledge
Principal founders: Galileo Galilei (1564-1642) & Francis Bacon (1561 - 1626)
Recognise a problem, make a hypothesis, predict consequences of hypothesis, perform experiments to test predictions, formulate simple general rule to organise problem, hypothesis and experimental results
Not only method for scientific discoveries
Scientific Attitude
Attitudes that help discovery of new science: Inquiry, Experimentation, Humility
Basic Scientific terms
Fact
When several qualified observers agree with same phenomenon
Not absolute, can be proven wrong
Hypothesis
Educated guess to outcome
Must have test for wrongness
Becomes Law or Principle after being tested by many scientists or abandoned if contradicted by experimental evidence
A synthesis of a large body of information that encompasses well-tested and verified hypotheses, laws and/or principles about certain aspects of the natural world
Can change as new information obtained
Theory
When a hypothesis is tested repeatedly by different scientists with same outcome
The description of a relationship between the quantities with observations which can be measured (between variables in nature)
Models
Similar to theories but limited to explaining specific aspects of the natural world
Particular representations of phenomena in order to better explain it
Can be changed as new information obtained
Science & Technology
Technology is a method of solving practical problems
Science seeks to explain how
Technology is the application of science
Science & Art & Religion
Science - the discovering and recording of natural phenomena
Art - the study and appreciation of the value of human interactions as they pertain to the senses
Religion - study of the source, purpose and meaning of everything