1 Flashcards
what is science- a body of knowledge, a process, a way of thinking or what?
Science is the process in which we attempt to understand the natural world.(study of the natural / physical world)
What are hypotheses? Facts? Laws? Theories? How are these related? How do they differ?
-Hypotheses(is testable) are testable conjectures of how nature will react under certain circumstances.
- A scientific law always applies under the same conditions, and implies that there is a causal relationship involving its elements.
- Theories have explanatory power(tells you how things are happening and why). In order for a hypothesis to become a theory, it must move along the spectrum.
- From weakest to strongest: facts, hypotheses, laws, theories.
What is involved in “doing” science?
Doing science involves experiments, analysis, observation, and developing a hypothesis. It also involves making assumptions, some of which are simple, and being skeptical and open minded.
What is “empirical evidence”? What are “historical sciences” ? How do these sciences differ from one another ?
- Empirical science is directly observing.
- Historical science is looking at evidence left behind and reconstructing what must have happened.
ex. finger prints, evidence scene of the crime.
What is the Environment?
The environment is the natural world, as a whole or in a particular geographical area, especially as affected by human activity. It is the surroundings, or conditions, in which a person, animal, or plant operates or lives.
What is Environmental Science?
Environmental science is the study of the interactions between the physical, chemical, and biological components of the environment, including their effects on all types of organisms but more often refers to human impact on the environment.
What is the history of the environmental movement?Be ready to compare the various forms of conservation: utilitarian, biocentric, the environmental movement, etc.
-In 1962, “Silent Spring” was written by Rachel Carson. It explains the effect of DDT on humans, which ended up outlawing the use of DDT in the environment due to its presence in humans. This led to the government determining that they could outlaw chemicals despite how the public feels, if it causes harmful effects in humans.
- Utilitarian is preserving something so that it can be used later, and for longer.(Forests)
ex. we save trees to make our children toys - pragmatic is resource conservation(National Park)
- Biocentric conservation (aesthetic) is preserving something because it is attractive and should be kept as such. These parks are often unmanaged and unkempt which leads to forest fires.
**Park Services: Aesthetic resource conservation
(Rare/Delicate/ Fragile)
do not set it aside or you will loose it
