1. Chapter 1: Introduction to Biology---Measurement, Graphing, and Scientific Method Types of Research
Two main types
Quantitative
Uses controlled experiments
Results are numerical data
Descriptive
Relies on observations of situations out of scientist’s control
Results are descriptions of observations
Often an important tool for wildlife studies

2. Quantitative Research
Data are analyzed by comparing the numerical values
Tables
Graphs
Measurements are made using the International System of Measurement (SI)
Based upon the metric system
Understandable to scientists around the world

3. Effects of Fertilizer on Plant Height
Tables
All tables must include the following
Title
Clearly labeled columns and rows
Labeled units
Data should show relationship between independent and dependent variable
Effects of Fertilizer on Plant Height
Amount of Plant Fertilizer (g) Independent
Height of Plant (cm) Dependent 2 12 6 20 10 4

4. Graphs All graphs must include the following Title
A label for each axis
Labeled units
Legend
Data properly depicted
* Independent on x-axis
* Dependant on y-axis
y-axis
x-axis

5. Graphs What type of graph should I use? Line
For continuous quantitative data
Height of plant over time
Stock market prices over time
Line graph relationships
Direct variation – one variable increases as the other increases (or decreases as the other decreases)
Inverse variation – one variable decreases as the other increases

6. Graphs Bar Pie For non-continuous data (usually in categories)
Number of people who watch each TV show surveyed
Pie
For data that are parts of a whole
Percentage of those polled that chose each TV show

7. International System of Measurement (SI)
Note descriptions on page of your book
Basic units of measurement
Length – meter (m)
Tool – ruler or meter stick
Volume – liter (L)
Tool – graduated cylinder
Mass – gram (g)
Tool – triple-beam balance
Time – second (s)
Tool - stopwatch
Temperature [We will most often use Celsius (°C)]
Tool - thermometer

8. Units of Measurement Metric system – based on 10
kilo (k) – kilometers (km) 1000 meters
hecto (h) – hectometers (hm) 100 meters
deca (da) – decameters (dam) 10 meters
Basic unit (m, L, g) – meter (m) 1 meter
deci (d) – decimeter (dm) 0.1 meter
centi (c) – centimeter (cm) 0.01 meter
milli (m) – millimeter (mm) meter

9. Converting one metric unit to another
k h da Basic unit d c m
(m, L, g)
To convert from one unit to another, move the decimal same direction and number of places the units are from each other
12 kilometers is ?? centimeters
centimeters are 5 places to the right
1,200,000 cm
134 decigrams is ?? hectograms
hectograms are 3 places to the left
0.134 hg

10. Science and Society
Ethics – moral principles and values held by humans
What role do ethics play in scientific research and results?
Can science answer all questions?
Technology – application of scientific research to address society’s needs
Can technology solve all problems?

11. Scientific Investigation vs Technological Design
Scientific Investigation – process followed to determine the relationship between the independent and dependent variable described by the hypothesis
Goal is to answer a question, perhaps advance the knowledge of science
Did using this new fuel help lower pollution?
Technological Design – process followed to design products or processes to meet specific needs
Goal is to create a specific outcome, perhaps advance the standard of living in societies
We have created a lower pollution emitting car

12. Scientific Investigation vs Technological Design
Identifies a problem – asks a question
Identifies a problem or need
Researches related information
Designs an investigation or experiment
Designs a process or a product
Conducts the investigation or experiment – repeated trials
Implements the design or the process – repeated testing
Analyzes the results
Evaluates the conclusion – did the results refute or verify the hypothesis
Evaluates the process or product – did it meet the criteria
Communicates the findings
Communicates the product or process