Introduction to Science Flashcards

Questions and Answers

What is science?

Science is a way of getting knowledge about the natural world by questioning and trying to answer those questions with facts.

What is the goal of science?

The goal of science is to understand the natural world.

What is a scientific hypothesis?

A scientific hypothesis is a possible answer to a scientific question based on scientific knowledge and logic, which can be false.

Give an example of a scientific question that could be investigated with an experiment.

Do clouds go in the same direction? Signup and view all the answers

Give an example of a scientific question that could not be investigated with an experiment.

Were clouds first made by God? Signup and view all the answers

What might be an advantage of collecting evidence in a natural setting rather than in a lab?

The evidence hasn't been touched in its natural setting. Signup and view all the answers

Explain why science cannot provide answers to all questions.

Science cannot provide answers for all questions because there is still a lot of stuff that humans don't know, such as much of the ocean. Signup and view all the answers

Contrast how the term theory is used in science versus everyday language.

In everyday language, 'theory' is used as an educated guess, but in science, it refers to a fact supported by evidence. Signup and view all the answers

Explain how a hypothesis could become a theory.

A hypothesis must be tested over and over and have a lot of evidence to support it in order to become a theory. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Science and Its Goals

Science seeks to acquire knowledge about the natural world through inquiry and evidence.
The primary objective of science is to achieve a deeper understanding of the natural environment.

Scientific Hypothesis

A scientific hypothesis represents a potential answer to a specific scientific question.
It is grounded in existing scientific knowledge and logic, and it is falsifiable.

Examples of Scientific Questions

Investigatable question: "Do clouds move in the same direction?" can be explored via experimentation, such as recording clouds with a camera under various conditions.
Non-investigatable question: "Were clouds first made by God?" lacks a means for empirical testing or scientific validation.

Evidence Collection in Natural Settings

Collecting evidence in natural environments can yield unaltered data, enhancing the accuracy and relevance of findings.

Limitations of Science

Science cannot answer all questions due to significant gaps in human knowledge, particularly regarding unexplored areas, such as over 95% of the ocean.
Some phenomena may not be observable, limiting scientific inquiry.

Understanding Theories

In everyday usage, "theory" often implies an educated guess or speculation.
In scientific terminology, a theory is a well-substantiated explanation supported by extensive evidence.

Hypothesis to Theory Transition

A hypothesis transitions to a theory when it is rigorously tested repeatedly and substantiated by substantial evidence.

Description

This quiz covers key concepts from Chapter 1.1 of science, including the definition of science and the nature of scientific hypotheses. Test your understanding of scientific inquiry and the fundamentals that guide scientific exploration.