1A1 Nature of Scientific Knowledge

Question 1

Define science.

Answer 1

It is the meticulous study of the natural and social world through experimentation based on mathematical calculations and factual evidence.

Science helps make everyday life easier and solve health problems.

Question 2

What is the purpose of science?

Answer 2

To build knowledge of the nature of science and understanding of the natural world through research and experimentation.

Question 3

How does science seek to explain the world?

Answer 3

By analyzing the structure and behavior of the physical world through observation and experiment.

Science includes various areas such as earth science, space science, social science, life science, and physical science.

Question 4

Why is science considered a fluid process?

Answer 4

Scientific knowledge changes as new information is discovered.

It is a process of trial-and-error and learning over time, where some hypotheses are accepted with supporting experimental data, while others are refuted.

Question 5

What is pseudoscience?

Answer 5

A collection of beliefs or practices mistakenly regarded as being the scientific method.

Example: Astrology, phrenology, numerology

Question 6

What is a scientific theory?

Answer 6

An explanation of why some natural phenomena happen and has been repeatedly confirmed through experimentation and observation.

Examples: Cell Theory, Theory of Relativity, Atomic Theory, Plate Tectonics Theory

Question 7

What is a scientific law?

Answer 7

An explanation of the relationship between natural phenomena usually with mathematical formulas or equations.

Theories DO NOT become laws.

Examples: Universal Law of Gravitation, Ideal Gas Law, Newtons Laws of Motion

Question 8

What is the difference between a scientific theory and a scientific law?

Answer 8

• Scientific theory uses strong evidence that has been repeatedly confirmed through observation and experimentation.
• Scientific law utilizes mathematical formulas to explain a relationship between phenomena in the natural world.

Question 9

What is the main difference between an observational study and an experiment?

Answer 9

• In an observational study, the researcher observes the effect of a specific variable as it occurs naturally, without intervention.
• In an experiment, the researcher manipulates the situation and observes the effect in a controlled setting.

Question 10

What are the steps of the scientific method?

Answer 10

1. Observe
2. Question
3. Research
4. Create a Hypothesis
5. Create an Experiment
6. Collect and Analyze Data
7. Draw a conclusion

Example:

• A scientist observes that a plant sitting in their office is drooping.
• The scientist questions, “will this plant do better if I sit it in the window with more light?”.
• The scientist then do research to see what information has already been collected pertaining to plants and light.
• They then design a hypothesis stating- If a plant is placed in the window then it will grow taller faster than a plant in low light.
• The scientists conducts an experiment where one plant is placed in the window and one plant stays on the desk.
• The scientist treats the plants the same way with the exception of how much light they receive.
• Data is then collected about their growth, analyzed and used to draw a conclusion based on which plant grew taller, faster.

Question 11

Is the scientific method a rigid set of instructions that must be followed when conducting a scientific experiment?

Answer 11

No - the scientific method provides general steps to help guide scientific inquiry.

Question 12

What is a scientific observation?

Answer 12

Any sensory experience about a natural phenomenon.

Can involve hearing, seeing, smelling, touching or tasting.

Information from observations can be used to create a question to be tested using experimentation or for data analysis and drawing conclusions after an experiment has been conducted.

Question 13

What is a hypothesis in science?

Answer 13

An educated guess for why some observed natural phenomena occur.

Hypothesis are used to guide scientific experimentation and should be written as an “If……. then…….. “ statement.

Question 14

What is a crucial key in formulating a hypothesis?

Answer 14

It must be testable.

A hypothesis must be testable through scientific experimentation, which can either support or refute it.

Question 15

What is the first step in the scientific process?

Answer 15

Making observations.

Observations can be made using sight, hearing, smell, taste and touch.

Question 16

What is the next step after making observations in the scientific process?

Answer 16

Asking a question.

Question 17

What is the purpose of accessing prior knowledge and research in the scientific process?

Answer 17

To know what’s already out there.

Research helps to organize thoughts and investigate what information is already known.

Question 18

What is the final step in the scientific process after conducting the experiment and collecting data?

Answer 18

Analyzing the factual information and making inferences to develop a conclusion.

Even if the conclusion does not support the hypothesis it should still be reported. The experiment can always be revised and retested with a new experiment.

Question 19

What is the conclusion in the scientific method?

Answer 19

A statement of whether the original hypothesis was accepted or rejected by the observations gathered.

Question 20

How does the scientific method aim to avoid bias?

Answer 20

By minimizing bias from personal beliefs.

Bias in data interpretation can lead to inaccurate conclusions and affect the credibility of scientific claims. The scientific method provides a standardized guideline all scientists must follow to ensure proper experimental design.

Question 21

Why is it important to compare your data to other studies in scientific research?

Answer 21

To see if your research makes sense in light of others’ findings.

Also known as Peer Review.

Comparing data to other studies validates research findings and ensures credibility. The more an experiment is able to be replicated, the more reliable the results are.

Question 22

Explain how observations and scientific questioning can be a circular process.

Answer 22

Observations lead to questions, which lead to hypotheses, and experimentation, which can lead us to new questions, and/or new observations, creating a circular process.

Question 23

What is the outcome when a hypothesis is supported in the scientific method?

Answer 23

It should be retested for accuracy.

Question 24

What is the outcome when a hypothesis is rejected in the scientific method?

Answer 24

Test alternative explanations for the question.

If the data rejects the hypothesis, a scientist can go back and redesign the experiment to test alternative explanations for the question.

Question 25

How do scientists **challenge** new scientific ideas?

Answer 25

Through collaboration, debate, and peer review. ## Footnote Science is a collaborative effort. When existing information is challenged, scientists will examine the results and replicate the experiment in order to verify those results. Replicability is the cornerstone of scientific advancement.

Question 26

How do new ideas spread among scientists?

Answer 26

Through collaboration and debate among scientists. ## Footnote Information can be spread through scientific publications such as journals and articles or shared at conferences.

Question 27

Is anything in science ever **certain**?

Answer 27

**No**, nothing is ever certain, only very probable. ## Footnote Science can never "prove" anything to be true. Our conclusions can only be supported by the evidence. We can revise our conclusions as new evidence or knowledge is applied to the question

Question 28

What are scientific models and relationships used for?

Answer 28

* Models help us to visualize systems in a way that makes them easier to understand.. * To make predictions. ## Footnote Science produces simplified models and mathematical relationships for prediction purposes.

Question 29

How do scientists select appropriate models for their work?

Answer 29

By testing alternative models and incorporating mechanisms from discarded models to improve computer simulations.

Question 30

What is the main **function** of a scientific model?

Answer 30

To convey a basic idea that may be less understood and explain it more clearly with a known physical mechanism or process. ## Footnote It also serves to predict future events.