WGU C165 Integrated Physical Sciences:
Learning Objectives and Scientific Enquiry
, Integrated Physical Sciences – C165
Module 1: Introduction to Physical Science
Chemistry- the study of the properties and interactions of substances
physics- study of forces, energy, and motion.
Earth science- study of other planets, Earth scientists primarily investigate Earth's past and current structure,
composition, magnetic and gravitational fields, volcanic and seismic activity, weather, climate, and similar topics
physical science- the study of non-living systems
astronomy- space
controlled experiment- when they want to find out how changing one thing causes something else to change; a
scientist intentionally changes one quantity and observes how another quantity changes
independent variable- the one that is being changed by the experimenter
dependent variable- the one that changes because of the independent variable
control variable- do not wish to study need to be either eliminated or kept constant
observational study- the systems are observed as they appear in nature and researchers do not attempt to change
them. Because observational studies usually take place in uncontrolled environments, hidden variables are not
measured and may suggest relationships between the studied variables where none exist
laboratory experiment-
physical model- physical object, can be touched
conceptual model- visualize things that cannot be seen, such as atoms, drawing.
mathematical model- models, pertinent physical characteristics are represented using formulas, graphs, or other
mathematical means
computer model- becoming increasingly important in explaining and predicting natural phenomena, such as weather
patterns and the detailed movements of objects in the solar system. Today's computers allow scientists to create more
detailed and complex models than ever before.
principle of falsification- hat only falsifiable statements can be subject to scientific inquiry. A statement such as “a rock
falls because invisible demons pull it down” is not falsifiable, because no conceivable experiment or observation could
prove that invisible demons are not pulling it. It is capable of being shown untrue.
hypothesis- a testable statement about how something in nature works;
theory- a concise statement that is supported by scientific evidence and repeated experiments and describes a
widespread pattern in nature. Laws are intended to be universal.
law- a concise statement that is supported by scientific evidence and repeated experiments and describes a widespread
pattern in nature. Laws are intended to be universal.
scientific investigation-
Learning Objectives and Scientific Enquiry
, Integrated Physical Sciences – C165
Module 1: Introduction to Physical Science
Chemistry- the study of the properties and interactions of substances
physics- study of forces, energy, and motion.
Earth science- study of other planets, Earth scientists primarily investigate Earth's past and current structure,
composition, magnetic and gravitational fields, volcanic and seismic activity, weather, climate, and similar topics
physical science- the study of non-living systems
astronomy- space
controlled experiment- when they want to find out how changing one thing causes something else to change; a
scientist intentionally changes one quantity and observes how another quantity changes
independent variable- the one that is being changed by the experimenter
dependent variable- the one that changes because of the independent variable
control variable- do not wish to study need to be either eliminated or kept constant
observational study- the systems are observed as they appear in nature and researchers do not attempt to change
them. Because observational studies usually take place in uncontrolled environments, hidden variables are not
measured and may suggest relationships between the studied variables where none exist
laboratory experiment-
physical model- physical object, can be touched
conceptual model- visualize things that cannot be seen, such as atoms, drawing.
mathematical model- models, pertinent physical characteristics are represented using formulas, graphs, or other
mathematical means
computer model- becoming increasingly important in explaining and predicting natural phenomena, such as weather
patterns and the detailed movements of objects in the solar system. Today's computers allow scientists to create more
detailed and complex models than ever before.
principle of falsification- hat only falsifiable statements can be subject to scientific inquiry. A statement such as “a rock
falls because invisible demons pull it down” is not falsifiable, because no conceivable experiment or observation could
prove that invisible demons are not pulling it. It is capable of being shown untrue.
hypothesis- a testable statement about how something in nature works;
theory- a concise statement that is supported by scientific evidence and repeated experiments and describes a
widespread pattern in nature. Laws are intended to be universal.
law- a concise statement that is supported by scientific evidence and repeated experiments and describes a widespread
pattern in nature. Laws are intended to be universal.
scientific investigation-
