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possible discovery that could prove the theory untrue. For example, Einstein's theory of Relativity made predictions about the results of experiments. These experiments could have produced results that contradicted Einstein, so the theory was (and still is) falsifiable.

In contrast, the theory tСКt “the moon is populated by little green men who can read our minds and will hide whenever anyone on Earth looks for them, and will flee into deep space whenever a spacecraft comes near” is not falsifiable: these green men are designed so that no one can ever see them. On the other hand, the theory that “there are no little green men on the moon” is scientific: you can disprove it by catching one. Similar arguments apply to abominable snow-persons, UFOs and the Loch Ness Monster(s?).

A frequent criticism made of the scientific method is that it cannot accommodate anything that has not been proved. The argument then points out that many things thought to be impossible in the past are now everyday realities. This criticism is based on a misinterpretation of the scientific method. When a hypothesis passes the test it is adopted as a theory; it correctly explains a range of phenomena; it ca n, at any time, be falsified by new experimental evidence. When exploring a new set or phenomena scientists do use existing theories but, since this is a new area of investigation, it is always kept in mind that the old theories might fail to explain the new experiments and observations. In this case new hypotheses are devised and

tested until a new theory emerges.

There are many types ШП “psОuНШ-sМТОЧtТПТМ” theories which wrap themselves in a mantle of apparent experimental evidence. But they, when examined closely, are nothing but statements of faith. The argument cited by some creationists that science is just another kind of faith is a philosophic stance which ignores the trans-cultural nature of science. Science's theory of gravity explains why both creationists and scientists don't float off the earth. All you have to do is jump to verify this theory – no leap of faith required.

B.Make a conclusion by answering the questions:

1.What is the main difference between the scientific method and faith?

2.What is specific about the scientific hypothesis?

3.What is a frequent misinterpretation of the scientific method? Do you think it reasonable? Can you disprove it?

Here are some knowledge claim statements. In pairs, discuss if we can consider them scientific hoaxes. Share your conclusions in the group, prove your opinion.

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There are photos taken over the years that capture something of a supernatural nature – unexplained lights, figures, or orbs. These photos have been analyzed by labs and photography experts in an attempt to explain them, replicate them, or disprove them. But no trickery has been un-

covered. These photos continually appear to be genuine photographic evidence of, for a lack of a better word … РСШsts.

We have been told by scientists that we have had an increase of 80

PPM of CO2 in the atmosphere delivered with a breathless sense of doom. We arО КХХ РШТЧР tШ НТО ТП аО НШЧ’t ПТб Тt.

Here are some recommendations on using the scientific method. Some of the stages are omitted. Can you fill in the blanks and suggest your own ideas for your groupmates to be a success in implementing this method?

Explain the ideas from the quotes below with regard to the scientific method.

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A Use a more appropriate word in the context:

1.As a question of …, the laws of living bodies are to be studied, in the first place, without any undue haste to subordinate them to the laws of physics. (method/methodology)

2."I do not know of a better … for choosing a presidential nominee" (Harry S. Truman). (method/methodology)

3.I mean those species which are distinguished each from each by one and the same … of division. (method/methodology)

4.Scientific researchers propose … as explanation of phenomena. (evidence/ hypotheses)

5.Scientists start with … and then make a guess. (observations/inferences)

6.Once scientists have an idea of the research question they want to study, they state the ... (hypothesis/problem)

7.A … is a statement of what the researcher thinks will happen in the experiment. (hypothesis/problem)

8.When designing the experiment, the researcher carefully controls as ЦКЧв … Кs pШssТЛХО. (data/variables)

B

Check your reading skills. Enumerate the steps of SM implied in the passage.

As more questions are asked, scientists work hard and come up with a bunch of answers. Then it is time to organize. One of the cool things about science is that other scientists can learn things from what has already been established. They don't have to go out and test everything again and again. That's what makes science special: it builds on what has been learned before.

C Look at the pictures (pic. 2, a f) which represent the steps of the scientific method and describe these steps.

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a

b

f

e

c

d

Pic. 2

How do you assess your results?

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Unit 2. Subject, Problem and Objectives

What comes to mind when you hear the words “sub-

УОМt”, “problem”, “ШЛУОМtТЯО”?

What do you think these words mean when we use

them in scientific context?

Look at the pictures (pic. 3, a , b, c) КЧН НОПТЧО Кs ЦКЧв “sМТОЧtТПТМ” prШb- lems (questions) as possible based on what you know about the scientific method.

c

Pic. 3

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