How Science Works

1-2 Introduction to Biology

Types of BIG ideas in science

Scientific Theories

• broad explanations
• based on many observations and data sets
• TREATED AS A FACT
• not a guess

Natural Laws�- describes what will happen in nature

-often based on mathematics, thus always true

-cannot answer HOW or WHY questions

Progression of an Idea in Science

1. Hypothesis

2. Theory

3. Law

Hypothesis

Theory

Law

Theories do not “advance” to become a law.

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Phenomenon

observable events that occur �in a nature

Events: natural disasters

Facts: Motion of the planets

Notable comparisons: Effects of different�environments on plant growth

What is not science?

Pseudoscience - false science

Something sounds scientific, but it is not.

Example: Astrology cannot predict a person’s future

Supernatural - beyond the natural universe

Science can only work on phenomena that are natural occurring and observable.

SCIENCE: It’s much more than the scientific method.

Science is NOT a recipe you follow! It is a a way of thinking and behaving to learn something new!

There’s more than one �scientific method

• not to be a rigid procedure
• cyclical way to describe the job done by scientists

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