Scientific Thinking and Processes Essential Question: How can experiments and observations help inform our understanding of biology?

Scientific Method 2 3 1 5 4 6 7

Scientific Method The scientific method is used to solve problems in science and in everyday life Biologist ask questions about the world and try to find answers through observations and experimentation.

Steps of the scientific method Make an observation: Using our 5 senses we make observations Ask questions: Based on an observation we ask questions as to what we would like to know

Steps of the scientific method Collect Data: Observations can be recorded as quantitative or qualitative data. Quantitative data are numeric measurements. Examples include mass, volume, temperature, time, etc. Qualitative data are descriptions based on our senses. Examples include color, texture, odor, etc.

Scientific Method Make a hypothesis: Using our observations and collected data a hypothesis is usually an “if..then” testable statement of what we think is true Test the Hypothesis: Biologists uses two methods.

Observational Studies https://youtu.be/BEOFhpVcQgs Help biologists describe and explain something in the world. Scientists do not interfere with what is happening; they are there to just observed and record what is happening. Cannot answer what causes the changes that might be observed?

Experiment A controlled experiment has a control group which stays the same and an experimental group The factor that is being changed is known as the independent variable The factor that is being measured is known as the dependent variable

Analyze results Analyze: Do the results/data from the experiment support the hypothesis?

Drawing conclusions Draw conclusions: Is the hypothesis correct? . If not, you need to go back and revise the hypothesis and experiment again. Communicate results: After many trials with repeated results, it is important to communicate results.

Theory A proposed explanation for a vast amount of observations and experimental results that is supported by a wide range of evidence. Not easily accepted in science, and are never proven. Can change with new evidence.