Science: A Way of KnowingChapter 1Great Idea:Science is a way of asking and answering questions about the physical universe

Chapter OutlineThe Role of ScienceThe Scientific MethodOther Ways of KnowingThe Organization of Science

The Role of Science

The Role of ScienceMaking ChoicesAsk questions, make observations, form conclusionsApplied in a more formal, quantitative way equals science

Why Study Science?Most powerful tool for understanding Incorporates basic ideas and theories Provides framework for new questionsProvides unparalleled view of order and symmetry of the universe and its workings

The Scientific Method

ObservationHistoryGreek PhilosophersMiddle AgesObservation-no manipulationExperiment-manipulation

Identifying Patterns and RegularitiesMeasurement-better descriptionData-table or graphPatterns emergeDescribe:In wordsIn equation formIn symbols

Mathematics: The Language of ScienceDescriptionGeneralMathematicalMathematicsEquationDescription

Facts, Hypotheses, Laws, TheoriesFactConfirmed observationHypothesisEducated guessLawDescription of natureTheoryWell-substantiated description

Prediction and TestingPredictionsHypothesis, Theory, LawMust be quantitatively testableTestingDo not prove or disproveDefine range of validityEvery law and theory of nature is subject to change, based on new observations

The Scientific Method in OperationCycleNot rigidBelieve resultsNo preconceptionsNo true starting placeResults must be reproducibleCycle is continuous

Other Ways of Knowing

Different Kinds of QuestionsCannot always use scientific methodArtUse to address age of paintingNot for beauty etc.ReligionNo conflict between science & religionFaith vs. experiment

PseudosciencePseudoscienceBelief, dogmaIdeas not testableEvaluation of a claimAre the facts true as stated?Is there an alternative explanation?Is the claim falsifiable?Have claims been tested?Do claims require unreasonable changes in accepted ideas?

The Organization of Science

Divisions of ScienceDisciplinesHistoricalModernApproachField researcherExperimentalistsTheorists

The Branches of SciencePhysicsFundamental aspects of natureChemistryAtoms in combinationBiologyLiving systemsAstronomyObjects in spaceGeologyEarth

The Web of KnowledgeCenterLaws of natureApply to all areasAreas InterconnectedAll branches integrated

Basic Research, Applied Research,and TechnologyBasic ResearchExpand knowledgeApplied ResearchDirect applicationTechnologyConservationMedicine

Funding for ScienceUS Government$130 billionNSF, NIH, DOE, DOD, EPA, NASA, NOAAApply for fundsGrant proposalRanked by independent scientistsHighly competitive

Communication Among ScientistsCollaborationScientific MeetingsPeer reviewed JournalsCornerstone of science