Characteristics of Sci.
In medical studies, why is it considered unethical to test new drugs only on one group of people (for example, only men)?
Because results may not apply to everyone, and it leaves out important groups (like women, children, or different ethnicities).
Some medicines are first tested on animals. Why is this an ethical question?
Because it may help humans, but it can harm animals.
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.
Why is it important for scientists to admit mistakes in their research?
Hiding mistakes can mislead others and cause harm.
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.
Science asks questions to explain the natural world. What does engineering focus on?
Solving problems by designing and building.
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.
Imagine you are living in a small town where the local river has become polluted. The community is worried about the health effects of the pollution and wants to find a solution. Scientists are called in. Explain how science could help this small town.
By testing the water and studying pollution, scientists can use evidence and data to clean up pollution or find safer ways to use the water.
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.