Introduction to and Science Skills Chapter 1 Introduction to and Science Skills

What we will study this year…

Important Terms Density - The amount of matter per volume (size) Hypothesis - A prediction which needs to be tested Law - Mathematically explained ex: E=mc2 4. Model - Represents an item too big or too small to study normally Technology - Set of tools both that help us think and work better 6. Theory - Proposed explanation based on many tests

Scientific Method - Inquiry Question / problem Collect background information Create Hypothesis Controlled Experiment – Procedures & Materials Test hypothesis w/ indep & dep variables Collect & graph data Analysis / Conclusion

Important Concepts in Experiments Testing must be measurable Put data in tables with heading & titles Use appropriate units “No Naked Numbers!” Do several trials and average. Look at average data in graphs Look for trends and patterns

Line Graphs Volume of Hydrogen vs Time Volume of Hydrogen vs Time

Bar Graphs

Accuracy VS Precision You want to have BOTH!

Tools of the Trade What type of technologies do scientists use? simple & complex. What type of models do scientists use?

Science is NOT Static x Changes with new information: Example: Pluto is no longer a planet; it’s a dwarf planet (planetoid). First of its kind. New definition: orbits the sun, enough mass for it’s gravity to causes a nearly round shape, and cleared the neighborhood around its orbit. (IAU, Aug. 2006) x