The Most Basic Science Motion, forces, energy, matter, heat, sound, light

o Base of other science fields

• life sciences: biology, zoology, and botany.

• physical sciences: geology, astronomy, chemistry, and physics.

o Uses Math to describe and analyze

When scientific findings in nature are expressed mathematically, they are easier to prove or to disprove by experiment.

Mathematics—The Language of Science

• Galileo Galilei (1564-1642)

• Francis Bacon (1561-1626)

• credited as creating the scientific method

• a method that is effective in gaining,

organizing, and applying new

knowledge

1. Recognize a problem

2. Make an educated guess (hypothesis) about the answer.

3. Predict the consequences of the hypothesis.

4. Perform Experiments to test prediction.

5. Analyze the results

Although the scientific method is popular, it is not the

universal key to discoveries and advances in science.

• Trial and error, experimentation without guessing, and

accidental discovery account for much of the progress

in science.

• The success of science has more to do with an

attitude of inquiry, experimentation, and humility than

with a particular method.

Scientific Methods

fact - close agreement by competent observers who make a series

of observations of the same phenomenon.

hypothesis - an educated guess that is not fully accepted until

demonstrated by experiment.

laws or principles - When hypotheses about the relationship

among natural quantities are tested over and over again and not

contradicted

The Scientific Attitude

◦ Must be a test for proving it wrong

Example-Which is a scientific hypothesis?

1. Atoms are the smallest particles of matter that exist.

2. The universe is surrounded by a second universe, the existence of which cannot be detected by scientists.

3. Albert Einstein is the greatest physicist of all time.

#1 is considered scientific because there is a test for proving it wrong.

theory - synthesis of a large body of information that

encompasses well-tested and verified hypotheses about

certain aspects of the natural world.

Theory

Experiments are conducted to test scientific hypotheses.

Experimentation

Science and Technology

Science and Religion

Science answers theoretical questions

Technology solves practical problems

Art creates objects that stimulate the senses

Religion deals with nature’s purpose

ALL AREAS ARE COMPLEMENTARY, NOT ANTAGONISTIC (against each other)