1. KEY CONCEPT Science is a way of thinking, questioning, and gathering evidence.

2. Like all science, biology is a process of inquiry.
Scientists make observations and examine prior research.
Scientists ask questions and form hypotheses to answer them.
Scientists test their hypotheses and collect data.
Scientists analyze data to find patterns or connections.
Scientists draw conclusions about their hypotheses based on the data.

3. Biologists use experiments to test hypotheses.
Observational research allow scientists to describe a phenomenon.

4. Experimental research allows scientists to determine what causes a phenomenon.

5. Experiments try to determine cause and effect.
Independent variables are manipulated (the cause).
Dependent variables are observed and measured (the effect).
Constants are conditions that are kept the same.

6. A theory explains a wide range of observations.
Theories explain a wide range of observations and experimental results.
A theory is supported by a wide range of scientific evidence.
Theories can change based on new evidence.