Evolution

What is Science?

1). DESCRIPTION –of the world around us & how it works. based upon observations and data. What do we see?

2). EXPLANATION –observations/data relative to the world around us. Why do we see what we see?

3). PURPOSE/GOAL –approach to understanding the world around us

Purpose/Goal of Science?

To seek increasingly accurate, natural descriptions, explanations and understanding of the natural world. Science is always changing. DYNAMIC!

Assumptions underlying this purpose/goal…

  • natural phenomena have natural explanations that follow natural patterns/rules
  • natural phenomena are unchanging across space/time. Ex. Gravity works everywhere

key aspects of Science:

  • can be built onto and become more accurate- DYNAMIC

    -- Equipment changes over time (constantly improving) ex: abacus vs. calculator

  • MUST be based on BEST AVAILABLE evidence/data

  • MUST be UNBIASED, OBJECTIVE… for trustworthy interpretation

  • MUST be VERIFIABLE, TESTABLE, REPEATABLE

    --allows for “Self-correction” 

      which increases understanding and trustworthiness

    SCIENTIFIC METHOD:

    Process/protocol through which science is done

  • OBSERVATIONS- can be based upon single or multiple events, and must be objective (unbiased/impartial). Restricted to our 5 senses and can be improved by using measurement devices/instruments (binoculars, magnifying glasses). ex: You go outside for a walk on a rainy day and observe that there are earthworms

  • QUESTION- based directly on observations/data collected. Must be answerable, guides hypothesis generation (how you write the hypothesis) ex: You question, why are earthworms only out during rainy days?

  • HYPOTHESIS ex: A possible reason for this may be that they need moisture in order to move across the sidewalk

  • EXPERIMENTS/SURVEYS

  • INTERPRETATION: use reasoning to interpret experimental results relative to the hypothesis