What is Science?

What is Science?

• Science is a systematic method for acquiring knowledge through observation, experimentation, and analysis.
• Hypotheses are formed, experiments are carried out, and results are analyzed to draw conclusions that explain how the world functions.
• Science uses a structured approach.
• Observations and experiments are used to make discoveries.
• Knowledge acquired through scientific methods leads to real-world applications in technology, medicine, and environmental conservation.

Determining if a Situation is Based on Science

• Science requires a systematic approach to testing claims.
• Scientific claims require controlled experiments or evidence gathered through observation, analysis, and testing.
• Personal beliefs are not rooted in science.
• A study is based in science if it includes:
  • A well-designed study comparing the effects to a control group
  • Measured health outcomes
  • Data analysis

Non-Scientific Methods

• Including: intuition/belief, consensus, authority, casual observation, and informal logic.

Intuition/Belief

• A personal conviction imposed on others as a point of proof or a conclusion based on gut feelings instead of rationale or evidence.
• Example: Believing a certain brand is superior without presenting scientific evidence to back it up.

Consensus

• A consensus is a general agreement reached by a group, typically the majority, on a particular issue or belief.
• Consensus is a shared conclusion more than an objective truth.

Authority

• Authority's views are accepted based on their expertise, knowledge, position, or reputation.
• Authority can be built through education, experience, legal position, or social influence.

Casual Observation

• Casual observation lacks structure or critical analysis and is based on an individual's personal experiences, beliefs, or biases.
• Casual observation lacks objectivity, and people may focus on aspects that confirm their existing views while ignoring others that don’t fit.

Informal Logic

• Informal logic uses biased thinking to support an argument and may fall into logical fallacies.
• Statements in informal logic aren’t rigorously proved and come to conclusions without solid evidence.

Paper Helicopter Investigation Key Terms

• Independent Variable:
  • The variable that is changed or manipulated in the experiment.
  • Examples: size of the paper helicopter, the material used, or the wing shape.
• Dependent Variable:
  • The variable measured in response to changes in the independent variable.
  • Examples: the time it takes for the helicopter to fall or the distance it travels after being released.
• Controlled Variables (or Constants):
  • Factors kept the same throughout the experiment.
  • Examples:
    • The height from which the helicopter is dropped
    • The type of paper used
    • The method of release
• Hypothesis:
  • A testable prediction about the outcome of the experiment based on prior knowledge or observations.
  • Example: "If I increase the size of the helicopter's wings, then the helicopter will take longer to fall because it will experience more air resistance."
• Control Group:
  • A baseline to compare the effect of the independent variable.
  • A standard paper helicopter design or a specific size of the helicopter can be used as a control.

How to Make a Graph

• Title:
  • Make it clear and explain what the graph shows.
  • Example: "Effect of Sunlight on Plant Growth".
• Axes:
  • X-axis (Horizontal):
    • Put changed variable (independent variable).
    • Label with the name and units.
    • Example: "Sunlight (hours)".
  • Y-axis (Vertical):
    • Put measured variable (dependent variable).
    • Label with the name and units.
    • Example: "Plant Growth (cm)".
• Data:
  • Include all data collected.
• Scale:
  • Choose a logical and consistent scale so the data fits well and is easy to read.
• Legend:
  • If using different colors or symbols, add a legend to explain what they mean.
• Spelling and Grammar:
  • Ensure all labels and titles are spelled correctly.

Scientific Method

• Question/Problem:
  • The purpose of the investigation.
• Background Research:
  • Done to find out what is already known about the topic.
• Hypothesis:
  • An educated guess about the result of the experiment based on the information learned during background research.
• Method/Procedure:
  • A detailed, step-by-step process to test the hypothesis.
  • Also called the Experimental Design.
• Materials:
  • A list of materials stated.
• Data Collection:
  • The investigation is conducted and data is collected.
• Data Analysis:
  • The data is analyzed.
• Conclusions:
  • What does the data mean?
• Communication:
  • Results are communicated and reviewed by other scientists.

Water Drops on Penny Key Terms

• Cohesion:
  • The attraction between molecules of the same substance (in this case water molecules).
  • The reason water forms droplets instead of spreading out on a surface.
• Surface Tension:
  • The force that acts on the surface of a liquid, that is a result of cohesion between water molecules.
  • Allows water to form droplets and makes it possible for a certain number of water drops to sit on a penny before spilling over
• Control:
  • The standard or baseline group that doesn’t receive the experimental treatment.
  • Example: a penny without any additional factors affecting the water (such as the temperature or type of water).
• Treatment:
  • The experimental condition or factor that is applied to a subject or group.
  • Examples: changing the type of liquid (water, soap water, etc.) or varying the temperature of the water
• Experiment Design:
  • Planning and setting up your experiment to test a hypothesis that includes number of trials, method of dropping water, types of liquids used, and how to measure the number of drops.
• Observations:
  • Things noticed or measured during the experiment.
  • Examples: how the water forms droplets on the penny, how many drops it takes before the water starts to spill over, and comparing the difference of observations based on the treatment conditions.

Science is a systematic method for acquiring knowledge through observation, experimentation, and analysis. It uses hypotheses, experiments, and analysis to explain phenomena. Scientific methods lead to real-world applications in technology, medicine, and environmental conservation.