This document provides an overview of science and the scientific method. It defines science as a systematic way of learning about the natural world, with three main branches: life science, earth science, and physical science. Physical science is further divided into chemistry and physics, focusing on the study of matter, energy, and their interactions. The scientific method is then described as a logical process used by scientists involving observation, developing a hypothesis, experimentation, analysis of data, and forming a conclusion. Well-tested conclusions may become scientific theories that explain natural processes.

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.

10. How to Display Data
Graph
Chart

11. How to Display Data
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!)