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Science: A Way of Knowing

Science: A Way of Knowing. Chapter 1. Why Study Science? . The Scientific Method. Observation. Observation: observe nature without manipulating it. Experiment: manipulating some aspect of nature and observe the outcome. Identifying Patterns and Regularities.

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Science: A Way of Knowing

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Presentation Transcript

  1. Science: A Way of Knowing Chapter 1

  2. Why Study Science?

  3. The Scientific Method

  4. Observation Observation: observe nature without manipulating it. Experiment: manipulating some aspect of nature and observe the outcome.

  5. Identifying Patterns and Regularities • Measurement for better description • Data: table or graph • Patterns emerge • Describe: • In words • In equation form • In symbols Example: Distance of a falling object

  6. Mathematics: The Language of Science • Description • General • More accurate: • quantitative • Mathematics • Equation • Impact • Precise Which English sentence does this equation Represent?

  7. Facts, Hypotheses, Laws, Theories • Fact • Confirmed observation • Hypothesis • Tentative educated guess • Law • Regular and predictable pattern of nature • Theory • Well-substantiated explanatory description of the world based on a large number of independent observations and experimental tests.

  8. Prediction and Testing • Predictions Hypothesis, Law, Theory Can be tested by their predictions • Testing • Do not always prove or disprove an idea but some time define a range of validity • Every law and theory of nature is subject to change, based on new observations

  9. The Scientific Method in Operation Example: Biodiversity and Nitrogen (N) addition experiment at Cedar Creek in Minnesota by David Tilman, 4 fields, 207 plots. 1. Some plots, called controls, received no treatment 2. Some plots were given a group of essential nutrients such as P, K, but no N. 3. Some plots were given the same set of nutrients, but different amount of N.

  10. The Scientific Method in Operation

  11. Dimitri Mendeleev and the Periodic Table

  12. William Harvey and the Blood’s Circulation

  13. The Scientific Method in Operation • Cycle with no true starting point, and it is continuous and endless. • Scientific results must be re-producible. Scientists must believe their testing results and change their hypothesis if evidences force them to do so. Science is the most creative human endeavor.

  14. Other Ways of Knowing

  15. Different Kinds of Questions • Many questions are beyond the scope of science and scientific method. Examples: Philosophy: What is the meaning of life? Art: Is this painting beautiful? Religion: Is there a god? • These are questions address different human needs than science.

  16. Pseudoscience • Pseudoscience • Belief and dogma and other • Ideas not testable • Examples: • Astrology; • UFO (Unidentified Flying Object) • Evaluation of a claim • Are the ‘facts’ true as stated? • Is there an alternative explanation? • Is the claim falsifiable? • Have claims been tested? • Do claims require unreasonable changes in accepted ideas?

  17. The Organization of Science

  18. Divisions of Science • Disciplines • Early stage (17th century): • one person know almost all areas • Today: • Most scientists choose a major field • Different Kinds of Scientists • Field researcher • Experimentalists • Theorists

  19. The Branches of Science • Physics • Fundamental aspects of nature, the starting point for almost any study of how nature works: matter, energy, force, motion, heat, light, etc. • Chemistry • Atoms in combination, chemical reactions • Astronomy • Stars, planets, and other objects in space • Geology • Earth • Biology • Living systems

  20. The Web of Knowledge • Center • Laws of nature • Apply to all areas • Areas Interconnected • All branches integrated

  21. Basic Research, Applied Research, and Technology • Basic Research • The primary goal is to expand knowledge, such as to study the beginning of the universe and sub-atomic particles, etc. • Applied Research • Research with specific practical goals in mind • Technology • The science of technical process. To apply results of research to commercial or industry goals. Research and Development (R&D): To transfer research into practical systems in government labs and private industry.

  22. Funding for Science • US Government: $130 billion • Apply for funds: • Grant proposal • Ranked by independent scientists, highly competitive

  23. Communication Among Scientists • Collaboration • Scientific Meetings • Peer reviewed Journals: Cornerstone of science

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