Chapter Two: Tools of Environmental Science

Section One: Scientific Methods The Experimental Method How do scientists make discoveries? Observation: a piece of information we gather using our senses- sight, hearing, smell and touch. Scientists also use tools to extend their observations Ex. Rulers, microscopes, satellites

Section One: Scientific Methods Observations almost always lead to more questions. Hypothesis: testable idea or explanation that leads to a scientific investigation A good hypothesis MUST be testable Prediction: a logical statement about what will happen if the hypothesis is correct

Section One: Scientific Methods Hypothesis vs. Prediction A hypothesis is a general statement that offers an explanation of a problem that has been observed. It can be proven or disproven by experimentation. A prediction is based on a hypothesis. It is meant to describe what will happen in a specific situation, such as during an experiment, if the hypothesis is correct.

Section One: Scientific Methods Experiment: a procedure designed to test a hypothesis under controlled conditions Two Essential Characteristics A singe variable is tested A control is used

Section One: Scientific Methods Variable: the factor of interest When testing for one variable two study groups or situations are used Experimental Group: group that receives the experimental treatment Control Group: group that does not receive the experimental treatment

Section One: Scientific Methods Organizing and Analyzing Data It is important to keep careful and accurate records. Data: the information a scientist gathers during an experiment Graphs are used to organize data and display relationships or trends.

Section One: Scientific Methods Drawing Conclusions: Comparing the outcome of their experiment with their prediciton Experiments are repeated to ensure that you receive the same conclusions each time. Scientists will publish their results to share their findings with others

Section One: Scientific Methods The Correlation Method Method used when questions cannot be studied by performing an experiment Correlations: associations between two or more events

Section One: Scientific Methods Scientific Habits of Mind Curiosity Habit of Skepticism Openess to New Ideas Intellectual Honest Imagination and Creativity

Section Two: Statistics and Models Statistics: the collection and classification of data that are in the form of numbers Used to summarize, characterize, analyze and compare data Statistical Population: a group of similar things that a scientist is interested in learning about

Section Two: Statistics and Models Statistical populations have similar individuals but the individuals have different characteristics. Mean: the number obtained by adding the data for a characteristic and dividing this sum by the number of individuals Distribution: the relative arrangement of the members of a statistical population

Section Two: Statistics and Models

Section Two: Statistics and Models Probability: The chance that something will happen Sample: a group of individuals or events selected to represent the population

Section Two: Statistics and Models Statistics in Your Everyday Life The local weather report Risk: the probability of an unwanted outcome

Section Two: Statistics and Models Models: representations of objects or systems

Section Two: Statistics and Models Physical Models: 3D models you can touch Graphical Models: Maps and charts Conceptual Models: a verbal or graphical explanation of how a system works or is organized

Section Two: Statistics and Models Mathematical Model: one or more equations that represents the way a system or process works. Where T= the total number of students And SR+ SB is the number of red head students + the number of students with black hair T= SR+ SB

Section Three: Making Informed Decisions Values: principles or standards we consider important Decision Making Model: a conceptual model that provides a systematic process for making decisions

Section Three: Making Informed Decisions How to Use a Decision- Making Model Gather Information Consider Values Explore Consequences Make a Decision Gather Information Consider Values Explore Consequences Make a Decision