1.1 Nature of Science 1.1.1 What is Science? The word science derives from the Latin. The Latin verb “scire” means “to know” The Latin noun “scientia” means “knowledge” Science is the study of the natural world through observation and experiment. A scientific explanation uses observations and measurements to explain something we see in the natural world. Scientific explanations should match the evidence and be logical, or they should at least match as much of the evidence as possible. 1.1.2 Why is science so useful? Scientific knowledge is the most reliable knowledge we have about the natural world. Science has enabled much of our work in space exploration, modern medicine, agriculture, and technology 1.1.3 Types of Science Natural versus Social Sciences Scientific fields are commonly divided into two major groups: natural sciences, which study natural phenomena (including biological life), and social sciences, which study human behavior and societies. Basic versus Applied Sciences Basic science is the search for new knowledge. It is curiosity driven, and does not have to have any purpose other than building the body of scientific knowledge. Applied science is the search for solutions to practical problems using this knowledge. 1.1.4. Students who are proficient in science: know, use, and interpret scientific explanations of the natural world; generate and evaluate scientific evidence and explanations; understand the nature and development of scientific knowledge participate productively in scientific practices and discourse. 1.1.5.

1. TEACHING OF
BIOLOGY
C H A P T E R 1 : N AT U R E O F S C I E N C E
B.Ed Secondary (2nd Semester)
Ms. Farwa Khalil

2. 1.1 WHAT IS SCIENCE?

3. DEFINITION
 The word science derives from the Latin.
 The Latin verb “scire” means “to know”
 The Latin noun “scientia” means “knowledge”
Science is the study of the natural world through observation and experiment. A
scientific explanation uses observations and measurements to explain something we
see in the natural world. Scientific explanations should match the evidence and be
logical, or they should at least match as much of the evidence as possible.

4. WHY IS SCIENCE SO USEFUL?
• Scientific knowledge is the most reliable knowledge we have
about the natural world.
• Science has enabled much of our work in space exploration,
modern medicine, agriculture, and technology

5. TYPES OF SCIENCE
• Natural versus Social Sciences
Scientific fields are commonly divided into two major groups: natural sciences, which
study natural phenomena (including biological life), and social sciences, which study
human behavior and societies.
• Basic versus Applied Sciences
Basic science is the search for new knowledge. It is curiosity driven, and does not have to
have any purpose other than building the body of scientific knowledge.
Applied science is the search for solutions to practical problems using this knowledge.

6. Students who are proficient in science:
• know, use, and interpret scientific explanations of the natural
world;
• generate and evaluate scientific evidence and explanations;
• understand the nature and development of scientific
knowledge
• participate productively in scientific practices and discourse.
MAIN GOALS OF SCIENCE

7. 1.2 SCIENTIFIC METHOD

8. SCIENTIFIC METHOD
The Scientific Method involves a series of steps that
are used to investigate a natural occurrence.

9. STEPS OF THE SCIENTIFIC METHOD
Problem/Question
Observation/Research
Formulate a Hypothesis
Experiment
Collect and Analyze Results
Conclusion
Communicate the Results

10. PROBLEM/QUESTION:
Develop a question or problem that can be
solved through experimentation.

11. OBSERVATION/RESEARCH
Make observations and research your topic
of interest.

12. FORMULATE A HYPOTHESIS
Predict a possible answer to the problem or question.
Example: If soil temperatures rise, then plant growth will
increase.

13. EXPERIMENT
Develop and follow a procedure.
Include a detailed materials list. The outcome
must be measurable (quantifiable).

14. COLLECT AND ANALYZE RESULTS
Modify the procedure if needed. Confirm the results by
retesting. Include tables, graphs, and photographs.

15. CONCLUSION
Include a statement that accepts or rejects the
hypothesis.
Make recommendations for further study and possible
improvements to the procedure.

16. COMMUNICATE THE RESULTS
Be prepared to present the project to an audience.
Expect questions from the
audience.