Science can be defined in three parts: 1) As a body of knowledge consisting of facts, concepts, hypotheses, theories, principles and laws obtained through experimentation and observation. 2) As a method of inquiry involving identifying problems, gathering observations, formulating hypotheses, making testable predictions, and testing hypotheses through further observation. 3) As an attitude or way of thinking characterized by open-mindedness, objectivity, accuracy, belief in cause and effect, and respect for evidence over opinions.

1. SCIENCE

2. What is Science?
• Science is a body of useful knowledge and
method of obtaining it.
• An interconnected series of concepts and
conceptual schemes that have developed as a
result of experimentation and observation and
are fruitful of further experimentation and
observation. - Conant

3. Nature of Science
 Systematic and Understandable
 Accuracy
 Validity
 Subject to change
 Durability

4. Three fold nature of Science
1
• A body of knowledge
2
• A method of inquiry
• A way of investigation
3
• An attitude towards life
• A way of thinking

5. Science as a Product & a Process
SCIENCE
PROCESS
Way of
inquiry
Way of
thinking
PRODUCT
Body of
knowledge

6. Science as a body of knowledge
 Fact
 Concept
 Hypothesis
 Theories
 Principles
 Laws

7. Science as a method of inquiry
1. Identification of the problem
2. Gathering observation relevant to the
problem on hand.
3. Statement of a hypothesis based on
observation gathered
4. Testable predictions of other related
phenomena are developed from the
hypothesis

8. Science as a method of inquiry
5. The hypothesis is tested through observation
6. As a result of empirical observation, the
hypothesis is supported, rejected or
modified.

9. Science as a way of thinking
-an attitude towards life
 Open mindedness
 Objectivity
 Freedom from belief in superstitions
 Belief in cause effect
 Accuracy and truthfulness in reporting
observations
 Methodical way of solving problem on hand

10. Science as a way of thinking
-an attitude towards life
 Up-to-datedness
 Respect for other pupils opinion, though
may not agree with them
 Ability to distinguish between scientific
evidence and scientific proof
 Ability to discern between fact and fiction