Science

• Scientific Method


  A systematic way most scientists work
• Steps in scientific inquiry

  1. Come up with hypotheses

  2. Test hypotheses

  3. Share findings

  4. Modify or scrap hypotheses
• Scientists come up with hypotheses and then test them
• Scientists start by learning something they don't understand
• Peer review


  A process where findings are checked for scientific validity before publication
• Peer review helps to detect false claims but doesn't guarantee findings are correct
• If all experiments back up a hypothesis, scientists start to think the hypothesis is true
• If an experiment doesn't fit with the hypothesis, it may need to be modified or scrapped
• Accepted hypotheses


  Often referred to as theories
• Theories are tested many times and survive the trial by evidence
• Theories never become totally indisputable fact
• Representational model


  A simplified description or picture of real-life phenomena
• Computational models


  Use computers to simulate complex real-life processes
• Computational models are used when there are many variables to consider
• All models have limitations on what they can explain or predict
• Bell and stick models can show how ions are arranged in an ionic compound
• Bell and stick models don't show the relative sizes of the ions
• The scientific method has developed over time with contributions from many people
• From Aristotle to today, many people have contributed to the scientific method