1.1.1 Study: What is Science?
Law of gravity
the scientific law that states every object in the universe attracts another object
data
Pieces of collected information or measurements.
stable
Not likely to change.
phenomena
Observable facts or events.
facts
A non-biased observation that can be proved to be true.
opinions
A personal view or belief that is not necessarily based on facts or evidence.
experiments
A planned series of actions that test whether an idea is true.
claims
A statement that presents an idea as truth.
hypothesis
A statement that proposes a testable explanation for a natural phenomenon. A hypothesis is based on observation and prior knowledge and is a starting point for an experiment.
telescope
A tool that uses lenses to bend light, producing a magnified image of distant objects.
scientific theory
An explanation for a natural phenomenon that is based on a body of facts and can be supported by the results of experiments.
Why are most plants green?
BECAUSE THEY REFLECT GREEN LIGHT; GREEN LIGHT IS NOT ABSORBED
philosophical
Based on a search for a general understanding of values, beliefs, and reality through logical analysis of assumptions rather than through observation of facts.
scientific law
A description of facts or observations that is accepted as true and can be used to predict future results. Scientific laws often use mathematical equations to describe relationships.
system
A group of connected, interacting parts.
scientific method
A series of steps in the scientific process designed to answer scientific questions.
pseudoscience
Claims, assumptions, and methods that are commonly thought to be based on science but are not scientific.
inquiry
The process of actively exploring topics through critical thinking in order to generate questions and interest, explanations based on evidence, and creative solutions problems.
questions that the student might be asking can be answered using science:
- What chemicals were in the food of the chicken that laid this egg? - How many eggs can a chicken lay in one day? - How strong is the shell that covers an egg?
Scientific explanations show:
-How things work -What things are made of -What causes events to happen -How things change and how they remain stable
Which activities are ways that scientists gather information?
-Measure objects -Draw pictures -Time events -Make videos -Collect samples -Take photos -Make sound recordings
laws
A description of facts or observations that is accepted as true and can be used to predict future results. Scientific laws often use mathematical equations to describe relationships.
ethical
Having to do with issues of right and wrong.
Are the results of the investigation described below valid? If not, what should the scientists do next?
Since the second scientist's results did not match the original investigation, she should repeat the investigation. If the data still cannot be replicated, then the results are not valid. In that case, the next step is to restart the process of inquiry from the beginning. An improved design might produce valid, repeatable results.
atomic theory
The atomic theory is central to physical science. It explains that all matter is made up of tiny particles called atoms. Understanding the nature and interactions of atoms is the foundation of chemistry and physics.
cell theory
The cell theory is central to life science. It explains that all living organisms are made up of cells, which are the fundamental units of life. All of the functions of living things are based on the structure and function of cells.
evidence
The data that either support or do not support a hypothesis.
universe
The entire body of all matter and energy that exists.
heliocentric theory
The heliocentric theory is a scientific theory. It explains that planets orbit the Sun at the center of our solar system. This theory formed as scientists gathered data about the movement of planets and stars.
Law of conservation of mass
The law of conservation of mass states that matter cannot be created or destroyed in ordinary processes.
Law of volumes
The law of volumes, or Charles's law, uses math to describe how the volume of a gas is related to its temperature.
observations
The process of using the senses to collect information. An observation is also a piece of information gathered using the senses.
science
The pursuit of knowledge about the natural world and the application of that knowledge. Science is based on objective observations, investigations, and collected evidence.
plate tectonics theory
The theory of plate tectonics is central to Earth science. It explains that Earth's crust is made up of huge pieces that move slowly and interact over time. Plate tectonics plays a role in most geologic phenomena.
technology
The use of scientific knowledge for practical purposes.
Which of the following could be evidence on the website that the information is reliable?
There is a link to a study on the medicine, and the study was published in a scientific journal.
observe
To use the senses to collect information.
bias
A prejudice, or unfair opinion, either for or against something or someone. Bias can cause errors in the data collected during scientific investigations, which can lead to inaccurate conclusions.
these are questions that a scientist might ask about the phenomenon you just saw in the video:
A. What pushes the sparkling water out of the bottle when you open it? done B. If you shake sparkling water and then wait a while before you open it, will it still explode? done C. Does this happen with sparkling water kept at different temperatures? done D. Can this happen with ordinary bottled water that is not sparkling? done E. Does this happen every time you open a bottle of sparkling water? done F. Which ingredient in sparkling water can lead to this kind of event?
empirical
Based on observations and results from experiments rather than on inference.
How does sound travel through the air?
air exhibits longitudinal traveling waves