Observation and Measurement

- An idea can become a
Hypothesis (tentative or untested explanation)
Theory (tested and confirmed hypothesis)
Paradigm (a theory that explains a large number of interrelated aspects of the natural world)

- Scientific method
Gather facts through observation
Formulate hypotheses and theories

- Scientific knowledge is gained through
Following systematic steps
Collecting facts
Developing a hypothesis
Conduct experiments
Reexamine the hypothesis and accept, modify, or reject
Theories that withstand examination
Totally unexpected occurrences