Scientific Explanations and Interpretations

Scientific Explanations and Interpretations

By: Ms. Carson

Science relies on facts to explain the natural world.

​

Science is a set of facts, and it is also a set of explanations that are based on those facts.

Science is based on facts.

​Scientists usually begin an investigation with facts. A fact is a bit of information that is true. Facts come from data collected from observations. Facts can also come from experiments that have been run.

​Data is factual information that results from an investigation. Facts and data are not subject to opinion or bias. An opinion is someone's subjective view or position on a subject.

1. Jeff Bezos is the smartest man in the United States.​

2. Nehemiah is sneezing, He is sick.​

3. KFC is better than Popeyes​.

4. ​Colds are caused by viruses.

5. People born under the zodiac sign Leo are fiery, self-assured, and charming.

6. ​ Jery'ian is the coolest kid I know.

​ Facts Vs Opinions

​Read the following statements and determine if the statement is a fact or opinion. If it is a fact, tell whether or not it is observation or opinion.

​Summary

​

• Facts are true.

• Data, gathered correctly, is considered factual.

• Facts and data are not subject to opinion or bias.

• Facts can be determined by observations or experiments.​

• Some statements that appear to be facts are not.

• All scientific explanations and interpretations are based on facts.

​

​Review

​

1. What is a fact?

2. What is data?

3. What is an opinion?

4. How can you tell a fact from a opinion?

5. Why are facts and data important to science?

6. How might a fact be disproved? Are there some facts that will never be disproved?