Scientists use creativity to develop innovative hypotheses and design experiments that explore new avenues of inquiry, often thinking outside conventional frameworks to generate unique solutions to complex problems. This imaginative approach allows them to connect disparate ideas, formulate novel questions, and interpret data in ways that can lead to significant discoveries.
How do scientists use creativity to construct and answer scientific questions? 1-2 sentences
11 answers
What does the phrase “science is durable” mean? How does repetition and replication help with the durability of science? 1-2 setences
The phrase "science is durable" means that scientific knowledge is robust and enduring, often built upon a foundation of repeated testing and validation. Repetition and replication reinforce this durability by confirming findings across multiple studies, helping to establish reliable evidence that can withstand scrutiny and lead to broader acceptance within the scientific community.
Describe the similarities and differences between scientific theories and laws. Give an example of each. 1-2 sentences
Both scientific theories and laws are foundational components of science that explain natural phenomena, but they differ in their scope and nature: theories provide comprehensive explanations based on a body of evidence (e.g., the theory of evolution), while laws describe consistent and universal relationships observed in nature, typically expressed mathematically (e.g., Newton's law of universal gravitation). While a theory may be supported by laws, it encompasses broader concepts, whereas a law summarizes a pattern observed in empirical data without explaining the underlying mechanisms.
Describe the theory of evolution/natural selection 1-2 sentences
The theory of evolution by natural selection, proposed by Charles Darwin, posits that species evolve over time through mechanisms where individuals with advantageous traits are more likely to survive, reproduce, and pass those traits to their offspring. This process leads to gradual changes in populations, resulting in the diversity of life observed today as well as the adaptation of organisms to their environments.
Explain why scientific collaboration is important to research.
Scientific collaboration is important to research because it brings together diverse expertise, perspectives, and resources, fostering innovation and enhancing the quality of study outcomes. By working collaboratively, scientists can tackle complex problems more effectively, share data and methodologies, replicate findings for verification, and ultimately accelerate the advancement of knowledge in their fields.
Define a fact, observation, and inference and give an example of each. (Be able to identify all 3 from an example.) 1 sentence each
- Fact: A fact is a statement that can be objectively verified and is generally accepted as true; for example, "Water boils at 100 degrees Celsius at sea level."
- Observation: An observation is the act of noting and recording an event, characteristic, or occurrence using the senses; for example, "The leaves of the plant are turning yellow."
- Inference: An inference is a conclusion drawn from observations or evidence, often based on reasoning; for example, "The plant may be lacking nutrients because the leaves are turning yellow."