1. 1.1 The Scientific Method A question or observation
Research to create a hypothesis (testable!)
Experiment/Data collection
Analyze data and hypothesis
Use tables and graphs!
Report conclusion for peer review
Peer review = process where experimental procedures and the results are evaluated by others
Be safe and ethical in the process!

2. Overview

3. What is an observation? What is an inference?
Being aware of something using your five senses
Describe something as it appears: a fact
What is an inference?
A decision based on observations, which cannot itself be directly observed
Ex. if you observe dark clouds in the sky, humid air, and puddles on the ground, you might infer that it has recently rained.

4. Observation Types
Qualitative vs. Quantitative Some things can’t be observed using your senses (i.e.: radiation and cells) Solution? Technology (like Microscopes!)

5. Observation vs Inference
List 3 Observations
List 3 Inferences

6. Observation vs Inference
List 3 Observations
Brown stacked objects
Multi-colored rabbit
2 ears, etc.
List 3 Inferences
Rabbits has been trained
Items stacked are cookies
Rabbit is on a bed

7. 1.2 Experimental Design
Control: comparative group Experimental group: tested group Independent variable: altered factor Dependent variable: measured factor Constant: unchanged factor(s)

8. Step 3: Form a Hypothesis
Write the hypothesis in an If-Then statement
ex: If the amount of fertilizer is increased, then the height of the plant will increase.
The “if” is the IV
The “then” is the DV

9. Data Types Data can be numeric = quantitative
Data can be descriptive = qualitative
Scientists type to be quantitative to remove bias
Ex. bubbles created are large or small (qualitative)
vs. measure bubble size in centimeters (quantitative)

10. Types of variables: Independent – ONE variable altered by scientist
ex. Coffee drank/day: 1 cup, 2 cups or 3 cups
Dependent – effect measured by scientist
ex. Amount of sleep at night in hours after drinking the coffee
Constants (controlled) – all other variables should be kept the same so any DV changes are due to the IV

11. Independent Variable
Dependent
Variable
Also Known As:
Manipulated Variable
Responding Variable
Results:
Cause
Effect
On a graph:
X axis
Y axis
Experimenter
Changes or controls
Measures

12. Now You Try:
If you spend more time studying, then your grade will improve.
Independent Variable =
Dependent Variable =
If the temperature of the room is increased, then the bacteria will grow faster.

13. Control Groups Represent a group left unchanged for comparison
I have a drug that makes you live 4 years on average from a heart attack
What do you need to know before you take that drug?
How long do people not given the drug live on average after a heart attack
No drug = group left unchanged
Could be a plant in normal sunlight, people not on a diet, etc.
A Control group provides a critical comparison

14. Analyze and represent data

15. Organize your data Store observations in a data table Independent
Variable
__________(unit)
Levels
Dependent Variable _______________ (unit)
Trial Trail Trail mean range

16. Organize your data Make the data table into a graph
GRAPHS make it EASIER to see patterns in the data!

17. Step 6: Organize your data
DRY MIX
Dependent Variable = Responding Variable = Y axis
Manipulated Variable = Independent Variable = X axis

18. Y Axis (Dependent Variable) X Axis (Independent Variable)
Parts of a graph
Y Axis (Dependent Variable)
X Axis (Independent Variable)

19. Graphing: DRY MIX
Dependent Variable
Independent Variable

20. 1.3 What is Science?
Objective way of viewing/interacting with the world
Self-correcting and collaborative (peer review)
Questioning (known, unknown, each other)
Looking for, and trying to solve problems

21. Scientific Theory Explains natural phenomenon
Supported by many observations/experiments
Not a hypothesis
Can be modified or discarded by NEW info
Ex. Gravity, cells
Note: Scientific Law is observation (things always fall) not an explanation

22. Example Scientific Theories
Evolution – Groups change over time due to environmental selective pressures. Cell – Cells are the basic unit of life, structure, and organization. Cells come from other cells. Germ –Microbes like bacteria, viruses, and fungus travel between organisms and cause disease

23. 1.4 Biology Study LIFE Solve biological problems
Interactions, structures, functions …
Solve biological problems
Agriculture, disease, conservation …

24. So what is life?
We decide Scientific consensus rules

25. Life Traits I 1+ cells Complex Chemistry Grow/develop
The cell is the basic unit of life
Complex Chemistry
Organized (molecules->cells->etc), Uses energy, Genetics
Grow/develop
Increase cell size and/or increase cell number

26. Life Traits II Respond to the environment Reproduce Homeostasis
Able to process and react to internal/external stimuli
Reproduce
Species = group of organisms that can interbreed to get fertile offspring, allows for evolution
Homeostasis
Regulate internal conditions Ex: too hot = ?

27. 1.5 Principles of Biology Cell Theory Gene Theory
Cells are the basic unit of life (simple and complex)
Gene Theory
DNA in cells carries info that determines your traits and can be passed on to your offspring

28. Principles of Biology 3-4
Homeostasis
Life must maintain balance/stability, and has mechanisms to help it do so (within reason).
Evolution
Natural selection means individuals with beneficial genes live/reproduce more, making those genes/traits more common over time.

29. What not to do in Biology
Assume organisms are identical or perfect Assume what works now works always Assume you or anyone else knows everything Assume nature is friendly, noble, peaceful, or fair