DavidJVakil-Science.pptVIP

* * * Science pseudoscience –Part of chapter 1 Including guest appearance by religion popular but incorrect culture Study pages 9-18 in chapter 1 Pages 1-8 also interesting, but more related to astronomy than physics Goals Outcomes Appreciating science in general, and physics in specific. Distinguishing scientific from non-scientific work, and therefore understanding what science is. Developing a working knowledge of the scientific method and how to apply it to real world situations. Judge whether a particular study is a science or a “pseudo-science” using the scientific method. Learning Objectives Understand the Scientific method Limitations to pure objectivity Compare to non-scientific analysis religion Understand the definitions of the word “theory” as used by scientists compared to non-scientists Understand what kinds of questions can and cannot be addressed by science Know some of the “tricks” of pseudoscience that make it so believable. Scientific Method Share results/ ideas with others not in book Science is useless if nobody learns! TEST IT - Careful experiments to determine if observations disprove the hypothesis. Try to isolate the cause/effect -- Control groups, examine only one thing at a time, remove psychological effects. 3. Make a prediction about something new Form hypothesis model of nature Make observations - Ask a question Cyclical process – can re- start anywhere in the cycle. If hypothesis fails: Revise or reject the hypothesis If hypothesis didn’t fail:Look for new predictions Real world Real biases Personalities Objectivity Calif. Elementary School Science Standards for scientific inquiry From California Science Standards, taken from throughout the K-12 standards What is science? Scientific progress is made by asking meaningful questions and conducting careful investigations. Distinguish between hypothesis and theory as scientific terms. Recognize the usefulness and limitations of models and theories as scientific represent