Do Now Complete the KWL chart answering the following question: WHAT IS SCIENCE? The last column should be left blank Be ready to share
What is Science?
Battling Bad Science Ted Talk http://www.ted.com/talks/ben_goldacre_battling_bad_s cience?language=en Fill out guided video notes
Six Criteria of Science : Consistent Observable Natural Predictable Testable Tentative
Consistency : The results of observations and/or experiments are reasonably the same when repeated. 1. Green plants will grow towards a light source. 2. Walking under a ladder will cause bad luck.
Observability : The event or evidence of the event, can be observed and explained. The observations are limited to the basic human senses or to extensions of the senses. 1. Some plants eat meat. 2. Extraterrestrial beings have visited Earth.
Observations Definition Using senses to gather information Observations lead to questions How does sand grain size affect the size and abundance of crabs?
Two types of Observations Qualitative: Uses senses to describe Ex: color and consistency of sand, minerals present etc. Quantitative: Uses tools to take a numerical measurement Ex: actual size of grains, actual size and number of crabs at various sites.
What do you see?
What do you see?
Natural A natural cause (mechanism) must be used to explain why or how the naturally occurring events happen. The supernatural (which science cannot rule out) is not a part of scientific thought.
The last observation! Moon over North Carolina.. Can you see Santa?
Inference Conclusions or deductions based on observations. The process of drawing a conclusion from given evidence.
Hypothesis Predicts the answer to a question Hypotheses are based on: Past experience Observations Research
Test your prediction by designing an experiment Collect data and and analyze Conclusion
Scientific ideas are tentative and can be modified or disproved, but never proved. Tentative but durable--an important characteristic (strength) of science We can't look at ALL possible cases or combinations, past present or future. TRUE One bit of evidence that contradicts an explanation requires us to come up with a new explanation. Doesn't mean scientific explanations are bad or inadequate we know that based on the evidence at hand, this explanation is durable
Dead words, caution words Prove or proof Avoid these: use support or evidence
Word to avoid: PROVE Science can t really PROVE anything absolutely. Scientific knowledge is based on evidence- -lots and lots of tests, observations, etc. But none of the methods of science allow us to examine every possible case--past, present and future. We can t presume to know this (not part of natural world)
Word to avoid: PROVE We can DISPROVE an explanation or generalization by finding conflicting evidence. A strength of science is the fact that it is falsifiable (can be disproved)--it is not dogma. Science can correct itself--new theories replace old theories when the evidence fits better with a new explanation. As researchers, it s better to talk about supporting your case or providing evidence than proving something.
Predictability : Specific predictions can be used to foretell an event. Each prediction can be tested to determine if the prediction is true of false. 1. Without sunlight (or artificial light), green plants will die. 2. If you are a "Scorpio", your horoscope for today is "You'll be saying 'I feel rich!' Lunar position highlights back pay, refunds, correction of accounting error."
Testability : the event must be testable through the processes of science, and controlled experimentation. 1. The Bermuda Triangle causes ships and planes to sink and disappear. 2. Life comes from life and cannot come from non-life.
Perceptions and Bias This is an excellent way to experience the very real fact that even in science, cultural biases and experiences DO influence interpretations (and even perceptions). Scientists typically collaborate, share ideas through conventions, meetings, and publications, much as you were doing as you discussed the checks.
Be careful Sometimes we think science can do things it can t OR does more than we think--there are about science
Common Science Myths When exposed to the vacuum of space, the human body pops. a human can survive for 15 30 seconds in outer space as long as they breathe out before the exposure Food that drops on the floor is safe to eat if you pick it up within five seconds Um, no.. but eating germs and dirt is not always a bad thing as it helps us to develop a robust immune system
Common Science Myths Brain cells can t regenerate if you kill a brain cell, it is never replaced. In 1998, scientists at the Sweden and the Salk Institute in La Jolla, California discovered that brain cells in mature humans can regenerate. An old dog CAN learn new tricks! A penny dropped from a very high building can kill a pedestrian below the aerodynamics of a penny are not sufficient to make it dangerous. What would happen in reality is that the person who gets hit would feel a sting
4. Doing science involves creativity TRUE Scientific explanations and data interpretation involve creativity and imagination. Science involves making leaps and thinking outside the box.
Inquiry Cubes 2. Arrange in groups of 4 or 5 at each table. You will be provided with a cube that will be placed in the center of your table. Do not touch, turn, lift, or open the cube.
Inquiry Cubes 3. Your group will focus on the question: WHAT IS ON THE BOTTOM OF THE CUBE? You will have to answer the question by proposing an explanation, and must convince other colleagues that your answer is BASED ON EVIDENCE. Use your observations to propose an answer to the question: What is on the bottom of the cube? Be ready to present your reasoning for this conclusion.
Inquiry Cubes Use your observations to make a prediction of the number in the upper right corner of the bottom. Your team needs to decide which corner of the bottom you wish to inspect and why you wish to inspect it. - Lift the designated corner LESS THAN ONE INCH and look under the corner. Describe the data gained by the experiment. Be ready to share a summary of your investigation.
Scientific vs. Non-scientific Questions
What is a scientific question? Scientific questions are those we can disprove by experiment (testing).
Examples of Scientific Questions Does Pepsi have more carbonation than Coke? What is the effect of cigarette smoke on lung cancer? What does the effect of adding fertilizer to grass have on the greenness of the grass?
What is a non-scientific question? Non-scientific questions are those we can t disprove or prove by experiment (testing).
Examples of Non-Scientific Questions Did Abraham Lincoln think blue was a terrible color? Is cigarette smoke pretty?
Practice: Scientific Question or Not? What is the effect of cigarette smoke on lungs? Yes! Why is blue the best color in the world? No! Did the grass turn brown because it needs fertilizer? What is the effect of studying time on test grades? Why is basketball a boring sport? No! Yes! Yes!
Independent Practice On the left side of your notebook: Write a short story using observations and inferences from the following pictures. Story should be 1 page
What happened here? What do you OBSERVE?
Now what do you think?
Infer what happened based on your observations.
Science vs. Non-science Article Read the entire article Underline and mark scientific or non-scientific statements Write brief summary of whether the article is scientific or non-scientific
What have you learned Take out your KWL chart Fill in the last column with some of the most important things you learned about science today
Exit Ticket No Talking Raise your hand if you have a question Flip your paper over and pencil down when you are finished Keep your eyes on your own paper You have 10min