Science Basics
Science is the systematic study of the natural world through these two things
observation and experimentation
An example that contradicts a conclusion
Counterexample
What is the first step of the scientific method?
Make an observation and ask a question
In Experiments 2.1 and 2.2, what force affected how objects fell?
Air Resistance
"It is 65 degrees F in this room." Is this subjective or objective?
Objective
True or False: Science permanently settles questions once enough evidence is collected.
False
An educated explanation or proposed answer that can be tested
Hypothesis
What step comes immediately after background research?
Construct a hypothesis
What characteristic of an object can change how much air resistance affects it?
Its Shape
"It feels cold in this room." Is this subjective or objective?
Subjective
Science can provide evidence that an idea is true but it cannot do this...
prove the idea
An explanation of the natural world that has been thoroughly tested and supported by a significant amount of evidence.
After forming a hypothesis, what should a scientist do next?
Test it with an experiment
In the absence of air, how do objects of different weights fall?
They fall at the same rate
Scientific conclusions may change when scientists discover this.
New information or evidence
As the body of scientific information grows, what also grows?
our understanding
A description of a natural phenomenon or principle supported by significant evidence and often containing mathematical terms.
Scientific Law
Put these in order: experiment, background research, observation, conclusion, hypothesis.
Observation -> Background Research -> Hypothesis -> Experiment -> Results/Conclusion
A helium balloon contradicts the claim that everything dropped will fall to the ground. What is the helium balloon called?
A Counterexample
What must science conform to according to this module?
The Scientific Method
Science should be based on this type of data rather than personal opinions or feelings
Objective Data
The approach a person takes to analyze and evaluate information
Worldview
Why are experiments repeated by different scientists or in different labs?
To make sure the results are reliable and to reduce the effects of errors, mistakes, or unusual results
What did Experiment 2.3 demonstrate about soap and water?
Soap affects or breaks the surface tension of water
If one valid example contradicts a hypothesis, what happens to that hypothesis?
The hypothesis is rejected/disproven; one counterexample destroys it