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Devi N. Choesin
School of Life Sciences & Technology Institut Teknologi Bandung Bandung, Indonesia
Main References:
science-class.net/PowerPoints/TheNatureofScience.ppt www.justinsiena.org/s/353/.../The%20Nature%20of%20Science.ppt www.myteacherpages.com/webpages/.../Methods%20of%20Scie nce.ppt 129.123.92.202/biol1010.../PowerPoints/Nature%20of%20Scienc e%20.ppt Lawson, A. 1995. Studying for Biology. Harpers Collins College Publishers. Staver, John. 2007. Teaching Science. International Academy of Education. UNESCO. Uno, G.E. 1999. Handbook on teaching undergraduate science courses. Saunders College Publishing.
What is SCIENCE?
There are several correct answers to this question; list as many as you can.
What is SCIENCE?
Some answers........ A way to answer questions & solve problems How we understand the world around us A way or process used to investigate what is happening around you It provides possible answers
Science is a way of knowing based on experimental or observational evidence and its interpretation Science is a discipline largely defined by its primary method the scientific method.
Scientific Method
Science
Tentative, uncertain Cannot solve all kinds of problems One way of knowing about the universe Attempts to explain natural phenomena in natural terms Deals only with facts and the operation of natural laws Involves rigorous, systematic use of observations and logic to attempt to disprove or invalidate possible solutions, not prove them
Characteristics
Most fundamental concept is CAUSE AND EFFECT Deals only with natural (physical) universe Based on repeatably observable facts Relies on observation Conviction that natural processes have natural causes Second major characteristic is hypothetico-deductive thinking Science is a thoroughly human enterprise
From http://www.702communications.com/~ahill/Parent.html
Hypothetico-Deductive Thinking
Inductive reasoning - specific to the general Deductive reasoning - general to the specific Deductive reasoning starts with general rule or premise, then make conclusion about something specific.
Example: All turtles have shells The animal I have captured is a turtle I conclude that the animal in my bag has a shell
Hypothetico-Deductive Thinking
Inductive reasoning - specific to the general Making conclusion based on set of empirical data. If I observe that something is true many times, concluding that it will be true in all instances is a use of inductive reasoning. Example: All sheep that I've seen are white All sheep must be white Most scientific discoveries made using inductive reasoning
Methods always involve the following: Hypothetico-deductive reasoning Careful observation of natural events Asking questions Forming hypotheses (testable assumptions) Testable, verifiable, falsifiable Inference from observations Remember: never proven, never right or wrong Data either support, fail to support, or inconclusive Confirmed hypotheses become points of information within a theory. Testing hypotheses
We answer scientific questions & solve problems with 2 types of research. What are the two types?
We answer scientific questions and solve problems with 2 types of research. What are the two types?
DESCRIPTIVE RESEARCH
DESCRIPTIVE RESEARCH
Based mainly on Observations Used when experiments are impossible to perform Involves the following:
Stating the research objective Describing the research design Eliminating bias
One current view of hominid evolution. Discovery or observational science is still science; falsifiable hypotheses based on natural phenomenon are proposed to best account for observations.
EXPERIMENTAL RESEARCH
EXPERIMENTAL RESEARCH
Experimental research includes investigations that:
Have variables Test hypotheses May have a control or control group Is a set of planned steps Tests one variable at a time
Make predictions based on hypotheses, test the predictions Test these predictions through experiments Mental, mathematical, computer model, physical Variables (conditions that change) Independent vs. dependent Controls (conditions held constant) Positive & negative Control experiment Control group Experimental group Repeatable and repeated
Scientific Experiments
Can be mental, mathematical, computer simulations, or physical procedures Have variables, or conditions that can change When possible, only one condition changed, and in specific way by the scientist referred to as the independent variable Doing this increases the certainty that the observed results are caused by this variable When possible, changes in the dependent variable must be quantified Dependent variable = condition that changes as result of manipulation of independent variable
To be considered scientifically valid, experiments must be repeatable and repeated i.e.-must be possible to do the experiment over, preferably by different scientists, yielding similar results each time To further strengthen cause-and-effect relationship, all other variables need to be controlled. Good experiments contain at least one experimental group and at least one control group In the experimental group, the chosen variable is changed while all other conditions are held constant In the control group, all conditions are held constant.
Draw conclusions based upon results Deductive reasoning, i.e., reasoning from the specific to the general Communicate results to other scientists and to public
What is a VARIABLE?
VARIABLE
A part of an investigation that can be CHANGED
2.Dependent Variable
3.Controlled Variable
INDEPENDENT VARIABLE
The variable that can be changed during an experiment The variable that the scientists chooses to change The variable that may cause a change in the dependent variable
The variable that is measured by scientists The variable that may change because of the independent variable
Scientists study nature in order to advance human knowledge. Engineers apply their knowledge of science, mathematics and economics to develop useful devices, structures and processes. Technologists apply science and mathematics to well-defined problems that generally do not require the depth of knowledge possessed by engineers and scientists.
(Holtzapple & Reece. Concepts in Engineering)
How do scientists OBSERVE? Using the 5 senses: Hearing Touch Smell Sight Taste
Observation
Observation refers to the ability to sense a natural phenomenon through careful, analytical, attention e.g.-noticing that your cat wakes you at 5:30 AM every morning is an observation. Various tools used Makes use of all human senses
4/4/2013
Nature of Science
Facts
Facts = verifiable, repeatable observations i.e.- information that has objective reality arrived at through observation Science demands that there be general agreement on the facts e.g., it is a fact, (it is true) that, if I drop a brick from the roof of this building, it will fall to the ground. This act can be repeated many times, by many individuals, with all agreeing on the result It is a fact that a litre of water weighs 1 kg
4/4/2013
Nature of Science
Data
Data - information about natural world gathered directly/indirectly through senses Quantifiable Greatest accuracy possible Experimenters choice Verifiable & verified
4/4/2013
Nature of Science
Answer the original question State whether or not the hypothesis was supported (it is never right or wrong) Pose questions for further research
What is a HYPOTHESIS?
Define HYPOTHESIS
A statement that can be tested by conducting an experiment Prior knowledge, new information, observations can be used to form a hypothesis
Scientists then often form a hypothesis Possible explanation for an event or set of observations, a testable assumption Developed by making an inference from a set of specific observations to reach a general conclusion e.g., you observe that each time you spray an ant, a bee, or a wasp, with Raid, it dies. From these observations you infer that Raid kills all insects Based on repeatable observation, experience and literature research
A hypothesis is not an educated guess. Beginning scientists often write down their hypothesis in "if....then" format e.g- since cockroaches are insects, you could write, "If I treat cockroaches with RAID, then they will die Not right or wrong; data either support or fail to support Can never, under any circumstances, be proven Must be testable and falsifiable.
Why are REPEATED TRIALS necessary in an experiment? To make sure results are valid The more trials conducted, the more likely the results are reliable To make sure a fluke is not considered the true result
To save time and money when testing ideas that are Very large Very small Dangerous Time-consuming
How (Most) Science Works The Scientific Method and Hypothesis-Driven Science
Its not all mechanics intuition, hunches, and a feel for the system under study drive scientific investigations.
Should be
falsifiable.
Note that its fine to have more than one testable hypothesis.
Note that two independent experiments reject the hypothesis of spontaneous generation and support the alternative hypothesis that life comes only from existing life.
Scientific Proof?
A theory stands because observations or experimentation never proves its tenets wrong.
This doesnt prove the theory is correct only that its never been proved wrong. In this sense, scientific knowledge is provisional. But whats a theory?
A theory is a general set of principles that explain some natural phenomenon. Examples of scientific theories are the theory of gravitation, the atomic theory, the cell theory, and the theory of evolution.
Science Education
The field concerned with sharing science content and process with individuals not traditionally considered part of the scientific community. The target individuals may be children, college students, or adults within the general public. The field of science education comprises science content, some social science, and some teaching pedagogy. The standards for science education provide expectations for the development of understanding for students through the entire course of their K-12 education. The traditional subjects included in the standards are physical, life, earth, and space
11. Commends effort and praises work well done 12. Encourages students to do their best 13. Organizes classroom procedures well, but is flexible within over-all plant 14. Stimulates pupils through interesting and original materials and techniques 15. Conducts practical demonstrations and gives clear explanations and directions 16. Encourages students to work through their own problems and evaluate their accomplishments 17. Disciplines in quiet, dignified, and positive manner 18. Gives help willingly 19. Foresees and attempts to resolve potential difficulties 20. Is an effective questioner and listerner, encouraging widespread response from student.
Inquiry Instruction
Inquiry is a teaching method that allows students to discover or construct information for themselves instead of an instructor telling them that information. Inquiry has been identified as the central strategy for teaching science.
Scientific Inquiry
Science demands evidence (observations of
phenomena) Science is a blend of logic and imagination Science explains and predicts Scientists try to identify and avoid bias
4. Evaluate possible answers or solutions based on data, and identify the main concept; and 5. Apply concepts learned to new situations and problems
Please make good use of the World Wide Web: there are many excellent teaching resources and ideas on-line.....