Characteristics of Living Things Ch. 1-3 pg.15

Biology – study of living things All living things share the following characteristics

Living things… Are made up of cells

reproduce

Based on a universal genetic code (DNA or RNA)

Grow and develop

Obtain and use materials and energy

Respond to their environment

Maintain a stable internal environment (homeostasis)

Change over time

Is this living?

Is this living?

Organization of living things Cells → Tissue → Organ → Organ System → Organism

Major Body Systems Word Bank: Circulatory system Integumentary system Reproductive System Digestive system Lymphatic System Respiratory system Endocrine system Muscular system Skeletal system Excretory System Nervous System

Scientific Method The Scientific Method is a model, or a guide to solve problems. STEPS: 1. Make an observation / Ask a question Decide: What are you trying to find out? 2. Make a Hypothesis Educated guess about what you predict might happen. This is your proposed solution to the problem.

Scientific Method Steps 3. Design an Experiment to test your hypothesis. Write a step-by-step, detailed list of procedures you will follow. Decide on your variables: --What are you testing? --What conditions must remain constant?

Factors in a Controlled Experiment Control Group: The standard by which the data will be compared. Experimental Group: what you are testing. Contains the independent variable. Independent Variable: condition chosen by the researcher in an experiment Dependent variable: condition being studied and measured in an experiment; what is changed

Control – stays the same; conditions present during original observation. 4. Collect Data --data is information --this information can be learned by making observations, taking measurements, and sometimes by using your five senses.

5. Record Data -- data that is not written down does not mean anything! --choose an appropriate way to report your results --Tables, charts, graphs, diagrams, and drawings are some examples of ways scientists organize data. 6. Analyze Data -- Examine your results: --What do the results mean? / Any patterns or trends? --Does the data support your hypothesis? --Do you still need more information?

7. Make a Conclusion (based on your data) --Data should either support your hypothesis or lead you to make another hypothesis --A well-written conclusion basically restates the hypothesis in either a positive or a negative way. --A conclusion must address what happened as well as why you believe it happened.

Theory – an explanation (hypothesis) that is supported by large amounts of scientific evidence from many experiments. 2 Kinds of Information Gathered by Scientists: 1. Quantitative information: numerical data QUANTITY (how many!) 2. Qualitative information: observational data QUALITY (description!)

SI System of Measurement Base Unit Unit Symbol Length Meter m (cm, mm, km) Mass Grams g (kg) Temperature Kelvin, Celsius K, C Time Seconds s Volume Liters L (mL)