1. What is Science?
Science is a systematic way
of learning about the natural
world
There are 3 main branches of
science:
◦ Life Science
◦ Earth Science
◦ Physical Science
2. What is Physical Science?
Physical Science is the study of
matter and energy, and the
changes they undergo
◦ Matter is anything that has mass
and takes up space
Mass = the amount of matter an
object contains
◦ Energy is the ability to do work
Physical science has two
branches:
◦ Chemistry
◦ Physics
3. What is Physical Science?
Chemistry = the study of the
properties of matter and the
changes they undergo
Physics = the study of matter
and energy and how they
interact
4. How Scientists Think…
They use skills of observation
to learn more about the
natural world.
5. Observation
Observing = using one or
more senses to gather
information
Two Types:
◦Quantitative observation
◦ Qualitative observation
6. Quantitative observations use
numbers
◦ Example: measuring your height or
weight
Qualitative observations describe
what you see; don’t involve
numbers
◦ Example: Noticing that a ball is
round or that it is raining outside
7. Look at this animal speed chart:
What are some observations you
can make?
8. The Scientific Method
Definition:
◦ A logical, stepwise approach used by
scientists to find answers to questions.
Steps:
◦ 1. Observation: Observations are made
by scientists about their surrounding
environment. The observations allow
scientists to ask questions.
◦ 2. State the Problem: The problem
statement is in the form of a question. It
is derived from the observations made by
the scientist.
9. The Scientific Method
◦ 3. Form a Hypothesis: A hypothesis
(an educated guess) is a possible
explanation for the observation or
problem.
A hypothesis must be tested to determine its
validity.
◦ 4. Conduct an Experiment: An
experiment tests your hypothesis.
◦ 5. Analyze Data: Data (information
gathered from the experiment) must be
accurately recorded. Data can be
displayed in a graph, chart, or table.
12. The Scientific Method
◦ 6. Form a Conclusion: Based upon
the experimental results, conclusions
can be made about the validity, or
correctness, of your hypothesis.
After many experiments that give
the same results, a scientific
theory may be formed.
13. The Scientific Method
A scientific theory is a well-tested,
verified hypothesis that fits existing
data and explains how natural
processes or events are thought to
occur.
It is a basis for predicting future events
or discoveries. Theories may be
modified as new information is gained.
(Think back to your puzzle activity!)
