Scientific Method: Thinking and Discovery

• Science is a way of obtaining knowledge about the natural world through questions, evidence, and logic.
• Anyone can participate in science through curiosity.
• Understanding scientific thinking and methodology is crucial for participation.

Scientific Thinking

• Scientific thinking involves gaining knowledge through:
  • Observations
  • Asking questions
  • Forming hypotheses
  • Testing hypotheses via systematic investigation
  • Drawing conclusions based on evidence
• The scientific method is used to objectively analyse and interpret information.

The Scientific Method

• This is a procedure involving:
  • Systematic observation
  • Measurement
  • Experimentation
  • Formulation
  • Testing
  • Modification of hypotheses
• A hypothesis is an educated guess predicting an experiment's outcome, which can be proven or disproven.

Historical Scientific Discoveries

• DNA Structure:
  • The discovery of the double helix structure of DNA in the 1950s revolutionised the understanding of how DNA replicates and how hereditary information is passed on
• Vaccines:
  • The discovery of vaccines in the 1700s and later helped prevent the spread of serious diseases
• Human Genome:
  • The sequencing of the human genome in 2003 helped scientists understand the mutations that lead to cancer
• DNA Polymerase:
  • The discovery of DNA polymerase in 1956 allowed scientists to synthesise new DNA sequences
• Electric Motor:
  • Michael Faraday's discovery in 1821 that a wire carrying an electric current rotates when placed near a magnetic pole led to the development of the electric motor
• Plastic:
  • Belgian scientist Leo Baekeland accidentally discovered plastic in the form of Bakelite, a mixture of formaldehyde and phenol

Synergy of Science

• Science intertwines with mathematics and technology and contributes to advances.
• Each field has unique features, history, interdependence and reinforcement.

Scientific Literacy

• A key focus is providing knowledge of how science operates, an essential part of scientific literacy.
• Includes the scientific world view, methods of inquiry, and the nature of the scientific enterprise.
• Science systematically studies the natural world through observation, experimentation, and theory formulation.
• Knowledge is organised to reveal nature's hidden potential and bridges the gap between theory and application.
• Science encompasses fields like nursing, biochemistry, forensic science, and conservation biology.

Impact of Science

• Science promotes scientific literacy and critical thinking.
• Scientific literacy efforts enable comprehension of science and skills to assess evidence and understand scientific inquiry.
• Citizen science involves public participation in research, enhancing data collection and analysis.
• Science extends beyond knowledge to practical uses and societal impact.
• In conservation biology, debates exist over conservation's purpose, with some advocating for biodiversity preservation for its intrinsic value, while others highlight its significance for human well-being and sustainability.