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Study Guide
C451: Integrated Natural Science
Module 1: Scientific Concepts and Methodologies
Topic: Scientific Methodologies
Scientific Methods
1. Describe the scientific method. Explain how it is used in the process of science to solve
problems.
The scientific method is used to solve problems by keen observations, rational analysis,
and experimentation.
2. Complete the following chart by providing a definition and example for each component
of the scientific method.
Term Definition Example
Observation Information gathered about the natural world using
tools or human senses Closely observe the
physical world around
you
Question What you want to know
Recognize a question or
a problem
Hypothesis A prediction about the outcome of a scientific
investigation; a proposed explanation for an aspect Make an educated guess
of the natural world —a hypothesis—to
answer the question
Prediction A guess about what will happen
Predicting consequences
that can be observed if
the hypothesis is correct
Reproducible results A result of a scientific investigation that has been
replicated by others
Conclusion An inference or summary of the meaning of the
results of a scientific investigation Formulate the simplest
general rule that
organizes the
hypothesis, predicted
effects and experimental
findings
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3. Discuss the role of creativity in each of the steps of the scientific process.
Creativity is used in science by involving mental processes through creative problem
solving and throwing discovery of new ideas and concepts; or new associations of
existing ideas or concepts, fueled by the process if either conscious or unconscious
insight.
4. Explain how Galileo challenged Aristotle’s belief that heavy objects fall faster than
lighter objects. Consider how Galileo’s actions were related to the scientific method.
1-Galileo performed an experiments by dropping objects off of the Leaning Tower of Pisa
and found that they fall at the same rate.
2- Galileo dropped a rock and a feather from the “Leaning Tower of Pisa” and
determined that they fell at the same rate. Galileo also determined that it was the wind
that stopped the “lighter feather” from descending as quickly as the “heavy rock,” but
ultimately they still fell at the same rate if there was no wind to stop either of them.
Scientific Investigations
1. Identify and discuss important considerations when designing a controlled science
experiment.
Elements of challenge, adventure, and surprise; along with careful planning, reasoning,
creativity, cooperation, competition, patience, and the persistence to overcome setbacks
2. Using examples, describe what an independent variable, dependent variable, and
controlled variables are.
If you open a faucet (the independent variable), the quantity of water flowing
(dependent variable) changes in response--you observe that the water flow increases. If
we want to measure how much water flow increases when we open a faucet, it is
important to make sure that the water pressure (the controlled variable) is held
constant.
3. Explain the importance of having reproducible results in scientific experiments.
It helps show that the experiment is valid. Because a number of different people did the
experiment and got the same results, we know the results weren't simply because of a
mistake.
4. Define and give an example of the following items in science:
A field study: A scientific investigation that is not conducted in a laboratory
setting. Example: Watching a group of bears in a forest.
Computational modeling: A model created or designed using computers.
Example: Data results of an experiment which may be in the form of charts
graphs etc.
Hypotheses, Theories, and Laws
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1. Describe the principle of falsifiability.
1-For a hypothesis to be scientific it must be testable. It must, in principle, be
capable of being proven wrong.
2- In order for a hypothesis to be considered scientific it must be testable; it must, in
principle, be capable of being proven wrong.
2. Define and differentiate between each of the following terms in science. Provide an
example of each.
fact:
1-An observation that can be oberved upon and agreed to be true by competent
observers.
2- A fact is generally something that competent observers can observe and
agreed to be true.
EX: The amputated limb of a salamander can grow back.
hypothesis: A supposition or proposed explanation made on the basis of limited
evidence as a starting point for further investigation.
theory:
1-A synthesisof facts and well-tested hypthoesis about certain aspects of the
natural world; supported by a massive body of evidence.
2- A theory is a synthesis of facts and well-tested hypothesis about certain
aspects of the natural world; supported by a massive body of evidence.
EX: Gravity
law:
1-A general hypothesis or statement about relationship of natural quantities that
has been tested over and over again, and has not been contradicted.
2- A law is a general hypothesis or statement about the relationship of natural
quantities that has been tested over and over again and has not been
contradicted; also known as a principle
EX: Newton’s Third Law—In every action there is always an opposed equal
reaction.
3. Explain the importance of using evidence to evaluate scientific claims. Describe how
such evidence can be used to either support or refute scientific claims.
Evidence is important to evaluate scientific claims because It proves if a claim is right
or wrong. If the data supports the claim, they provide evidence that the claim is
valid. If the data refutes the claim, they provide evidence that the hypothesis or
claim is NOT valid.
Science, Technology, and Systems
1. Explain how a systems approach might be helpful in studying science.
Study Guide
C451: Integrated Natural Science
Module 1: Scientific Concepts and Methodologies
Topic: Scientific Methodologies
Scientific Methods
1. Describe the scientific method. Explain how it is used in the process of science to solve
problems.
The scientific method is used to solve problems by keen observations, rational analysis,
and experimentation.
2. Complete the following chart by providing a definition and example for each component
of the scientific method.
Term Definition Example
Observation Information gathered about the natural world using
tools or human senses Closely observe the
physical world around
you
Question What you want to know
Recognize a question or
a problem
Hypothesis A prediction about the outcome of a scientific
investigation; a proposed explanation for an aspect Make an educated guess
of the natural world —a hypothesis—to
answer the question
Prediction A guess about what will happen
Predicting consequences
that can be observed if
the hypothesis is correct
Reproducible results A result of a scientific investigation that has been
replicated by others
Conclusion An inference or summary of the meaning of the
results of a scientific investigation Formulate the simplest
general rule that
organizes the
hypothesis, predicted
effects and experimental
findings
, 2
3. Discuss the role of creativity in each of the steps of the scientific process.
Creativity is used in science by involving mental processes through creative problem
solving and throwing discovery of new ideas and concepts; or new associations of
existing ideas or concepts, fueled by the process if either conscious or unconscious
insight.
4. Explain how Galileo challenged Aristotle’s belief that heavy objects fall faster than
lighter objects. Consider how Galileo’s actions were related to the scientific method.
1-Galileo performed an experiments by dropping objects off of the Leaning Tower of Pisa
and found that they fall at the same rate.
2- Galileo dropped a rock and a feather from the “Leaning Tower of Pisa” and
determined that they fell at the same rate. Galileo also determined that it was the wind
that stopped the “lighter feather” from descending as quickly as the “heavy rock,” but
ultimately they still fell at the same rate if there was no wind to stop either of them.
Scientific Investigations
1. Identify and discuss important considerations when designing a controlled science
experiment.
Elements of challenge, adventure, and surprise; along with careful planning, reasoning,
creativity, cooperation, competition, patience, and the persistence to overcome setbacks
2. Using examples, describe what an independent variable, dependent variable, and
controlled variables are.
If you open a faucet (the independent variable), the quantity of water flowing
(dependent variable) changes in response--you observe that the water flow increases. If
we want to measure how much water flow increases when we open a faucet, it is
important to make sure that the water pressure (the controlled variable) is held
constant.
3. Explain the importance of having reproducible results in scientific experiments.
It helps show that the experiment is valid. Because a number of different people did the
experiment and got the same results, we know the results weren't simply because of a
mistake.
4. Define and give an example of the following items in science:
A field study: A scientific investigation that is not conducted in a laboratory
setting. Example: Watching a group of bears in a forest.
Computational modeling: A model created or designed using computers.
Example: Data results of an experiment which may be in the form of charts
graphs etc.
Hypotheses, Theories, and Laws
, 3
1. Describe the principle of falsifiability.
1-For a hypothesis to be scientific it must be testable. It must, in principle, be
capable of being proven wrong.
2- In order for a hypothesis to be considered scientific it must be testable; it must, in
principle, be capable of being proven wrong.
2. Define and differentiate between each of the following terms in science. Provide an
example of each.
fact:
1-An observation that can be oberved upon and agreed to be true by competent
observers.
2- A fact is generally something that competent observers can observe and
agreed to be true.
EX: The amputated limb of a salamander can grow back.
hypothesis: A supposition or proposed explanation made on the basis of limited
evidence as a starting point for further investigation.
theory:
1-A synthesisof facts and well-tested hypthoesis about certain aspects of the
natural world; supported by a massive body of evidence.
2- A theory is a synthesis of facts and well-tested hypothesis about certain
aspects of the natural world; supported by a massive body of evidence.
EX: Gravity
law:
1-A general hypothesis or statement about relationship of natural quantities that
has been tested over and over again, and has not been contradicted.
2- A law is a general hypothesis or statement about the relationship of natural
quantities that has been tested over and over again and has not been
contradicted; also known as a principle
EX: Newton’s Third Law—In every action there is always an opposed equal
reaction.
3. Explain the importance of using evidence to evaluate scientific claims. Describe how
such evidence can be used to either support or refute scientific claims.
Evidence is important to evaluate scientific claims because It proves if a claim is right
or wrong. If the data supports the claim, they provide evidence that the claim is
valid. If the data refutes the claim, they provide evidence that the hypothesis or
claim is NOT valid.
Science, Technology, and Systems
1. Explain how a systems approach might be helpful in studying science.
