Essential Question:
How does science apply in
Introduction to Science
What is Science?
• Science – systematic knowledge of the
physical or material world gained through
observation and experimentation
• from the Latin word scientia, which means
knowledge
2. Science explains the natural
world; explanations can
change over time.
3. Scientists investigate nature
by observation,
experimentation, or
modeling.
my everyday life?
What is Science? (cont.)
• Science studies natural patterns.
1. Science is classified into three
main categories: life science,
Earth science, and physical
science: sometimes a scientific
study will overlap the categories
Scientific Methods
• Scientific method - organized set
of investigation procedures
1. State a problem.
2. Gather information.
3. Form a hypothesis or educated
guess based on knowledge and
observation.
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 4. An experiment with variables is a common 5. Analyze data from an
way to test a hypothesis.
a) A dependent variable changes values as
experiment or investigation.
other variables change 6. Form a conclusion based on
b) An independent variable is changed to
determine how it will affect the dependent the data.
variable.
c) A variable that does not change when
7. Reduce bias by keeping
other variables change is a constant. accurate records using
d) A control is the standard to which test
results can be compared.
measurable data, and repeating
the experiment.

Essential Question: A Model Scientific Method

State the problem
• How does science apply in my
everyday life? Modify
Gather information
hypothesis
Form a hypothesis
Repeat
Test the hypothesis several
Science teaches problem-solving times

skills that can be used every day. Analyze the data

Draw conclusions

Hypothesis not supported Hypothesis supported

Scientific Methods Scientific Methods in Action

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 Models
• Models represent ideas, events,
or objects and can be physical or
computerized.
Terminology
• Hypothesis
• Experiment
• Dependent Variable
• Independent Variable
• Constant
• Control
• Theory
• Scientific Law
Review: Variables
• For example, if you open a faucet
(the independent variable), the
quantity of water flowing
(dependent variable) changes in
response-- you observe that the
water flow increases.
Scientific Theories and Laws
• A theory is an explanation based on
many observations and
investigations.
• A scientific law is a statement about
something that always seems to be
true.
Review: Variables
• Independent and dependent
variables are related to one another.
• The Independent part is what you,
the experimenter, changes or enacts
in order to do your experiment.
• The dependent variable is what
changes when the independent
variable changes - the dependent
variable depends on the outcome of
the independent variable.
Review: Variables
• Controlled variables are quantities that a
scientist wants to remain constant.
• For example, if we want to measure how
much water flow increases when we open
a faucet, it is important to make sure that
the water pressure (the controlled
variable) is held constant.
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 Review: Variables Review: Constant and Control
• Independent • Constant- factors that are kept the
–What is the experimenter same
changing? • Control- group that the results of
• Dependent the experimental group can be
–What is being compared to. It is a standard.
investigated/measured/ observed?

Section Assessment
1. What is the first step a scientist usually takes
to solve a problem?
2. What is the dependent variable in an
experiment that shows how the volume of gas
changes with changes in temperature?
3. Explain why a control is needed in a valid
experiment.
4. How is science different from technology?