Ch. 2 Tools and Methods on an Environmental Scientist

 Observe – using senses  Form Hypothesis – must be testable prediction  Sometimes in an “if …. Then….” statement  Experiment  Collect data – in SI units (metric system)  Variable – factor of interest in experiment  Experimental group  Control group  Analyze Data  Form Conclusion

 Data – often numerical  Metric units  Expressed in graphs and tables  Graphs help to display trends or relationships in the data  Correlation – associations between two or more events (used in situations where scientist can’t answer a question by experimenting) pg. 37

 Curiosity  Skepticism – don’t believe everything without proof  Open to new ideas -  Intellectual honesty – results are never manipulated to support a certain hypothesis  Imagination / creativity – seeing patterns where others don’t, thinking of new ideas

 Values – principles or standards we consider important  Has an impact on people making decisions about the environment  Decision – Making Model  Gather information  Consider values  Explore consequences  Make a decision

 Read the article and form your opinion by completing the following. 1. List vital information necessary to make a decision (at least 5 things). 2. List 3 stakeholders and the values of each that my affect the decision-making process. 3. List consequences of at least 2 decisions.  A. Long vs short term  B. Positives vs. negatives Make your decision!!!!!!

 Problem: Which type of fertilizer, natural compost or Miracle Grow, increases plant growth?  Write a procedure to attempt to answer this question.  Identify the following: variable, control group, experimental group  What type of data will you collect and how will you organize it?