Nature of Science

1. Nature of Science Based on a Presentation by Randy L. Bell University of Virginia randybell@virginia.edu

2. What is Science?

3. Science Processes Nature of Science 3-Aspects of Science Facts Concepts Models Laws Theories Scientific Knowledge

4. Scientific Knowledge Nature of Science 3-Aspects of Science Process Skills: Questioning Observing Measuring Inferring Predicting Classifying Science Processes

5. 3-Aspects of Science Science as a way of knowing “The Practice of Science” Science Processes Scientific Knowledge Nature of Science

6. Science Processes Scientific Knowledge Nature of Science 3-Aspects of Science

7. The Nature of Science in Next Generation Sunshine State Standards Big Idea 1: The Practice of Science A: Scientific inquiry is a multifaceted activity that includes: • Scientific questions • Diverse investigations • Collection of data • Analysis of data • Communication of results B: The processes of science frequently do not correspond to "the scientific method." C: Scientific argumentation is a necessary part of scientific inquiry D: Scientific knowledge is based on observation and inference; it is important to recognize that these are very different things.

8. Process & Nature of Science Observation- • Using your 5 senses to gather information about your surroundings Inference- • A conclusion based on evidence • An “educated guess”

9. Effective Science Instruction • Includes all 3 aspects of science: • Knowledge of Science • Processes of Science • Nature of Science • Don’t Confuse Science Processes w/Nature of Science!

10. Observations Inferences data. data. “Notice all the computations, theoretical scribblings, and lab equipment, Norm….Yes, curiosity killed these cats.”

11. What’s the Point? • Good way to practice making observations and inferences (process skills) • Reinforces concept that scientific knowledge is based on observations and inferences (nature of science)

12. The “Proof” is in the Cookie

13. The “Proof” is in the Cookie • Make observations of cookie

14. The “Proof” is in the Cookie • Make observations of cookie • Make inferences about what’s inside

15. The “Proof” is in the Cookie • Make observations of cookie • Make inferences about what’s inside • Eat the cookie; then revise inferences

16. The “Proof” is in the Cookie • Make observations of cookie • Make inferences about what’s inside • Eat the cookie; then revise inferences • Discuss observation & inference • Scientific knowledge is based on observation AND inference • Sometimes scientists can’t directly observe what they want to know. • Good inferences allow us to be very sure of things we can’t directly observe.

17. What treasure was inside your cookie?

18. “Field Geology” 201 Your geology class is on a field trip to a fossil bed in Alberta, Canada. While exploring the site, you discover a slab of rock covered with interesting impressions. Your instructor invites the class to make observations and inferences about the imprints…