1. The Science of
Biology?

2. What is the Scientific Method?
A series of steps used to solve problems
Steps in the Scientific Method
1. Identify the problem
2. State the Hypothesis
3. Design an experiment
4. Conduct Experiment/Record data
5. Draw conclusions
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3. Identify the problem
Take notice of events that are occurring (problem)
Pose the problem as a question
2. Form a Hypothesis
a. Hypothesis: a scientific explanation that can be tested
3. Design and Experiment
Experiments must be:
- measureable…uses the metric system
- observable…can you view the experiment?
- objective—no biases
- bias: no influence or prejudice
- repeatable…can you perform it again?

4. b. independent variable: the one and only variable or factor purposely changed or manipulated during the experiment
c. dependent variable: data collected that is affected by the independent variable
d. constants: all other factors that stay the same during the experiment
e. control experiment: what happens under natural conditions (does not have an independent variable)

5. 4. Collect and Analyze Data
a. data: information collected from the experiment
b. quantitative data: numeric data
c. qualitative data: descriptions and characteristics that cannot be counted
5. Drawing Conclusions
a. data points to supporting, refuting, or revising the original hypothesis

6. Can All Experiments be Performed?
Not all experiments can be performed based on ethics (what is right or wrong)
Example: Cancer
You CANNOT perform research on human beings
They would test people who have already been exposed

7. Studying Life Biology is the study of life and living organisms
Characteristics of Living Things
Made up of cells
unicellular vs. multicellular
Based on a universal genetic code
DNA
Grow and Develop
Cells become more specialized for particular functions
Respond to their environment
Stimulus
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8. e. Reproduce Sexual vs. Asexual
f. Maintain a stable internal environment
Homeostasis
g. Obtain and use material and energy
metabolism
h. Evolution
Organisms should be able to evolve and become more suited to their environment
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9. Formal Lab Write Up Title a. What is the lab about?
b. Example: Pinto Bean Growth
2. Purpose
a. Tell the purpose of the lab in complete sentences. Tell research you have found on the topic. Explain your hypothesis and why you chose the hypothesis or reasoning behind it.
3. Materials
a. list exact materials used in columns. (use lab sheet to help)
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10. 4. Procedures a. 1. List step by step instructions
2. They must be numbered
3. They must be complete or specific
4. Must be in complete sentences
5. Data
a. Any data tables, charts, or graphs
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11. 6. Conclusion
a. Paragraph 1: Explain if your hypothesis was right or wrong. Never say I was right or I was wrong, but say The experiment… (complete sentences)
b. Paragraph 2: Tell 2 possible sources of error. Do one at a time and tell how each one could have affected your results (complete sentences)
c. Paragraph 3: Describe an extension for this lab or describe a new independent variable you could test for…briefly describe how to carry it out
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