The Science of Biology

Key Concept Key Concept What is the goal of science? What is the goal of science? Vocabulary Vocabulary Science Science Observation Observation Data Data Inference Inference hypothesis hypothesis

What Science Is and Is Not The goal of science is to investigate and understand the natural world, to explain events in the natural world, and to use those explanations to make useful predictions. The goal of science is to investigate and understand the natural world, to explain events in the natural world, and to use those explanations to make useful predictions.

Thinking Like a Scientist Scientific thinking usually begins with an observation. Scientific thinking usually begins with an observation. The information gathered from observations is called data. The information gathered from observations is called data.

Types of Data Qualitative Data- this is descriptive data. Qualitative Data- this is descriptive data. Ex: the dog is brown Ex: the dog is brown Quantitative Data- this is numerical data. Quantitative Data- this is numerical data. Ex: the dog weighs 70 lbs Ex: the dog weighs 70 lbs Scientists may use data to make inferences. Inferences are logical interpretations based on prior knowledge or experience. Scientists may use data to make inferences. Inferences are logical interpretations based on prior knowledge or experience.

Explaining and Interpreting Observations After observations, a scientist will create a hypothesis. After observations, a scientist will create a hypothesis. A hypothesis is a proposed explanation. A hypothesis is a proposed explanation. This hypothesis must be testable. This hypothesis must be testable.

What Makes a Good Scientist?