Nature of Science, Scientific Laws vs. Theories

Open Ended

Define "science" in your own words.

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​The Nature of Science

​Science (from the Latin "scientia", meaning "knowledge") can be defined as knowledge about the natural world. The scientific method is a method of research with defined steps that include experiments and careful observation. One of the most important aspects of this method is the testing of hypotheses. A hypothesis is a suggested explanation for an event, which can be tested. Hypotheses, or tentative explanations, are generally produced within the context of a scientific theory.

Multiple Choice

Is the scientific method linear? (Does it have to go in steps?)

• Yes

• No

Scientific Method

Even if you were taught the scientific method in the past, it is not always the same steps in the same order!

Multiple Choice

What does "science" mean in Latin?

• knowledge

• biology

• tree of life

Multiple Choice

What are you doing if you make an observation?

• making a hypothesis

• making an informed guess

• gathering data

Multiple Choice

True or False? An "inference" can be used to make logical conclusions about observations.

• True

• False

Examples of an Inference

You try to open the door to my classroom. It does not budge.

You may infer that...

-the door is locked
You make an observation that there isn't anyone inside, you may infer...
-I am not in the room
You might even make a hypothesis that...
-I am running late

Multiple Choice

The control group...

• does NOT receive the treatment

• receives the treatment

Multiple Choice

The experimental group...

• does NOT receive the treatment

• receives the treatment

Multiple Choice

Controlled variables we try to keep the same in an experiment are called...

• sameness

• standard practice

• constants

Open Ended

Are we done with science? Why?

What did we learn?

Nature of Science

• Science means knowledge

• The scientific method is NOT the same steps every time!

• Observations are data you gather

• An inference can be used to make logical conclusions about observations. I can infer what is happening based on what I know.

• We are NOT done with science! We are still learning, discovering, and creating in the field of science.

  • We don't know everything there is to know in science!

What did we learn?

Nature of Science

• A hypothesis is an educated guess about what will happen in your experiment that can be tested.

• Observations are data you gather.

• Controlled variables we try to keep the same in an experiment are called constants.

• An inference can be used to make logical conclusions about observations.

• Control group does NOT get the treatment, the experimental group does!

Scientific Theory vs. Law

A generally accepted scientific theory is thoroughly tested and confirmed explanation for a set of observations or phenomena. Scientific theory is the foundation of scientific knowledge. In addition, in many scientific disciplines (less so in biology) there are scientific laws, often expressed in mathematical formulas, which describe how elements of nature will behave under certain specific conditions.

Scientific Theory vs. Law

A scientific theory explains WHY something happens. A scientific law describes WHAT happens. For example: The theory of evolution explains why so many different animal species exist. The law of gravity describes what happens when you drop an object.

​Why did so many species of animals evolve? The theory of evolution explains why!

​What is happening? A person is falling due to the law of gravity. Laws can often be shown mathematically!

Open Ended

What is a hypothesis?

Open Ended

How do everyday people use the word "theory"? (what is its casual use)

Multiple Choice

What does a scientific theory have that other theories don't?

• Enough people believe in them

• Facts/Evidence

• The theories have names

Multiple Choice

Can a scientific theory become a scientific law?

• yes, with enough evidence and peer review

• yes, but it doesn't happen often

• no, they are different concepts

Multiple Choice

A scientific law can...

• Describe WHY something happens

• Describe WHAT is happening

Multiple Choice

A scientific theory can...

• Describe WHY something happens

• Describe WHAT is happening

What did we learn?

Scientific Laws vs. Scientific Theories

• A scientific theory explains WHY something happens.

• A scientific law describes WHAT happens. This is often described mathematically.

  • Example: Force = Mass x Acceleration

• A hypothesis is an educated guess about what will happen in your experiment that can be tested.