Introduction to Science

Vocabulary science theory observation bias hypothesis stimulus controlled experiment homeostasis control group data independent variable dependent variable microscope

Learning Target I can discuss the fundamental assumptions of science by: Defining science. Interpreting the goals of science. Explaining the steps involved to think like a scientist.

What is Science? Science is a way to learn about the world in an organized process using evidence. It is also the body of knowledge built up after years and years of using this process.

What are the goals of science? To investigate To understand AND To explain how things work in the natural world To use our explanations to make useful predictions

How do we think like scientists? We begin with an observation. We then collect data. Quantitative data is collecting numerical evidence Qualitative data is collecting descriptive evidence We then make inferences. An inference is a logical interpretation of data based on our experiences.

Explaining and Interpreting Data After making observations, we develop a hypothesis A hypothesis Must be testable May be incorrect May need to be revised

Points to Ponder . . . How are quantitative and qualitative similar and different? Can you give an example of each? Make up your own question about the goals of science (and answer it).

Learning Target I can discuss the fundamental assumptions of science by: Defining science. Interpreting the goals of science. Explaining the steps involved to think like a scientist.

Learning Targets I can design and conduct investigations appropriately using essential processes of scientific inquiry. I can collect, organize and analyze data accurately and precisely.

Scientific Method Steps Asking a question Forming a hypothesis Setting up a controlled experiment Recording and analyzing results Drawing a conclusion

Asking a Question Problem Observation If it ain’t broke . . . . What’s not working… Can we fix it? Observation Uses any and all of the five senses Gathering information about a question or a problem

Forming a Hypothesis Hypothesis A testable explanation A solution to a problem An answer to a question Can be an “if; then” statement

Setting up an experiment What kind of data will I collect? Qualitative or quantative? What can I control? What are my variables? Variables are the factors in an experiment that are or can be changed. Equipment used, material used, amount of material, temperature, light, water, time

Setting up an experiment Independent variable or manipulated variable Dependent variable or responding variable Why is it important to control as many variables as possible?

Recording and Analyzing Results Scientists keep written records of their observations and data. Writing about observations Writing about the numbers Drawings Graphs Tables

Drawing a Conclusion Was my hypothesis correct or not? Can my hypothesis be revised and retested? Is there a pattern in my results?

Theory A hypothesis that has been well supported by many experiments over and over again.

Learning Targets: I can design and conduct investigations appropriately using essential processes of scientific inquiry. I can collect, organize and analyze data accurately and precisely.

Points to Ponder . . . Differentiate between a control group and an experimental group Differentiate between an independent variable and a dependent variable

Learning Targets I can safely use laboratory equipment and techniques when conducting scientific investigations. I can identify the parts and appropriately use a compound light microscope.

Microscopes Devices that produce magnified images Several types Compound Light Electron

Compound Light Microscopes Most common Can produce a clear image up to 1000X Allows light to pass through the object Uses two lenses to produce the image

Compound Light Microscope

Electron Microscopes Transmission electron microscopes (TEM) Scanning electron microscopes (SEM) SEM scan a narrow beam of electrons back and forth across the surface of a specimen TEM shine a beam of electrons through a thin specimen

Points to Ponder . . . How is the total magnification of a microscope determined?

Learning Targets I can safely use laboratory equipment and techniques when conducting scientific investigations. I can identify the parts and appropriately use a compound light microscope.