Do-Now-Copy AND answer the following questions on a separate sheet of paper. How do you think you did on the ch. 1 Test? How long did you study? Did you fully complete the review sheet? What could YOU do to improve your grade? What could WE do to help you?

Chapter 2 Remember to write the slides that show the clipboard symbol. Examples written in italics do not need to be written down. We will just discuss them, along with the other slides.

Objectives List and describe the steps of the experimental method. Describe why a good hypothesis is not simply a guess. Describe the two essential parts of a good experiment. Describe how scientists study subjects in which experiments are not possible. Explain the importance of curiosity and imagination in science.

Standards SCSh1a, b, c SCSh2b SCSh3a, c, e SCSh6d SCSh7b, d, e SCSh8a, b, c, d, e SCSh9b

The Scientific Method Consists of a series of steps that scientists worldwide use to identify and answer questions OH DEAR-R-R Observation Hypothesis/Prediction Design the Experiment Execute the Experiment Analyze Data and Draw Conclusions Retest Reject or Accept the Hypothesis Report Findings

Observing Process of obtaining information by using the senses Includes descriptions, drawings, photographs, and measurements

Hypothesizing and Predicting A hypothesis is an explanation that is based on observations and that can be tested. Not merely a guess. Should make logical sense and follow from what you already know about the situation Predictions are statements made in advance that express the results that will be obtained from testing a hypothesis if the hypothesis is supported.

Experiments Carried out under controlled conditions to discover, demonstrate, or test a fact, theory, or general truth Performed when questions that arise from observations can’t be answered with additional observations Should be designed to pinpoint cause-and-effect relationships

Experiments, cont. Have 2 essential characteristics: Only a single variable is tested Control is used The variable is the factor that changes in an experiment in order to test a hypothesis. To test for one variable, scientists usually study two groups or situations at one time, with the variable being the only difference between the two groups.

Experimenting, cont. The experimental group is the group in the experiment that is identical to the control group except for one factor (variable) and is compared with the control group. The control group is the group in the experiment that serves as a standards of comparison with another group to which the control group is identical except for one factor (variable).

Analyzing Data Data is any pieces of information acquired through observation or experimentation. Organizing data (tables & graphs) helps scientists analyze the data & explain the data to others. Graphs are often used to display relationships or trends in the data. Bar graphs compare data for several things in one graph. Graphing the info makes the trends presented in tables easier to see.

Drawing Conclusions Scientists determine the results of their experiment by analyzing their data and comparing the outcome of their experiments with their prediction. Sometimes scientists use mathematical tools (statistics) to help them determine whether the differences are meaningful or are just a coincidence.

Retesting Experiments Scientists often repeat their experiments. The more often an experiment can be repeated with the same results, in different places and by different people, the more sure scientists become about the reliability of their conclusions. They look for a large amount of supporting evidence before they accept a hypothesis.

Reject or Accept the Hypothesis Based on the repeated testing of an experiment If the hypothesis is supported consistently, it is accepted. If it isn’t, it is rejected.

Reporting Results Scientists publish their results, sometimes in scientific articles, to share what they have learned with other scientists. Scientific articles include the question the scientist explored, the reasons why the question is important, background information, a precise description of how the work was done, the data collected, and the scientist’s interpretation of the data.

Scientific Habits of Mind Good scientists tend to share several key habits of mind, or ways of approaching & thinking about things. Curiosity Good scientists are endlessly curious which drives them to observe & experiment. Skepticism Good scientists don’t believe everything that they are told.

Scientific Habits of Mind, cont. Openness to new ideas Good scientists keep an open mind to how the world works. Intellectual honesty A good scientist is willing to recognize the results of an experiment even though it may mean that his or her hypothesis was wrong. Imagination and creativity Open to new ideas Able to conceive new ideas themselves Have the ability to see patterns where others do not or can imagine things that others cannot This allows for good scientists to expand the boundaries we know.

Reading Assignment Read p. 32-39 2-1 AR Wkst.

P. 39 Answer questions #2-4 only.

Objectives Explain how scientists use statistics. Explain why the size of a statistical sample is important. Describe 4 types of models commonly used by scientists. Explain the relationship between probability and risk. Explain the importance of conceptual models and mathematical models.

Standards SCSh5c SEV4f

How Scientists use Statistics Statistics-collection & classification of data in the form of numbers Branch of math that provides scientists with important tools for analyzing and understanding their data. Use statistics to summarize, characterize, analyze, and compare data. Scientists use statistics to describe statistical populations (group of similar things that a scientist is interested in learning about)

What is the Probability? Probability-likelihood that a possible future event will occur in any given instance of the event Usually expressed as a number between 0 and 1 and written as a decimal Must be a large enough sample size in order to obtain accurate results

Understanding the News The news contains statistics everyday. For example, a reporter might say, “A study shows that forest fires increased air pollution in the city last year.” This could lead you to gather & then graph data on the pollution levels for last 20 years, & looking to see if this years seem unusually high. Paying attention to statistics will make you a better consumer of information.

Thinking About Risk Risk is the probability of an unwanted outcome. Citizens overestimate the risk of sensational environmental problems & underestimate the risk of ordinary ones.

Models Models are patterns, plans, representations, or descriptions designed to show the structure or workings of an object, system or concept. 4 types of models: Physical Graphical Conceptual Mathematical

Models Posters Make FOUR squares on your poster. In each section: Name of type of model Definition Description Examples (MORE THAN 1!) Group Member Names!

Physical Models Physical models are 3-D models you can touch. Closely resemble the object or system they represent Teach scientists something new & help to further other discoveries One of the most famous physical models was used to discover the structure of DNA.

Graphical Models Maps & charts are common examples Show things such as the position of the stars, the amount of forest cover in a given area, & the depth of the water in a river or along a coast

Conceptual Models Verbal or graphical explanations for how a system works or is organized A flow-chart diagram is an example Uses boxes linked by arrows to illustrate what a system contains, how those contents are organized, and how they affect one another Can be verbal descriptions or drawing For example, one conceptual model of the structure of an atom describes the atom as one large ball being circled by several smaller balls. A model can be more than one type. An atomic model made using plastic balls is both a conceptual & physical model.

Mathematical Models Mathematical models are one or more equations that represent the way system or process works. Useful in cases with many variables Like the many things that affect the weather Scientists use the models to relate the amount of energy reflected from objects to the objects’ physical condition.

Reading Assignment Read p. 40-46. 2-2 AR wkst.

Objectives Describe three values that people consider when making decisions about the environment. Describe the four steps in a simple environmental decision-making model.

Standards SCSh6d SCSh9d SEV4f

Values and the Environment Values are principles or standards that an individual considers to be important. Before research can begin, an examination of values is usually needed Many values affect environmental decision making

An Environmental Decision-Making Model A decision-making model is a conceptual model that provides a systematic process for making decisions. Can be used to help make decisions about environmental issues that can be difficult. Gather information watching news reports, talking to experts, etc. Consider which values apply to the issue Explore the consequences of each option Evaluate all of the information and make a decision

Before you leave today: Read p. 47-51 carefully. Make sure you know the terms on the table (values). You may be tested on them tomorrow. Complete and turn in the 2-3 Active Reading wkst. Complete the Ch. 2 Concept Review wkst. If you do not get it done, it is HOMEWORK!