Definition of Science
What is Science?
• Science – the use of evidence to construct testable explanations and predictions of natural phenomena, as well as the
knowledge generated through this process
• Certain questions cannot be answered by science because they can never be tested experimentally
• Value, opinion, morality, supernatural
Hypothesis
• Observation – the information that is collected by using one or more of the five senses
• Hypothesis – a proposed explanation for a set of observations or natural phenomena
• Educated guess or prediction based on other scientific data or knowledge
• Must be testable
• Must be falsifilable
• Hypothesis is either supported or not supported by observational data, not proven
Theories
• Scientific theory – an explanation for a set of observations or natural phenomena that have been
repeatedly confirmed through experimentation and observations
• Broad in nature
• Supported by considerable evidence
• Generated over a long period of time
• Capable of being tested by multiple independent researchers
• Describe an observed pattern and the mechanism responsible for the pattern
• Scientific law – a law that states a repeated observation of a behavior or phenomena
• Scientific fact – an observation that has been confirmed repeatedly and accepted as truth
Biology 1.2 – Definition of Science
Definition of Science
Scientific Method
• Scientific method – an established set of principles that scientists use as a logical, organized
method of study
• Ensures that investigations are consistent, universally understood, and repeatable
• Not necessarily a linear list of steps
• Process of cycles and repeating steps
• Types of investigations
Type of Investigation
Descriptive
Comparative
Experimental
Description
Recording and measuring detailed descriptions of collected
data, describing objects or events
Can be in the form of sketches, photographs, diagrams, or
notebooks
Comparing and collecting data on different organisms,
structures, types, features under different conditions
Careful attention is paid to similarities and differences
Testing a hypothesis by changing one variable to determine
the effect on the other variable
Many times can be a follow up to the other two types of
investigations
Biology 1.2 – Definition of Science
Definition of Science
The Tools of Science
Tool
Calculators
Spreadsheet software
Data-collecting probes
Computers
Laboratory glassware
Light microscope
Electron microscope
Prepared slides
When to Use
Completing complex math calculations
Displaying data in an organized way or
performing data analysis
Collecting data for an observation or
experiment
Utilizing multiple types of programs or
software, connecting to the internet
Performing an experiment involving
chemicals or solutions
Viewing specimens from roughly 1 mm to
0.2 µm
Viewing specimens from 100 µm to 0.1 nm
Electronic balances
Making observations about particular
samples or specimens
Viewing an enlarged image of a relatively
large or thick specimen
Measuring lengths in decimeters,
centimeters, or millimeters
Determining the mass of an object
Gel electrophoresis
apparatus
Analyzing the composition of a mixture of
molecules
Stereoscopes
Metric rulers
Example(s)
Various
Various
pH meters, temperature probes, gas-sensing
probes
Various
Various such as beakers, graduated cylinders,
and test tubes
Various such as brightfield microscope or
fluorescence microscope
Transmission electron microscope, Scanning
electron microscope
Various
Dissecting microscope
Standard size, various materials
Various styles have different capacities and
degrees of precision
Various
Biology 1.2 – Definition of Science
Definition of Science
Tool
Micropipettes
Hand lenses
Celsius thermometers
Hot plates
Lab notebooks/journals
Timing devices
Cameras
Petri dishes
Lab incubators
Dissection equipment
Meter stick
Models, diagrams, or
samples of biological
specimens or structures
When to Use
Transferring a small precise volume of
liquid
Viewing small objects
Determining the temperature in degrees
Celsius
Heating an object or solution
Recording observations, data, findings,
notes
Recording the length of an event or activity
Capturing an image
Observing , identifying, or growing
microorganisms
Maintaining a particular environment (ex.
Temperature, humidity) for experimentation
or observation
Dissecting a specimen
Measuring length in meters, decimeters,
centimeters, or millimeters
Gaining an understanding of a specimen or
structure and making observations
Example(s)
Various sizes and styles
Various sizes and magnifications
Various sizes and types
Various
Various
Various with different degrees of precision
Various
Various sizes
Various
Comprised of various tools such as a scalpel,
tweezers, scissors, pins, and probe
Standard size, various materials
Various
Biology 1.2 – Definition of Science