Science Unit I. Science

I. Read and translate the text.

The word "science" probably brings to mind many different pictures: a fat textbook, white lab coats and microscopes, an astronomer peering through a telescope, a naturalist in the rainforest, Einstein's equations scribbled on a chalkboard, the launch of the space shuttle, bubbling beakers ...

There are many forms of science, and together they study the nature and behaviour of the universe and everything in it. Science comes from Latin scientia, meaning "knowledge". The main purpose of science is to expand the human knowledge. Scientists find out what they want to know by practical methods. Science is a creative and dynamic activity. It is an expression of human experience. Science involves observation and measurement, imagination and hypothesis, communication and criticism.

A scientist observes and measures objects and phenomena of physical world. He analyses behaviour of matter and energy. He generalizes from collection of observations, and measurements, and relationships. He develops theories and uses them as guides to new experiments and observations.

Thus, first, a scientist identifies and classifies multiple facts and data.

Then, he generalizes and systematizes analogous facts of specific character.

Further, he deduces conclusions as to general and systematic character of analogous facts combinations.

Finally, he illustrates conclusions with different facts of reality.

Thus,

observation and identification,

classification and systematization,

generalization and illustration

provide foundation for concept formation.

Moreover, the scientist continually communicates with his colleagues through the scientific literature, in scientific meetings, and in informal person-to-person seminars and discussions. Thus, modern science is communication!

Basic knowledge of science is essential for everyone. It helps people to find their way in the changing world.

II. Give the Russian equivalents for the following words.

scientist creative activity experience to observe observation to measure measurement imagination hypothesis to expand knowledge

behaviour relationship method to classify classification data different to provide colleague discussion conclusion

Learn the words by heart.

III. Mark the sentences t (true), f (false) or n (no information).

1. There are different branches of science.

2. Scientists gather empirical evidence to create rational hypotheses and theories that explain certain phenomena.

3. Scientists test their hypotheses with experiments.

4. A scientist systematizes facts of specific character after he deduces conclusions.

5. Scientists study the Universe and how to use its possibilities for the benefit of men.