I. The nature of science.

        A. How does science happen?

                1. Scientists investigate

                2. Scientists plan experiments

                3. Scientists observe

                4. Scientists test results

        B. Science has many branches

                1. Includes observing, studying and experimenting.

2. Two main branches

        a. Social Sciences

        b. Natural Sciences

                1. Biological: science of living things

                        a. botany

                        b. zoology

                        c. ecology

                2. Physical: science of matter & energy

                        a. physics – motion and force

                        b. chemistry – matter & its changes

                3. Earth: science of Earth

                        a. geology

                        b. meteorology

3. Science and technology work together

        a. technology – application of science to meet

            human needs

II. Scientific Theories and Laws

        A. Theories and laws are supported by observation

                1. Scientific theory – a tested, possible explanation

                    of a natural event.

                        a. Always questioned and examined

b. Theory must pass several requirements:

                                1. Must explain observations simply & clearly.

                                2. Experiments must be repeatable.

                                3. You must be able to predict from the theory.

                2. Scientific Law: states a repeated observation

                    about matter.

        B. Theories and laws are not absolute – Sometimes

             theories have to be changed or replaced completely

             when there are new discoveries

        C. Models can represent physical events – A scientific

            model is a representation of an object or event that

            can be studied to understand the real object or event.

In Summary:

        A scientist makes objective observations. He confirms results by repeating experiments and learns more by designing and conducting new experiments. Scientific laws and theories are supported by repeated observation but may be changed when observations are made that are not consistent with predictions. Models are used to represent real situations and to make predictions.