Chapter 1 Notes

Science: A Way of Knowing

Science, at its basic or fundamental level is a process of investigation of natural phenomena, a quest for understanding and a search to describe and to understand nature through observation, experimentation, and theoretical modeling.

Why study science?

Scientific Method:

The Scientific Method – a method to arrive at a rational theory using empirical data.

A. Observation -

B. Identifying Patterns and Regularities -

C. Hypothesis and Theory – thinking of an explanation for an occurrence and a refining and testing of the hypothesis to cover multiple situations.

A model is set of situations to make a theory easier to grasp.

D. Experimentation – predicting the result of a theory in practice followed by testing of the hypothesis

Every law of nature is subject to change or revision, based on new observations.

An EXAMPLE – Ernest Rutherford and the Model of the Atom

Pseudoscience – theories based on untestable hypotheses

The Natural Sciences:

All knowledge and experience is divided into the qualitative and quantitative. The realms of knowledge and experience include the natural sciences, the social sciences and the humanities. Natural and physical scientists aim for quantitative precision and reducibility and their work is cumulative, the product of many individuals.

General Natural Science Branches – Physics, Chemistry, Astronomy, Geology and Biology.

Physics – a study of fundamental natural laws.

Chemistry – a study of the nature of matter and the changes it undergoes.

Astronomy – a study of celestial objects and occurrences.

Geology – a study of the physical make-up, evolution and physical processes of the earth.

Biology – a study of living systems.

Multi- or cross-discipline sciences?

When science began and up until the late 1930’s, individuals worked on problems they could solve by themselves, with limited apparatus and material. Today science relies on teams of researchers.

Types of research:

basic research - basic aim of extending knowledge

applied research - concerned with practical problems and solutions

Science, more than arts and literature, is a cooperative activity. No scientist works alone anymore.

Types of Collaboration:

Journals

Professional Organizations

Professional Meetings

Grants

OUTSIDE ASSIGNMENTS:

Readings: Sunrise (p. 2); Biodiversity (p. 11); Dimitri Mendeleev and the Periodic Chart (p. 12); Astrology (p. 17); SETI@HOME (p. 22)

Homework (p. 26-28): Review Questions 1, 5, 6, 7, 8, and 10; Discussion Questions 2, 5, and 8; Investigations 6 and 8.