Introduction to Biology Nature of Science

Nature of Science Benchmark SC.912.N.2.1 - Identify what is science, what clearly is not science, and what superficially resembles science (but fails to meet the criteria for science). SC.912.N.1.3 - Recognize that the strength or usefulness of a scientific claim is evaluated through scientific argumentation.

Today you will… Define the purpose of biology. Identify the criteria that differentiate science from non- science and pseudo-science.

Science vs. Pseudo-Science and Non-Science Science - The systematic study of the structure and behavior of the physical and natural world through observation and experimentation. Non-Science - May be logical and based on good reasoning, but does not fall within the realm of science (Religious beliefs, philosophy, personal opinions, or ethics). Pseudoscience - Defined as a non-science which is portrayed as a legitimate science by its followers. Example = astrology These definitions go in their PowerNotes: Science - The systematic study of the structure and behavior of the physical and natural world through observation and experimentation. Non-Science - May be very logical and based on good reasoning, but simply does not fall within the realm of science (Religious beliefs, philosophy, personal opinions or attitudes, or ethics). Pseudoscience - Defined as a non-science which is portrayed and advertised as a legitimate science by its followers and supporters. Example = astrology Science is CONPTT – Consistent, observable, natural, predictable, testable, and tentative.

Science is POTA SCIENCE Observable Testable Argumentative Predictable Science is CONPTT – Consistent, observable, natural, predictable, testable, and tentative.

Scientific Thinking

Benchmarks SC.912.N.1.1 Define a problem based on a specific body of knowledge. SC.912.N.1.6 Describe how scientific inferences are drawn from scientific observations, and provide examples from the content being studied.

Scientific Method Observation – Use five senses to gather information. Problem Statement – A question you’d like to answer as a result of your observations. Research – Look up background information/prior knowledge about your experimental problem. Hypothesis – A prediction of what you think is going to happen based on prior knowledge and research. Experiment/Procedures – Testing of the hypothesis. Data/Results – Recording the results of the experiment. Analysis – Explanation/Interpretation of results collected. Conclusion – Summary of the experiment and stating whether or not hypothesis was supported by the data or not. Communication – Publication of the experiment and results. Students will rotate through the following stations using the student guide completing each of the listed activities.   Teacher should set up two of each of the following stations keeping group size between 2-3 students. Students should complete each station in no more than 10 minutes then move on to the next available station. Observe Hypothesis Measure Infer/Predict Interpret and Communicate

Observations vs. Inferences Observation is the act of using the 5 senses to collect information. Inference is the use of logic to make conclusions from observed data.

Control vs Variables Constants – All the factors that remain the same throughout experiment. Independent (manipulated) – Only ONE factor being tested. Dependent (responding) – The part of the experiment that responds to the change. The outcome of experiment. This comprises the data for the experiment. Control – Part of the experiment that is used for comparison against the independent variable.

Types of Observations Quantitative data Qualitative data Making measurements using numerical information (Numbers) Linear – Length, width, diameter, radius Weight – ounces, pounds, grams, kilograms Volume – gallons, ounces, liters, milliliters Qualitative data Information describing color, odor, shape, or some other physical characteristic. State of matter – solid, liquid, gas Shape – round, square, rectangle Color – red, orange, yellow, green, blue

DRY MIX DRY – Dependent/Responding Variable on the Y-axis MIX – Manipulated/Independent Variable on the X-axis MIX

Title for a graph: Independent variable vs Dependent variable Make sure your scale has equal intervals. (It’s basically a ruler for your graph.) Pick intervals that allow your graph to take up most of the space in your grid Make sure ALL of the spacing between your grid numbers is equal. Make sure both axes are labeled and units used, if applicable. Include a key/legend, if applicable.

Relationships between Variables Directly Proportional: If the relationship is direct, then as your x value increases, your y value increases. On a graph, this would be a positive slope and the graph would increase from left to right. Inversely Proportional: If the relationship is inverse, then as your x value increases, your y value decreases. Trend: Upward trend: there has been a steady/sudden/dramatic increase. Downward trend: there has been a steady.....decrease. Stable: the graph displays a stable growth pattern.

Hypothesis and Theory Hypothesis Theory Definition A hypothesis (plural hypotheses) is a proposed explanation for a phenomenon. Scientists generally base scientific hypotheses on previous observations that cannot satisfactorily be explained with the available scientific theories. In science, a theory is a well-substantiated, unifying explanation for a set of verified, proven hypotheses. Based on Suggestion, possibility, projection or prediction, but the result is uncertain. Certainty, evidence, verification, repeated testing. Testable Yes Falsifiable Is well substantiated No (revisable with new evidence) Yes (revisable with new evidence) Data Usually based on very limited data Based on a very wide set of data tested under various circumstances. Instance Specific: Hypothesis is usually based on a very specific observation and is limited to that instance. General: A theory is the establishment of a general principle through multiple tests and experiments, and this principle may apply to various specific instances.

Theory vs Law SIMILARITIES BOTH are well-supported by the result of many different experiments. BOTH are widely accepted by the vast majority of people in that field. BOTH help unify a field. Both can be changed if new observations or evidence do not fall within the theory or law. A Law is a well-supported description of WHAT is happening (a set of observations) A Theory is a well- supported explanation of HOW it happens.

Ethics/Bias Bias is a process where the scientist(s) performing the research influence the results, in order to portray a certain outcome. Scientific data must be reliable and free from bias. There must be a sufficient amount of data to offset errors. Data cannot be modified, removed, or made-up in order to get a particular desired result. Ethics are a set of moral principles and values a civilized society follows. It is unethical to have research done on a product where the researchers have something to gain if a particular result is reached (biased). Scientific research needs to follow the ethics of the society in which it works.