1. Introduction to Science

2. Vocabulary science theory observation bias hypothesis stimulus
controlled experiment homeostasis
control group
data
independent variable
dependent variable
microscope

3. Learning Target
I can discuss the fundamental assumptions of science by:
Defining science.
Interpreting the goals of science.
Explaining the steps involved to think like a scientist.

4. What is Science?
Science is a way to learn about the world in an organized process using evidence.
It is also the body of knowledge built up after years and years of using this process.

5. What are the goals of science?
To investigate
To understand AND
To explain how things work in the natural world
To use our explanations to make useful predictions

6. How do we think like scientists?
We begin with an observation.
We then collect data.
Quantitative data is collecting numerical evidence
Qualitative data is collecting descriptive evidence
We then make inferences.
An inference is a logical interpretation of data based on our experiences.

7. Explaining and Interpreting Data
After making observations, we develop a hypothesis
A hypothesis
Must be testable
May be incorrect
May need to be revised

8. Points to Ponder . . .
How are quantitative and qualitative similar and different?
Can you give an example of each?
Make up your own question about the goals of science (and answer it).

9. Learning Target
I can discuss the fundamental assumptions of science by:
Defining science.
Interpreting the goals of science.
Explaining the steps involved to think like a scientist.

10. Learning Targets
I can design and conduct investigations appropriately using essential processes of scientific inquiry.
I can collect, organize and analyze data accurately and precisely.

11. Scientific Method Steps
Asking a question
Forming a hypothesis
Setting up a controlled experiment
Recording and analyzing results
Drawing a conclusion

12. Asking a Question Problem Observation If it ain’t broke . . . .
What’s not working… Can we fix it?
Observation
Uses any and all of the five senses
Gathering information about a question or a problem

13. Forming a Hypothesis Hypothesis A testable explanation
A solution to a problem
An answer to a question
Can be an “if; then” statement

14. Setting up an experiment
What kind of data will I collect? Qualitative or quantative?
What can I control?
What are my variables?
Variables are the factors in an experiment that are or can be changed.
Equipment used, material used, amount of material, temperature, light, water, time

15. Setting up an experiment
Independent variable or manipulated variable
Dependent variable or responding variable
Why is it important to control as many variables as possible?

16. Recording and Analyzing Results
Scientists keep written records of their observations and data.
Writing about observations
Writing about the numbers
Drawings
Graphs
Tables

17. Drawing a Conclusion Was my hypothesis correct or not?
Can my hypothesis be revised and retested?
Is there a pattern in my results?

18. Theory
A hypothesis that has been well supported by many experiments over and over again.

19. Learning Targets:
I can design and conduct investigations appropriately using essential processes of scientific inquiry.
I can collect, organize and analyze data accurately and precisely.

20. Points to Ponder . . .
Differentiate between a control group and an experimental group
Differentiate between an independent variable and a dependent variable

21. Learning Targets
I can safely use laboratory equipment and techniques when conducting scientific investigations.
I can identify the parts and appropriately use a compound light microscope.

22. Microscopes Devices that produce magnified images Several types
Compound Light
Electron

23. Compound Light Microscopes
Most common
Can produce a clear image up to 1000X
Allows light to pass through the object
Uses two lenses to produce the image

24. Compound Light Microscope

25. Electron Microscopes Transmission electron microscopes (TEM)
Scanning electron microscopes (SEM)
SEM scan a narrow beam of electrons back and forth across the surface of a specimen
TEM shine a beam of electrons through a thin specimen

26. Points to Ponder . . .
How is the total magnification of a microscope determined?

27. Learning Targets
I can safely use laboratory equipment and techniques when conducting scientific investigations.
I can identify the parts and appropriately use a compound light microscope.