Biology The Living Environment Mr. Mac

What is Biology/Life Science?

The study of all living things Ex. You, your pet rat, a tree, a mushroom Living things both large and small

Scientists Study Biology Through…. Observation Critical thinking Experimentation Evaluation Analysis Patience

Scientific Method: Steps to problem solving Universal

Steps to Scientific Method Identifying the problem Observation/ gather informatin Hypothesis Experimentation Analysis Conclusion

Observation Vs Inference

Observation Vs. Inference

Observation Vs. Inference

Step 1Identify the Problem Observe something interesting, and wonder…Hmmm Define the problem Determine what you are researching Images from

Step 2Gather Information Gain as much information as possible Through observations senses 1. sight 2. sound 3. taste 4. touch 5. Smell

Step 3Hypothesis An “educated guess” about the problem, or better, a TESTABLE explanation. Always written as an “if…then” statement Ex.

Step 4 Design an Experiment: To test the hypothesis Examine all factors that could change in the experiment

Factors to consider during an Experiment Include: independent variable – the thing in the experiment that causes the change dependent variable - the thing in the experiment that changes Control – the thing that remains unchanged or is considered the “normal” part in the experiment

Step 5 Record/Analyze data Create graphs, charts, and/or tables, that record information collected in the experiment Form an Inference – type of conclusion based on the collected data

Step 6State a Conclusion A written statement that reflects the outcome of the data collected in the experiment States whether the data agrees (supports) or disagrees (refutes) with the HYPOTHESIS

Does miracle grow really make plants grow faster?

DATA

More ways to represent DATA

Put the following steps of the scientific method in the correct order a. Make a conclusion b. Pick your topic c. Conduct your experiment d. Make your hypothesis e. Analyze your data f. Research your topic

An experiment is being done to determine how light affects the growth small zinnia plants. One plant is placed in full sunlight, the second in a shaded area, the third in an unlit closet. What is the independent variable in the experiment? A. Type of plant B. Amount of Sunlight C. Type of Soil D. Length of Experiment