Module 1
Reproducible Results
For example, the claim must be reproducible by others who have no stake in whether the claim is true or false
What did Galileo do to challenge Aristotle's belief that heavy objects fall faster than lighter objects? How is what he did related to the scientific method?
He dropped 2 balls from the top of the leaning tower of Pisa. Both balls landed at the same time, even though they had different masses.
Energy
Joules (also for work) - the property of a system that allows it to do work.
Identify the power of ten associated with each of the following metric prefixes: nano- (n) micro- (µ) centi- (c) milli- (m) kilo- (k)
Kilogram - the unit of mass. Equals the mass of 1 liter of water at 4C.
Volume
Liters (liquid solution)
Force
Newtons - A push or a pull
Temperature
kelvin
Mass
kilograms, grams - The quantity of matter in an object.
What is pH? What does it measure?
stands for potential of Hydrogen, scale is used to measure level of acids and bases
Geology
Earth Science - includes the study of geology, meteorology, and oceanography.
Amperes
Electricity
Ohms
Electricity
Volts
Electricity
Power
The time rate of work or rate at which energy is expended, described by the relationship P=work/time
Law
When a scientific hypothesis has been tested over and over again and has not been contradicted, it may become known as a law or principle
How would a simple machine such as a pulley or lever affect force output?
A block and tackle, or system of pulleys, is a simple machine that multiplies force at the expense of distance. One can exert a relatively small force through a relatively large distance and lift a heavy load through a relatively short distance
Fact
A phenomenon about which competent observers can agree.
Theory
A synthesis of facts and well-tested hypotheses about certain aspects of the natural world supported by a massive body of evidence (examples include: gravity, plate tectonics, Big Bang, evolution, biogeography)
Hypothesis
An educated guess or a reasonable explanation. When the hypothesis can he tested by experiment, it qualifies as a scientific hypothesis.
What is the scientific method? How is it used in the process of science to solve problems?
An orderly method for gaining, organizing, and applying new knowledge. Observe - closely observe the physical world around you Question - Recognize a question or problem Hypothesize - Make an educated guess - a hypothesis - to answer the question Predict - Predict consequences that can be observed if the hypothesis is correct. The consequences should be absent if the hypothesis is not correct. Test Predictions - Do experiments to see if the consequences you predicted are present. Draw a conclusion - Formulate the simplest general rule that organizes the hypothesis, predicted effects, and experimental findings.
Why is it important that results of scientific experiments be reproducible?
Because of the potential for unseen error from any particular research group, experimental results must be reproducible to be considered valid.
Chemistry
Builds on physics and studies how matter is put together to produce the growing list of materials and medicines we use in our everyday life.
Using an example of a simple machine such as a lever, describe how the force and distance input are different than the force and distance output.
By exerting a small force through a large distance, you are able to provide a large force acting through a small distance
SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY, AND SYSTEMS
SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY, AND SYSTEMS
SCIENTIFIC METHODS
SCIENTIFIC METHODS
How does science differ from art and religion?
Science is a system by which we discover and record physical phenomena and think about possible explanations for such phenomena. The arts are concerned with personal interpretation and creative expression. Religion addresses the source, purpose, and meaning of it all. Simply put, science asks how, art asks who, and religion asks why.
What is important when designing a controlled science experiment?
Scientist changes specific conditions and observes the result of the change. All of the other conditions of the experiment are controlled, or kept the same.
Physics
Study of basic concepts such as motion, force, energy, matter, heat, sound, light, electricity, and magnetism.
Biology
Study of life, of living things - the most complex of the sciences, since it deals with living things.
Astronomy
Study of nature beyond the confines of Planet Earth.
What is the principle of falsifiability?
The idea that scientific hypotheses must be capable of being proven wrong is a pillar of the philosophy of science
What is the equation for work?
force x distance
