Guided Notes on Introduction to Science Pages in Earth Science Book

A scientific method is a planned, organized approach to solving a problem. A scientific method is a planned, organized approach to solving a problem.

List the steps in the scientific method: 1. Identifying the problem

2. Researching the problem

3. A hypothesis is made * A hypothesis is an explanation for an observation in nature. It is not an educated guess. Scientists do not just make a “guess”.

4. Hypothesis is tested by conducting an experiment.

5. All data are carefully recorded.

6. Data must be formatted so that it can be analyzed.

7. A conclusion is drawn.

A good experiment tests only one variable or changeable factor at a time. A good experiment tests only one variable or changeable factor at a time.

Define the 3 bold print words from page 12 Independent variable: the factor manipulated by the experimenter. Independent variable: the factor manipulated by the experimenter.

Dependent variable: a factor that can change if the independent variable is changed Dependent variable: a factor that can change if the independent variable is changed

Control: shows that the results of an experiment are a result of the condition being tested. Control: shows that the results of an experiment are a result of the condition being tested.

Sometimes, during the process of investigating one problem, an experimenter might encounter a different problem and choose to pursue the new problem. Sometimes, during the process of investigating one problem, an experimenter might encounter a different problem and choose to pursue the new problem.

A measurement includes both a number that identifies how many units of measure there are, and the unit itself. A measurement includes both a number that identifies how many units of measure there are, and the unit itself.

Define and describe the standard system of units for measurement Systeme Internationale d’ Unites: also known as the modern metric system. It uses the number 10 as the base unit. Abbreviated as SI Systeme Internationale d’ Unites: also known as the modern metric system. It uses the number 10 as the base unit. Abbreviated as SI

In the chart below, define and give the standard SI unit(s) for these measurements: Length Definition: distance between 2 points Definition: distance between 2 points SI Unit: meter SI Unit: meter

Definition: gravitational force on an object Definition: gravitational force on an object SI Unit: Newton SI Unit: Newton Weight

Mass Definition: amount of matter in an object Definition: amount of matter in an object SI Unit: Kilogram SI Unit: Kilogram

Area Definition: amount of surface in a set of boundaries Definition: amount of surface in a set of boundaries SI Unit: Square Meters SI Unit: Square Meters

Volume Definition: amount of space occupied by an object Definition: amount of space occupied by an object SI Unit: cubic meter SI Unit: cubic meter

Density Definition: amount of matter that occupies a given space Definition: amount of matter that occupies a given space SI Unit: Grams per cubic centimeter SI Unit: Grams per cubic centimeter

Time Definition: interval between 2 events Definition: interval between 2 events SI Unit: Second SI Unit: Second

Temperature Definition: Average vibrations of the particles that make up a material Definition: Average vibrations of the particles that make up a material SI Unit: °C/Kelvin SI Unit: °C/Kelvin

Explain why scientific notation is used and how it works To conveniently express very large or very small numbers To conveniently express very large or very small numbers A number is expressed as a number between 1 and 10 and multiplied by a power of 10 A number is expressed as a number between 1 and 10 and multiplied by a power of 10

Why do scientists communicate their results with others? It allows others to learn of new discoveries, verify results, and conduct further experiments. It allows others to learn of new discoveries, verify results, and conduct further experiments.

What is the purpose of a student lab report? To demonstrate to the teacher your understanding of the experiments or to compare your results with other students To demonstrate to the teacher your understanding of the experiments or to compare your results with other students

Define THEORY and LAW and state how they differ from each other Theory- explanation based on many observations during repeated experiments (the simplest explanation) Theory- explanation based on many observations during repeated experiments (the simplest explanation) Law- a basic fact that describes the behavior of a natural phenomenon even if the cause is unknown Law- a basic fact that describes the behavior of a natural phenomenon even if the cause is unknown Theories are often used to explain laws Theories are often used to explain laws