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Science and scientists often bear the brunt of public displeasure over current events. Recent debates over CoVID (the safety and effectiveness of vaccines, masks, and isolation), climate change, and many other controversies raise questions about the reliability of scientific results and what it means to conduct research. What is and what is not scientific? How can non-scientists determine whether a scientific result is "right?" In this First-Year Seminar, we will explore what scientists do -- the practices of science -- and how they set standards of knowledge. Discussions will be organized around current pressing topics, including: What does it mean to "follow the science" or "do your own research" in the age of COVID? Will science save us from the ravages of climate change? Who or what has ultimate authority over the direction of scientific advances? When are new scientific announcements important new results and when are they just click bait hype? Who pays for science and should we care? What is meant by replication and is it bad if it doesn't happen? How does scientific publication work and what issues have arisen? Why do scientists often get bad press, and is it fair?