Rufus: He still digs humanity, but it bothers Him to see the $#!+ that gets carried out in His name: wars, bigotry, televangelism. But especially the factioning of all the religions. He said humanity took a good idea and, like always, built a belief structure on it.
Bethany: Having beliefs isn't good?
Rufus: I think it's better to have ideas. You can change an idea, changing a belief is trickier. Life should be malleable and progressive; working from idea to idea permits that. Beliefs anchor you to certain points and limit growth; new ideas can't generate. Life becomes stagnant.
Comparing fact to belief Religion and Science are both attempts to explain the world. Humans are intelligent and have a natural curiosity with forces them to look for answers. We look for answers to questions that start with "How?" and "Why?" The most significant difference between the two approaches is that the nature of Science is to change when it is confronted with new information.
Science-
Physics-
Astronomy-
Quantum Theory-
Relativity-
Cosmology-
Equilibrium-
B. Scientific Methods – the Big Lie - these methods allow us to say "This is what we think is true, based on current information."
Problem, usually stated as a question
Research
Hypothesis- an educated guess, that can be tested
Experiment
Theory- an explanation that has been tested, that may or may not agree with your hypothesis
- - - - - - - - - - -
Law-
Bias-
C. Units- a noun that follows a number to explain a measurement
meter --> distance
meters squared --> Area
Liter = dm3 -->Volume
second --> time
gram = mass of 1mL of water
Define: Length, Area, Volume, mass
Compare/contrast mass and volume
List comparing English and SI units...
D. Affixes
(see "The Chart")
E. Significant Digits (sig fig)
1)Precision vs. Accuracy
2)The measuring device determines the precision of the measurement.
3)Measurements must make sense for that given situation
Examples:
252.17g ... mass using a triple beam balance scale
34.14s ... time when using a stop watch
55mph ... speed using a car's speedometer
32.4mL ... liquid volume using an average graduated cylindar
F. Measuring
1. Issues to consider before you start measuring
Concept:
Units:
Scale
Smallest amount that can be measured:
Largest amount that can be measured:
Increment:
Precision:
2. Issues to consider while measuring
Parallax
Meniscus
“Burning an inch”
Estimation
To position and use a ruler correctly, pretend the graduations (marks/lines) have NO thickness. If they are VERY thin, you should try to use the center of each mark
