The Scientific Method

• What is the first step in the scientific method?

  Come up with a hypothesis
• What does peer review involve?

  Other scientists check results before publication
• What happens if all evidence supports a hypothesis?

  It becomes an accepted theory
• What is a hypothesis?

  A possible explanation for an observation
• What is peer review?

  When other scientists check results
• How can accepted theories change over time?

  As more evidence is found
• What are representational models?

  Simplified descriptions of real systems
• What is an example of a representational model?

  The molecular model of matter
• What do models help scientists do?

  Explain observations and make predictions
• What are computational models?

  Models using computers to simulate processes
• What are the four issues created by scientific developments?

  • Economic: Cost of beneficial technology
  • Environmental: Potential harm to nature
  • Social: Impact of research on people
  • Personal: Individual decisions affected
• What is a hazard in science?

  Something that could potentially cause harm
• What are some hazards associated with science experiments?

  Corrosive chemicals, faulty equipment, fire
• What is risk in the context of hazards?

  The chance that a hazard will cause harm
• Why is it important to consider both seriousness and likelihood of harm?

  To assess the overall risk of hazards
• What is the process of developing theories?

  Hypothesis tested and supported by evidence
• What does "Working Scientifically" refer to?

  Applying scientific methods to investigate
• What are the implications of media reports on scientific developments?

  They may be oversimplified or biased