The Nature of Science

Allia Nelson

What is NOT Science?

Scientology. UFOlogy. Parapsychology. Why?

Pseudoscience is anything that proclaims itselfas science but has no support.

It often relies on authority, is unable to predictoutcomes well and lacks evidence.

Science is Many Things

Discovery of nature

Following scientific methods

Process of learning/finding

Organizing facts into theories

Studying the universe

A collection of knowledge

Searching for truth

Anything else?

The Scientific Enterprise

Scientists do work in multitudes of ways,theoretically, experimentally, technologically...

Some work alone, but most collaborate in groups.

They question, observe, postulate, test and thenconfirm, modify or disprove ideas.

Many strive for deepening knowledge whileothers design products to improve the world.

They can't fix everything and sometimes theymake it worse.*Not this Enterprise

National Standards

Science must separate itself from myth,religious values, superstition & authority.

Teachers should:

Ask questions about nature.

Concentrate on collecting evidence.

Give historical perspective.

De-emphasize memorization.

Standard 2 for Teachers

Teachers must understand historical & culturaldevelopment of science and evolution of knowledge in their field.

They must understand philosphical tenets, assumptions, goals & values that distinguish science from technology and other ways ofthinking about the world.

They should engage students in studies ofthe nature of science & include critical analysisof false & doubtful claims when applicable.

Thinking Science

Beliefs

Curiosity

Imagination

Reasoning

Cause & Effect

Self Examination

Skepticism

Objectivity

Open Mind

Investigating Science

Hypothesis/Predictions

Observation

Experimentation

Mathematics

In any order

The scientific method, as far as it is a method, is nothing more than doing one's damndest [sic]with one's mind, no holds barred. -Alan Chalmers

Science Knowledge

Facts

Concepts

Laws & Principles

Theories

Models

Don't mistake your watermelon for the universe.-Amdahl

Technology & Society

Equipment advances

Medicine

Travel

Government grants

Politics

Religious beliefs

The more you understand about the nature of science, the more you'll enjoy the world.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=swDpWNKB5Co