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Basics of Science

This document provides an overview of the nature of science. It explains that science aims to gain knowledge about the natural world through logical arguments and empirical evidence. The key aspects of science discussed are observation, hypotheses, experiments, theories, and how scientific knowledge is developed and revised over time based on new evidence. Scientific investigations generally follow steps of asking a question, forming a hypothesis, designing an experiment to test the hypothesis, analyzing results, and drawing conclusions.

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56 views2 pages

Basics of Science

This document provides an overview of the nature of science. It explains that science aims to gain knowledge about the natural world through logical arguments and empirical evidence. The key aspects of science discussed are observation, hypotheses, experiments, theories, and how scientific knowledge is developed and revised over time based on new evidence. Scientific investigations generally follow steps of asking a question, forming a hypothesis, designing an experiment to test the hypothesis, analyzing results, and drawing conclusions.

Uploaded by

homamunfat
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Study Guides
Page 1 of 2
v1.1.9.2012
This guide was created by Amy Shen and Jin Yu. To learn more about the
student authors, visit http://www.ck12.org/about/about-us/team/interns.
Science aims to gain knowledge about the natural world. The very word science comes from the Latin word scientia,
meaning knowledge. Scientists ask questions and use logic and evidence to answer the questions. They test these
possible answers by conducting experiments that test their hypotheses under controlled conditions. When experiments
are not possible, scientists use models and natural studies to test their hypotheses. Hypotheses that have been tested
multiple times and accepted as facts become theories.
Key Terms Key Terms
Nature of Science
Science: A way of gaining knowledge about the natural world by asking questions and using evidence and logic to
fnd the answers.
Observation: Something we detect with our senses.
Scientifc Investigation: A plan for answering a scientifc question and testing possible answers.
Hypothesis: A possible answer to a scientifc question that can be tested (to be either true or false).
Evidence: Data that supports/disproves a statement.
Experiment: A special type of scientifc investigation performed under controlled conditions.
Dependent Variable: Variable in a scientifc experiment that is being affected by another variable (the independent
variable).
Independent Variable: Variable in a scientifc experiment that is manipulated to investigate its affect on another
variable (the dependent variable).
Model: Representation of part of the real world.
Scientifc Theory: A broad explanation of why something happens in nature that is widely accepted as true because
it is supported by a great deal of evidence.
Scientifc Law: Describe event that always happen under certain circumstances in nature.
Big Picture
The goal of science is to learn about the natural world.
Science distinguishes itself from other bodies of knowledge by using logical arguments and empirical evidence to
gain knowledge about the natural world.
Science is based on assumptions about the universe.
Examples:
nature follows a predictable pattern that can be understood through methodical study
science cannot provide answers to all questions
scientifc ideas are open to revision
Science has limitations. Topics that cant be proved with logic are not in the realm of science.
Scientifc knowledge accumulates over time.
As new discoveries are made, scientifc ideas (mostly hypotheses) are subject to change. Generally, these
changes are small modifcations to previous knowledge.
Some scientifc ideas (mostly theories) havent changed in hundreds of years because they havent been proven
wrong. They are continually tested and can be revised or discarded as needed.
Notes
BASICS OF SCIENCE
Page 2 of 2
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Scientifc Investigation
Hypotheses vs. Theories
Scientifc theories are well-established and are generally accepted to be true, but they can change as new
discoveries are made.
A hypothesis (or a group of related hypotheses) has to be tested many times and needs a lot of supporting
evidence before it becomes a theory.
Theories have almost always been verifed by multiple independent scientists to ensure accuracy.
If an observation does not agree with an accepted scientifc theory, either the observation is mistaken or the theory
is wrong. More experimentation is necessary before a conclusion can be made.
Scientists conduct investigations for various reasons,
such as explaining an observation and testing the
conclusions of previous investigations. Scientifc in-
vestigations generally follow the steps outlined below.
The list of steps is not meant to be followed in a linear
fashion from beginning to end; steps can be repeated
or even skipped depending on the situation. Creativity,
imagination, and a good knowledge base are also part of
the scientifc investigation.
Key points to remember:
A hypothesis needs to be logical, based on scientifc
knowledge, and testable (can be supported or not
supported by observational evidence).
Scientists use rigorous methods to test hypotheses in
order to ensure that their conclusions are accurate.
Experiments are designed to test hypotheses. An
experiment usually tests how one variable affects
another variable. The independent variable affects
the dependent variable. All other parameters must
be controlled.
Example: In an experiment that wants to fnd the
effect of sunlight on plant growth, plant height
= dependent variable, amount of sunlight = in-
dependent variable. All other variables (such as
amount of water) should be controlled.
Other scientifc investigations when experiments are
not possible:
Natural studies: studying things in nature, where
scientists cant control any variables.
Modeling: creating a model (a representation of
something) to better understand the real world.
Accurate measurements and observations are neces-
sary to draw plausible conclusions.
Image Credit: CK-12 Foundation, CC-BY-NC-SA 3.0
Notes
BASICS OF SCIENCE CONT.

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