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Guided_Notes_-_What_is_Science

The document outlines the fundamentals of science, emphasizing the importance of observation, data collection, and the scientific method in understanding the natural world. It defines key terms such as hypothesis, scientific theories, and laws, while also discussing the significance of measurements and tools in scientific investigations. Additionally, it highlights the necessity of sharing scientific findings and the potential for errors in measurement.

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7 views

Guided_Notes_-_What_is_Science

The document outlines the fundamentals of science, emphasizing the importance of observation, data collection, and the scientific method in understanding the natural world. It defines key terms such as hypothesis, scientific theories, and laws, while also discussing the significance of measurements and tools in scientific investigations. Additionally, it highlights the necessity of sharing scientific findings and the potential for errors in measurement.

Uploaded by

j5nvx7ctt9
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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What Is Science?

Glossary
TERM DEFINITION

science

facts gathered by studying the world using the senses of sight, sound, taste, touch, and
observation
smell

data

a process by which scientists explain the natural world through questioning and
scientific inquiry
evidence

hypothesis

scientific theories

a statement that is accepted as universal fact, often expressed as a mathematical


scientific laws
equation

evidence

Objective
In this lesson, you will

Practicing Science
Science is a way to understand our surroundings by __________________ and ______________________
what we see. Then we come up with ________________________ for these questions and ________ them to
see if they are plausible.

Proving an explanation is conducting a scientific


________________________.

Note that scientific investigations cannot test opinions;


they can only test __________.

For example, science can tell us the distance between


Earth and Mars. Science cannot tell us if Mars is as
beautiful as Earth.
Scientific Inquiry
The scientific method is a way to test a ____________________.
The diagram shown here is one approach to the scientific method.
Example:
Make Observations – Jesse and Claire notice that a
stream that runs through their town has a peculiar
color.

Ask Questions – Then they begin to question


______ the water is that particular color.

Construct a Hypothesis – They ______________


that the water color may be caused by sulfur.

Test the ____________________ – They mail their


samples to a lab for test results.

Analyze the Results and Make a Conclusion – They


note their observations and the lab test data and
________________ them.

If Proven, Communicate the Results – After confirming high levels of sulfur in the stream, Jesse and Claire
____________ the information in their science blog.

If Not Proven, Repeat or Reassess – They must repeat the test or change their ___________________.

The scientific method isn't always a linear process. It can also be ____________.

Scientific ______________ are hypotheses that have been tested repeatedly using the scientific method.
❖ If experimental observations do not match the theory, then the theory becomes invalid.
Scientific ________, on the other hand, are statements that are accepted as universal facts.
❖ often based on mathematics

Science is based on facts, not opinions.


• An ______________ is a statement that expresses feelings or beliefs.
• Facts, on the other hand, are statements that can be proved true.
→ supported with ________________
Measurements and Tools
A unit of measurement is a __________ ____________ of any physical quantity.

Why are Measurements Important?


We need measurements to ____________ existing laws and theories or to make new ones.
Without measurements, we would not be able to draw conclusions for our experiments.

Unit of Measurement
There are two main systems of measurement used in the United States—the International System of Units (SI)
and the US Customary System of units.
Quantity US Customary Units SI Units
length inch (in), foot (ft), yard (yd), mile (mi) kilometer (km), meter (m), centimeter
(cm), millimeter (mm)

ounce (oz), pound (lb), ton (tn)

fluid ounce (fl oz), pint (pt), quart (qt),


gallon (gal)

second (sec), minute (min), hour (hr) second (s)

degrees Fahrenheit (℉) Kelvin (K)

kilogram (kg), gram (g), milligram (mg)

ampere (A), milliampere (mA)

amount of substance mole (mol)

luminous intensity candela (cd)

Converting Units
A quantity can be expressed in different units. Units of the same quantity are related to each other by a ratio.
Example: Convert 2 meters to centimeters.
The ratio is _______ centimeters for every meter:

100 cm
2 m( ) = ________ cm
m

So, 2 meters is equal to ________ centimeters.

Scientific Tools
Scientists use certain tools to carry out investigations. Which others can you think of?

Tool Image Use

streak plate

wind vane

binoculars

compass

telescope

digital camera

radio dish
Errors in Measurement
Not every tool provides perfect results. There are bound to be errors in measurements caused by the tool or
the person using it. There are two kinds of experimental errors—random errors and systematic errors.
Random errors
❖ occur when a ______________________ cannot be taken the same way each time
❖ Results fluctuate up and ________.
❖ The risk of random errors can be ______________ by taking a measurement more than once and
finding the ______________.

Systematic errors
❖ caused when there is a problem with the ____________ of the experiment or the __________ of the
measuring tool
❖ To lower the risk of a systematic error, __________ the equipment or __________ the design of the
experiment.

Summary
Describe the scientific method in your own words. Why is it important that scientists share their conclusions
with others?

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