1-1 What Is Science Science is a way of knowing 3 Goals of Science To provide natural explanations for events in the natural world To use those explanations to understand patterns in the natural world To use those explanations to make useful predictions Science is an organized way of using evidence to learn about the natural world.

Observation vs. Inference Qualitative Observation Vs Quantitative Observation

Observation vs. Inference Observation – involves one or more senses to gather data Quantitative – involves numbers, counting or measuring (the skull is 20 centimeters long) Qualitative – involves characteristics that cannot easily be measured or counted, color or texture. (the skull is white and pointy) Inference – a logical interpretation based on prior knowledge

Scientific Methodology Stating the problem (asking a question) Where did the maggots come from on this meat?

The Scientific Method Forming a hypothesis A possible explanation for a set of observations. Must be testable Ex. Flies produce maggots (testable). Something is causing maggots to appear on meat (not testable)

Scientific Method Setting up a controlled experiment Independent (manipulated) variable – the variable that the experimenter changes. Dependent (responding) variable – changes in response to the independent variable. Control Group – not manipulated, used for comparison Experimental Group – manipulated to test hypothesis

Redi’s Experiment Independent Variable? Dependent Variable? Experimental Group? Control Group?

Scientific Method Recording and Analyzing Data Drawing Conclusions Allows other scientists to view your data and offer new explanations/interpretations Drawing Conclusions Was the hypothesis accepted or rejected.

Scientific Overview Make and observation and ask a question Infer and form a hypothesis Design a controlled experiment Analyze data and draw a conclusion

How a Theory Develops Theory – a well-tested explanation supported by a wide body of evidence that unifies a broad range of observations. Ex. Evolution All cells come from existing cells is part of a theory known as “cell theory” No theory is considered absolute truth.

Examine the six scenes shown (3 on the front, 3 on the back) Examine the six scenes shown (3 on the front, 3 on the back). Note that the general steps of the scientific method are described above each scene. In your own words, add detail to each step by elaborating on what you see depicted. Identify the hypothesis, independent variable, dependent variable, experimental group, and control group. Record your interpretations in the space below each scene. 3.What would your control be? (remember it’s the group that is not manipulated). ___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 1.What question would you ask about location A and B? What do you observe? ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 2.What would your hypothesis be about nitrogen?____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

4.Accoring to the scene above what is the independent variable (the one we change)?____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _____________________ 5.What is the dependent variable and how was it measured?__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _____________________ 6.Look at this graph what can you conclude from the data?”______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _____________________