What is Science? Science is a way of learning about the natural world

Scientific Inquiry A way that scientists study the natural world A way that scientists study the natural world Inquiry means to question Inquiry means to question Inquiry is used everyday by people studying plants and animals, by physicians and by many others Inquiry is used everyday by people studying plants and animals, by physicians and by many others

Scientific Method Posing questions Posing questions Making observations and inferences Making observations and inferences Developing hypotheses Developing hypotheses Designing experiments Designing experiments Making measurements Making measurements Collecting data Collecting data Drawing conclusions Drawing conclusions Communicating Communicating

Posing Questions Scientific inquiry begins with a question Scientific inquiry begins with a question Does fertilizer make plants grow larger? Does fertilizer make plants grow larger? How does a person get sick? How does a person get sick? How far away are the stars? How far away are the stars?

Observation Involves using one or more of your senses- sight, hearing, touch, smell, and sometimes taste- to gather information and collect data Involves using one or more of your senses- sight, hearing, touch, smell, and sometimes taste- to gather information and collect data

Data Data are the facts, figures and other information gathered through observation Data are the facts, figures and other information gathered through observation

Inference An interpretation of an observation that is based on evidence or prior knowledge An interpretation of an observation that is based on evidence or prior knowledge To figure something out based on what you already know To figure something out based on what you already know

Hypothesis A possible explanation for a set of observations or an answer to a scientific question A possible explanation for a set of observations or an answer to a scientific question An educated guess An educated guess What you think is going to happen in an experiment What you think is going to happen in an experiment

Variables Factors that can change in an experiment Factors that can change in an experiment Manipulated variable- the factor in an experiment that you change on purpose, (sometimes called the independent variable) Manipulated variable- the factor in an experiment that you change on purpose, (sometimes called the independent variable) Responding variable- the factor that changes because of the manipulated variable (sometimes called the dependent variable) Responding variable- the factor that changes because of the manipulated variable (sometimes called the dependent variable)

Controlled Experiment An experiment in which all of the variables except for one remain the same An experiment in which all of the variables except for one remain the same

Making Measurements In science we use the Metric system also known as the SI or International System of Units In science we use the Metric system also known as the SI or International System of Units Grams-weight Grams-weight Meters-length Meters-length Liters-volume (liquids) Liters-volume (liquids)

Interpreting Data Means arranging data that you have collected in an experiment in an organized way Means arranging data that you have collected in an experiment in an organized way Tables, graphs and charts help organize data Tables, graphs and charts help organize data

Drawing Conclusions Means summing up what you learned from the investigation Means summing up what you learned from the investigation You need to decide whether or not the data support your original hypothesis You need to decide whether or not the data support your original hypothesis Evidence can either support a hypothesis or prove it to be false Evidence can either support a hypothesis or prove it to be false Conclusions often lead to new question, which lead to new experiments Conclusions often lead to new question, which lead to new experiments

Communication Passing on the results of your experiment to others through writing and speaking Passing on the results of your experiment to others through writing and speaking Writing articles, giving a presentation, and by using the internet Writing articles, giving a presentation, and by using the internet

Scientific Theories A well tested concept that explains a wide range of observations A well tested concept that explains a wide range of observations An idea that is supported by repeated experiments An idea that is supported by repeated experiments

Laboratory Safety Means following your teachers instructions and making sure you understand all laboratory procedures before you begin Means following your teachers instructions and making sure you understand all laboratory procedures before you begin Show courtesy to your teacher and classmates Show courtesy to your teacher and classmates Wearing proper lab safety equipment Wearing proper lab safety equipment Being careful with lab material Being careful with lab material Keeping your work area clean and neat Keeping your work area clean and neat

Disposal Special disposal procedures need to be followed. Do not dispose of these materials in the sink or trash can Dispose of wastes as directed by your teacher.

Biological Organisms or other biological materials that might be harmful to humans or the environment. Avoid skin contact with these materials. Wear mask or gloves. Notify your teacher if you suspect contact with material. Wash hands thoroughly.

Extreme Temperature Objects that can burn skin by being too cold or too hot. Use proper protection when handling. Go to your teacher for first aid.

Sharp Object Use of tools or glassware that can easily puncture or slice skin. E.g. Razor blades, pins, scalpels, pointed tools, dissecting probes, broken glass. Practice common sense behavior and follow guidelines for use of the tool. Go to your teacher for first aid.

Branches of Life Science Physician Physician Emergency Medical Technician Emergency Medical Technician Veterinarian Veterinarian Physical Therapist Physical Therapist Botanist Botanist Marine Biologist Marine Biologist Park Ranger Park Ranger