Chapter One The Science of Biology Section 1-1 “What is Science” Section 1-2 “How Scientists Work” Section 1-3 “Studying Life” Section 1-4 “Tools and Procedures”

1-1 What is Science? Science has several features that make it different from other human studies 1. it only deals with the natural world 2. scientists collect & organize info. in a careful, orderly way, looking for patterns & connections. 3. scientists propose explanations that can be tested by examining evidence.

Goal of Science To investigate & understand the natural world To explain events in the natural world To use those explanations to make useful predictions

Thinking Like a Scientist …1 Scientific thinking usually begins with OBSERVATIONS – the process of gathering info. about events or processes in a careful, orderly way. Generally you use your 5 senses to observe. What are your 5 senses?

Thinking Like a Scientist …2 The info you gather from observations is called DATA. Two Types of DATA: 1. Quantitative – expressed in numbers, obtained by counting or measuring. 2. Qualitative – description of characteristics that can not be counted or measured.

Thinking Like a Scientist ….3 Scientists can use DATA to make INFERENCES a logical interpretation based on prior knowledge or experience. Observation vs. Inference Activity

Observation vs. Inference Section 1-1 Statement Observation Inference Object A is round and orange. X Object A is a basketball. Object C is round and black and white. Object C is larger than Object B. Object B is smooth. Object B is a table-tennis ball. Each object is used in a different sport. Go to Section:

Explaining and Interpreting Evidence Scientists try to explain events in the natural world by interpreting evidence logically & analytically. After observations, scientists will propose one or more HYPOTHESES. A proposed scientific explanation for a set of observations.

Forming a Hypothesis…1 Scientists use the following to form a HYPOTHESIS: Prior Knowledge Logical Inference Informed, creative Imagination

Forming a Hypothesis …2 Scientific Hypothesis must be formed in a way that enables them to be TESTED. Ways of Testing Hypotheses: Controlled Experiments Gathering more Data Some will be ruled out & others will be supported and confirmed.

Science as a Way of Knowing Science contains many facts, but it is NOT a set of truths that never change! Science is an ONGOING PROCESS of: Asking questions Observing Making inferences and Testing hypotheses

Science is Always Changing !!! Results from new tools, techniques, and discoveries. Continues to change because of the gaining of better understanding. So … Concepts you learn in this book may be absolute in years to come

What Makes a Good Scientist ? 1. Must be a SKEPTIC. What’s that? A person who questions both existing ideas & new hypotheses 2. Opened-minded 3. Know that despite the power of science, IT HAS DEFINITE LIMITS !!

Scientific Way of Knowing… Includes the view that the whole physical universe is a SYSTEM, made of many smaller systems A collection of parts & processes that interact Basic laws govern all events & objects Biologists focus on living systems, from invisibly small to planet Earth.

Science and Human Values Contributes info about health & disease Evaluates relationships between us & the living & nonliving environment Understanding science & the scientific approach is essential in making intellectual choices and decisions that affect our society Scientists make recommendations You and me make the decisions on laws and regulations that affect our health & well being

Homework #1 Making a Table - Senses Observations Inference Vision Wet car It rained Hearing Smell Taste Touch

Homework #2 Study vocabulary words Science Observation Data Inference Hypothesis Qualitative Quantitative