RP

The Nature of Science

What is Science? 

Science is a way of knowing by the natural world, this is done by testing, observing, and experimenting.


3 categories of science:

  • Physical science: study of the non-living world. Focuses on matter and energy and their interactions in the earth and universe. 

Ex: chemistry, physics, astronomy, mathematics, earth.


  • Life science: study of living organisms and their interactions with each other and their environment.

Ex: Biology, zoology, microbiology, genetics, botany, ecology. 


  • Social science: study of human society and social relationships.

Ex: psychology, sociology, anthropology.


The Nature of Science

  • Science knowledge is based on empirical evidence.

  • Ideas can be tested and reproduced by others. 

  • Knowledge builds on previous knowledge and is strengthened by multiple lines of evidence

  • Knowledge is durable, but can be changed over time with new evidence


Contrast: non-scientific ways of knowing something is through tradition, personal experience, intuition, feelings, and authority in order to make conclusions that might not change.


Scientists

  • Albert Einstein: The man who created theory of relativity, improved our understanding of space, time, gravity, and the universe

  • George Washington Carver: Created research on crop rotation and new uses for crops. His practices helped improve soil health, and provided farmers with alternative income sources.

  • Edward Jenner: Contribution in immunization, and vaccines. Research helped provide immunity against smallpox.

  • Nettie Stevens: Geneticist, discovered sex chromosomes and associated X and Y chromosomes with a particular sex.

  • Rosalind Franklin: Contribution of DNA and RNA structure, including identifying double helix structure of DNA, through her use of X-ray diffraction.

  • Robert Koch: Helped develop germ theory of disease and Koch’s postulates, demonstrating that specific microbes are responsible for creating specific disease.

  • James Walson & Francis Cerick: Discovered the structure of the DNA double helix. Awarded Nobel peace prize in 1962

  • Louis Pasteur: Helped develop germ theory of disease, conducted research in fermentation and pasteurization.

  • Craig Venter: 1st to sequence the bacterial genome (Haemophilus influenza). Contributions in sequencing the human genome.


Habits of Mind

Curiosity – ask questions and seek new knowledge

Skepticism – question assumptions and seek evidence to support claims

Open-mindedness – consider new ideas and perspectives as new evidence becomes available

Attention to detail – make precise observations and measurements 

Creativity – think creatively, often coming up with new solutions and ideas

Persistence – don’t give up easily when faced with obstacles or setbacks

Collaboration – effectively collaborate with others to solve complex problems


Science Practices

Ask scientific questions and identity problems to investigate.

Plan and conduct investigations to collect data and test ideas.

Analyze and interpret data to identify patterns and relationships, and draw conclusions.

Use mathematical and computational thinking to analyze data and graphs.

Use evidence to explain observations and events.

Argue conclusions based on evidence, and evaluate the conclusions of others using evidence.

Communicate information by publishing papers and speaking at scientific conferences.


Doing Science vs Learning About Science

  • Ask questions and identify problems

  • Analyze and interpret data

  • Use mathematical thinking

  • Use evidence to construct explanations

  • Engage in discussion from evidence

  • Communicate information


However, you will not develop the same level of knowledge and expertise as a scientists or engage in the actual scientific process (e.g. conducting original research, publishing peer reviews studies, presenting at scientific conferences)


Reading graphs is one of the science practices

Scientists collect data: observations, measurements, etc.


Graphs are a way of visualizing data so that you can see patterns

Ex: Pie charts, Histogram, Line chart, Scatter plot 






Two approaches to Science

Science: to know, a way of knowing, done by testing, observing, experimenting

2 approaches in Science

  • Discovery

  • Hypothesis driven science: testing, observing using the Scientific Method


Discovery science: Verifiable observations & measurements

  • Leads to Inductive Reasoning: a generalization that is summarized from a large number of specific observations


Hypothesis - Driven science: asking questions and seeking explanations

  • Leads to Deductive Reasoning: using general premises to extrapolate in specific results

  • Hypothesis-Driven Science uses the Scientific Method.


Scientific Method 

  • Observation

  • Question

  • Hypothesis

  • Prediction

  • Deductive Test: Experiment or additional observations

  • Conclusion