1. Introduction to Biology
Figure 1.1
Introduction to Biology
Figure 1.1 What can this beach mouse (Peromyscus polionotus) teach us about biology?

2. Biology is the study of LIFE!

3. Big Ideas in AP Biology
Big Idea 1: The process of evolution drives the diversity and unity of life.

4. Big Ideas in AP Biology
Big Idea 2: Biological systems utilize free energy and molecular building blocks to grow, to reproduce and to maintain dynamic homeostasis.

5. Big Ideas in AP Biology
Big Idea 3: Living systems store, retrieve, transmit and respond to information essential to life processes.

6. Big Ideas in AP Biology
Big Idea 4: Biological systems interact, and these systems and their interactions possess complex properties.

7. What is Science?

8. Inquiry is at the heart of science.
What is Science?
Science = Latin “to know”
Inquiry is at the heart of science.
Inquiry: search for information and explanation
Two main processes:
Discovery science
Hypothesis-based science

9. Discovery Science
Describes nature through observation and analysis of data
Data = recorded observations
Qualitative and quantitative
Inductive reasoning: derive generalizations based on specific observations

10. Hypothesis-Based Science
Hypothesis: makes predictions that can be tested by recording more observations or experiments
AP Biology: “If … , then … because…”
Results can either support or refute the hypothesis
Not “My hypothesis is correct”

11. Science Practices
Use representations and models to communicate and solve problems
Use mathematics appropriately
Pose scientific questions to extend thinking or guide investigations
Plan and implement data collection
Analyze data and evaluate evidence
Work with scientific explanations and theories
Connect and relate knowledge across scales and domains

13. YouTube Video: My Dad’s an Alien
What is her claim, evidence and reasoning?

15. How are experiments related to scientific explanations?

16. Experiments / Investigations
Hypothesis (If…, then...because...)
Use control and experimental groups
Experimental Design:
Independent variable (IV)
Dependent variable (DV)
Control
Constants
# Trials
Record observations and data

17. Experiments / Investigations
Develop explanation for phenomena based on scientific evidence (data)
Claim: statement about results of investigation (can support or refute hypothesis)
Evidence: scientific data from the lab investigation, previous experiments, published literature, models, etc.
Reasoning: ties together claim and evidence; includes scientific principles

18. Model of the Scientific Process

23. Theories in Science Broader in scope than a hypothesis
Generates new hypotheses
Supported by a large body of evidence
Can be modified or rejected with new research evidence
Examples:
Theory of evolution by natural selection
Theory of gravity
Theory of plate techtonics

24. CER Practice
Tracking Global Changes in Forest Cover Practice