What is science? About gaining knowledge, A way of learning about the natural world, Based on evidence and logic

What is the goal of science? Understand how and why things happen

How does science advance? Occasionally in giant steps but more commonly in baby steps. Scientists replace, refine, or expand on ideas

What is inductive reasoning? The process of drawing general conclusions based on pieces of evidence Example: crime scene

How do we use inductive reasoning in science? You use your observations to make a conclusion

What is the limit of inductive reasoning in science? Inductive reasoning can’t solve a crime or arrive at the correct scientific conclusion with 100 percent certainty.

How do we make inferences? You make assumptions of what is going on.

What are observations? Any information that is gathered with the senses.

What is the difference between qualitative and quantitative observations? (See theory vs. law note sheet) Qualitative data is a description of observations and Quantitative data is a value that has been counted or measured

What can we use observations for? We can use observations to gather evidence

What is a theory? A broad explanation that is widely accepted because it is supported by a great deal of evidence

How does it become a theory? The formation of scientific theories is generally guided by the law of parsimony and it says to select the theory that makes the fewest assumptions so the simpler theory is more likely to be correct

What are some examples of theories? Plate tectonics, Einstein’s theory of gravity, Kinetic theory of matter, Wave-particle theory of light

What is scientific law? A statement describing what always happens under certain conditions

What are some examples of laws? Newtons Laws of Motion, Law of conservation of mass, Law of conservation of energy, Law of conservation of momentum

How are laws and theories different? Scientific laws state what always happen. However, scientific laws have a basic limitation. They don’t explain why things happen. “Why” questions are answered by scientific theories, not scientific laws.

What is physical science? Physical science is the study of matter and energy.

What does physical science include?  It includes everything you can see and many things that you cannot see, including the air around you.

What is chemistry? The study of matter and energy at the level of atoms and molecules

What can chemistry help you understand? Chemistry can help you understand the world around you.

What is physics? The study of energy, matter, and their interactions

What can physics help you understand? Physics can help you understand just about everything in the world around you.

What are some careers in physical science? Optometrist, medical lab supervisor, physical science teacher, surveyor

What are engineers? What do they do? Engineers are professionals in technology. Engineers are creative problem solvers. They use math and science to design and develop just about everything—from roller coasters to video games.

Describe two careers in technology electrical and mechanical engineers, who must work together to build roller coasters and most other engineering projects.

What is technology? The application of science to solve problems; new technologies may have major impacts on society, science, and industry

Explain how technology evolves, using examples from the development of solar-powered cars. Solar-powered cars are a good example. For several decades, researchers have been working on developing practical solar-powered cars. Why? Cars powered by sunlight have at least two important advantages over gas-powered cars. The energy they use is free and available almost everywhere, and they produce no pollution.

What does accuracy mean when measuring in science? How close the measurement is to the true value

What makes two measurements precise? That they are close to each other

What is a model? A representation of an object, system, or process. Must be simple and easy to understand. Must closely resemble the real thing

Why are models useful in science? They can help you visualize information. They can also help you see things that are too small such as a cell, or too big such as a constellation or a group of stars.