The Nature of Science

What is science?

A way of knowing by testing, observing, and experimenting with the natural world.

What are the three categories of science?

Physical science, life science, and social science.

What is physical science?

The study of the non-living world, focusing on matter and energy and their interactions.

Examples of physical science?

Chemistry, physics, astronomy, mathematics, and earth science.

What is life science?

The study of living organisms and their interactions with each other and their environment.

Examples of life science?

Biology, zoology, microbiology, genetics, botany, and ecology.

What is social science?

The study of human society and social relationships.

Examples of social science?

Psychology, sociology, and anthropology.

What is empirical evidence in science?

Knowledge based on observation and experimentation that can be tested and reproduced.

What is a key contrast in ways of knowing?

Non-scientific ways include tradition, personal experience, intuition, feelings, and authority.

Who is Albert Einstein?

The scientist who created the theory of relativity, improving understanding of space, time, gravity, and the universe.

Who is George Washington Carver?

Scientist known for crop rotation research and finding new uses for crops to improve soil health and farmer income.

Who is Edward Jenner?

Scientist known for contributions to immunization and vaccines, providing immunity against smallpox.

Who discovered sex chromosomes?

Nettie Stevens, who associated X and Y chromosomes with a particular sex.

What did Rosalind Franklin contribute to science?

Identified the double helix structure of DNA using X-ray diffraction.

What is Koch's postulates?

A set of criteria to determine the causative relationship between a microbe and a disease.

What is the role of curiosity in scientific habits of mind?

To ask questions and seek new knowledge.

What does skepticism mean in science?

Questioning assumptions and seeking evidence to support claims.

What are the science practices?

Asking questions, planning investigations, analyzing data, and communicating information.

What is inductive reasoning in science?

Generalization based on a large number of specific observations.

What is deductive reasoning in hypothesis-driven science?

Using general premises to extrapolate specific results.

What are the steps of the scientific method?

Observation, question, hypothesis, prediction, deductive test, conclusion.