2. The Basic Scientific Method
⢠5 steps
ďˇ Observation - all 5 senses
ďˇ Hypothesis - prediction
about the relationship
between cause & effect
ďˇ Experiment/Gather Data
ďˇ Analysis/Interpret Data
ďˇ Conclusion
Research - get as
much info as you
can before
beginning
3. Levels of certainty
⢠Hypothesis:
ďˇ Prediction
ďˇ very specific
ďˇ Testable
ďˇ falsifiable
⢠Theory
ďˇ supported by tons of evidence,
widely accepted
ďˇ Broad
ďˇ carries a lot of weight in
science
ďˇ falsifiable
⢠Scientific Law
ďˇ Widely accepted
ďˇ All evidence supports it
here and in the universe
So farâŚ
4.
5. Frontier Science
⢠New stuff
⢠Not widely tested yet
⢠Many scientists skeptical (yay!)
⢠Examples:
ďˇ Advanced alternative energy technologies
ďˇ Emerging areas of physics
ďˇ Space propulsion beyond rockets
7. Unreliable Science
⢠Not peer
reviewed
(straight to the
public)
⢠Discarded by
scientists
⢠BE CRITICAL!
8. The Limits of Science
⢠Scientists can
disprove things
⢠Science cannot
absolutely prove
anything â always
some degree of
uncertainty
⢠Instead we say there
is a high probability
that it is true
9. The Limits of Science
⢠Researcher bias â our feelings, opinions,
etc sometimes get in the way of impartial
research
ďˇ Peer review helps minimize this issue
10. ListenâŚLearnâŚ
⢠8 minute radio interview with a
wildlife photographer
⢠As you listen, think about these
questions:
⢠Do animals have feelings
the way humans do - or â
do we anthropomorphize
too much?
⢠What evidence do you have
(if any) for this position?
⢠Is anthropomorphism
helpful to
environmentalists?
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
16.
17.
18.
19.
20.
21.
22.
23.
24.
25.
26.
27.
28. The Limits of Science
⢠Statistical tools have
limits
ďˇ Canât actually count all the
fish in the sea!
ďˇ Sampling methods used
ďˇ Data still important â
especially trends in data
over time
29.
30. The Limits of Science
⢠The environment is SO
complex
⢠Scientists use computer
models to simulate
conditions
⢠Can be helpful for large
scale things like climate
change
32. Where in the world is Borneo?Where in the world is Borneo?
33.
34. DirectionsDirections
1.1. Read over the different eventsRead over the different events
2.2. LIST them on your paper in theLIST them on your paper in the
order you think they happenedorder you think they happened
Bonus pointsBonus points
for gettingfor getting
pretty closepretty close
(less than 3-(less than 3-
4 off)4 off)
35. Some helpâŚSome helpâŚ
ďŽ The first event is:The first event is:
W.H.O. sent DDT toW.H.O. sent DDT to
BorneoBorneo
ďŽ The last event is:The last event is:
Cats were parachutedCats were parachuted
inin
A food web present inA food web present in
Borneo: on boardBorneo: on board
So you are tryingSo you are trying
to figure out:to figure out:
WHY did theWHY did the
W.H.O. have toW.H.O. have to
parachute catsparachute cats
into Borneo?into Borneo?
What led up toWhat led up to
that?!?that?!?