What is Science?

What is

Science?

Hamlet Elementary School

Mr. Phillips

National Academy of Sciences

Science is the use of evidence to construct testable explanations and predictions of natural phenomena, as well as the knowledge generated through this process.

the available body of facts or information indicating whether a belief or proposition is true or valid

Evidence

a statement or account that makes something clear

Explanation

say or estimate that a specified thing will happen or will be a consequence of something

​​Prediction

a fact or situation that is observed to exist or happen

​​Phenomena

This means that explanations and predictions can be tested or tried to collect evidence about a natural phenomena. The results of the tests must be repeatable to be considered valid.

Science is

Testable

Multiple Choice

Which of the following could be considered scientific inquiry?

• A student copies notes from a presentation.

• A student tests the conductivity of different materials.

• A student looks up definitions of science vocabulary.

• A student takes a test on a unit finished in class.

Multiple Select

Which of the following could be considered scientific inquiry? (Select Two)

• Test Taking

• Comparing Samples

• Classroom Lectures

• Collecting Samples

​Evidence is information that supports an idea. The language may vary, but evidence helps determine whether claims and ideas are valid. Proof can be based on the data and details collected through observation.

Understanding Evidence

Multiple Choice

Which of the following would be the best evidence that a child ate a cookie despite telling their mom they ate nothing?

• A cookie is missing from the package.

• The child likes to eat cookies.

• The child was in the kitchen alone.

• There are cookie crumbs on the child's shirt.

Multiple Choice

Which detail would NOT be relevant for determining if a substance could be used as a potential material for wire?

• Determining if the material conducts electrical current.

• Determining if the material insulates electrical current.

• Determining if the material is flexible.

• Determining the color of the material.

Once evidence is gathered and/or evaluated, it can be presented in multiple ways to explain and predict. Explanations can be given through text, models, diagrams, lists, tables, and other methods that clearly demonstrate, or show, the idea.

Explaining With More Than Text

Match

Match each term to the image that best matches the way to explain.

Diagram

List

Table

Model

• Diagram

• List

• Table

• Model

In our course, you are expected to apply scientific investigation and reasoning skills. Students should use critical thinking and scientific problem solving to make informed decisions. You are expected to analyze, evaluate, and critique scientific explanations by using evidence, logical reasoning, and experimental and observational testing.

Applying Reasoning

examine methodically and in detail something, especially information, typically for purposes of explanation and interpretation

Analyze

form an idea of the amount, number, or value of something

Evaluate

a detailed analysis and assessment of something; evaluate in an analytical way

Critique

Open Ended

Your classroom assessment will often show collected data; investigations made by others; or general concepts and then ask you to analyze, evaluate, and/or critique the provided information using scientific reasoning skills you've learned and scientific concepts you have learned. Why is it important to read everything before you answer an assessment question?