What are the hard and fast rules of science. Are there any?

Here's a few principles to go by:

-Follow the scientific method to perfection. It is the best way to establish facts from fiction and correct errors in what was thought to be fact.

-Don't make a claims without verifiable, repeatable evidence to back it up. Feel free to make hypotheses, but test them rigorously before making a claim.

-Be prepared to be proven wrong and don't get mad when you are.

-Be prepared to change your mind about everything when given good evidence.

-Ask a lot of questions.