What+is+science

=What is Science?= Scientists will acknowledge that their results are always tentative. This does not mean that thier ideas are poorly supported but that science is always ready to modify or reject ideas as new information is acquired. Tentativeness reflects an attitude of honesty and openness, not weakness of argument. Young scientists most often misinterpret the following terms. I listed them here for your comments and input as you read your first assignement about what science is and how it works. Designed tools have purposes. Structures and behaviors of living things have functions. Hammers have a purpose--> to pound nails. One function of a hand is to hold a hammer. The terms proof is used in geometry and in courts of law, but does not belong in science. Scientists gather evidence to support of falsify hypotheses (inferences). Hypotheses (inferences) and theories may be well supported by evidence, but never proven. Theory is a supported explanation. The validity of a theory rests upon its ability to explain phenomena. They are supported by evidence. Theories can be rejected or modified based on new evidence. A hypothesis is a testable idea. Scientists do not set out to "Prove" hypotheses, but to test them. Often multiple hyptheses are posed to explain phenomena and the goal of research is to eliminate the incorrect one. Hypotheses come and go by the thousands, but theories often remain to be tested and modified for decades or centuries. In science, theories are never hunches or guesses and to describe evolution as "just a theory" is inappropriate. Examples: Gravitational theory attempts to explain the nature of gravity. Cell theory explains the workings of cells. Evolutionary theory explains the history of life on Earth. Biology teachers are puzzled by students of science with the question (Do you believe in evolution?" Teachers of science accept the fact that the Earth is very old and life has changed over billions of years because that is what the evidence tells us. Science is not about belief--it is about making inferences based on evidence.
 * ===The tentative nature of science===
 * ====Function not Purpose====
 * ====Evidence not Proof====
 * ====Theory vs. Hypothesis (inference)====
 * ====Believe or accept====