Characteristics of Sci.
What does empirical mean?
Empirical means based on observations or experiments rather than theory alone.
Name two common scientific tools.
Examples: microscope, thermometer, ruler, balance scale.
How does science benefit society?
Science benefits society by improving health, technology, environment, and knowledge.
What is a scientific journal?
A scientific journal is a publication where scientists share research findings.
What is a hypothesis?
A hypothesis is a testable prediction or explanation made before an experiment.
What is skepticism in science?
Skepticism means questioning and critically evaluating scientific claims.
What unit is used to measure mass?
Mass is measured in grams (g) or kilograms (kg).
What is the role of ethics in science?
Ethics guide scientists to conduct research honestly and responsibly.
Why are graphs useful in science?
Graphs visualize data to identify trends and make information easier to understand.
What is the purpose of a control group?
A control group is used as a baseline to compare results and isolate the effect of the variable being tested.
Why must scientific ideas be testable?
Scientific ideas must be testable to be proven or disproven through evidence.
Why do scientists use the metric system?
The metric system is used because it is standardized and based on multiples of ten, making calculations easier.
Give an example of a scientific discovery that changed society.
Example: The discovery of antibiotics revolutionized medicine and saved millions of lives.
Name three ways scientists share their results.
Scientists share results through journals, conferences, and reports.
Name the steps of the scientific method in order.
The steps are: Ask a question, do background research, form a hypothesis, conduct an experiment, analyze data, and draw a conclusion.
Define peer review and its importance.
Peer review is the evaluation of scientific work by others in the field to ensure quality and accuracy.
How does accuracy differ from precision?
Accuracy is how close a measurement is to the true value; precision is how consistent repeated measurements are.
Why is science considered a collaborative effort?
Science is collaborative because it builds on others’ work and involves diverse expertise.
What is the importance of clear communication in science?
Clear communication ensures that scientific knowledge is accurately understood and applied.
Why is it important to have reproducible results?
Reproducible results ensure that experiments are reliable and not due to chance or error.
How can bias affect scientific investigations?
Bias can distort results or interpretations, leading to false conclusions.
Explain how technology advances science.
Technology provides new tools and methods that enable more detailed and accurate scientific investigations.
How can science influence public policy?
Science informs policies by providing evidence to support decisions on health, environment, and safety.
How do scientists handle conflicting evidence in communication?
Scientists explain conflicting evidence by reviewing, re-testing, and updating conclusions to reflect the best current understanding.
Explain the difference between a theory and a law.
A theory is a well-supported explanation based on evidence; a law describes a pattern or relationship, often mathematically.