We've been over that in previous posts - it uses both. Even to develop proof of theories. ;-)
I'll tell you what. I propose a theory of grue. Stop lights have three colors, red, yellow and grue. Grue lights are green right now, but in the year 2099, they will all turn blue. Now, being a good scientist, I go around driving from city to city, keeping a notepad record of all the glue lights I see, and lo! After months of extensive investigation, I discover all the lights I've ever checked satisfy the criteria of grue-ness, so--Am I ready to publish my "proof"?
I can virtually guarantee that the grue theory will withstand every test the journal's referee's and critics can concoct. Clearly, by your criteria, this is a solid proof.
Let me just suggest you that you refrain from trying to defend science from the well-prepared creationists at your local school board. You will be handed your head in short order. Just because some half-baked metaphysical theory happens to be common practice, doesn't mean it can reason its way out of paper bag.