Basic Process Skills
Basic process skills are the skills we use when we do science. They allow us to actively explore the natural world. We observe using our senses, predict possible future outcomes, then try to infer explanations as new information becomes available. We also classify things by looking for similarities and differences, communicate what we know, and measure qualitatively and quantitatively.
There are 3 major components:
There are 3 major components:
- Science is a body of knowledge.
- Science is a process.
- Science is a way of knowing and constructing an understanding of the natural world.
Nature of Science
- Science relies on empirical evidence. This is evidence that comes directly from our five senses.
- It is important to differentiate between observations and inferences.
- There is no single scientific method; science is a creative enterprise.
- Scientific knowledge is never proven.
- Laws and theories are types of scientific knowledge.
- Science is influenced by what is occurring in the world. Science cannot be objective.
- Science cannot answer all questions.
One reason science is never proven is because there can be numerous interpretations for something. There is also no way to know that all observations will stay the same forever.
Laws vs. Theories
- Laws come from observations, they explain what you observe. Scientific laws can never be proven because we can never be absolutely sure that the laws are tested with complete objectivity in all possible circumstances.
- Theories come from inferences, they explain why. Scientific theories are also never proven, but they have gone through testing and are usually the best explanations scientists dd
Scientific Method
The Scientific Method can be interpreted and conducted in a variety of ways. Science does not follow a strict set of procedures, but the steps known as the Scientific Method are often used to guide us in learning how experiments work.
The Scientific Method or Process can best be practiced by conducting a project like a science fair. This gives you the opportunity to experiment with your own questions and practice science. |