Discovery science emphasizes inquiry and observation

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Discovery science emphasizes inquiry and
observation

• 2.1

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Science as Inquiry

• The word science is derived from a Latin verb to
  know.
• At the heart of science is inquiry people
  asking questions.
• Your own curiosity is the starting point for
  exploring life through inquiry.

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Observations and Data

• The questions that drive scientific inquiry are
  based on observations.
• Observations the use of senses
• Recorded observations are called data.
• All observations depend on human senses.

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• Observations are often recorded as measurements,
  also called quantitative data.
• Data may also be qualitative, in the form of
  descriptions instead of measurments.

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What is Discovery Science?

• Discovery science, also called descriptive
  science, describes natural structures or
  processes.
• Sometimes things are discovered by accident in
  discovery science.
• Alexander Fleming accidentally discovered
  Penicillium.

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Inferences in Science

• An inference is a logical conclusion based on
  observations.
• Inferences are important in science because the
  help refine general questions into specific
  questions.

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Generalizations in Discovery Science

• Generalization is a general conclusion.
• Some of the largest breakthroughs in science have
  come when scientists have put many specific
  observations together to reach a generalization.
• It is also possible to generalize quantitative
  data.
• Observations, data, inferences, and
  generalizations all advance peoples
  understanding of life.