1. Introduction to Science/Biology
Scientific Method Laboratory Report Format Metric System Themes of Biology Characteristics of Life

2. Scientific Method

3. Steps of the Scientific Method
1. Observation → Problem 2. Research (books, journal articles, internet, etc.) 3. Hypothesis- a possible explanation to a problem that can be tested experimentally 4. Prediction

4. Steps of the Scientific Method
5. Experimentation
A controlled experiment is based on a comparison of a control group with an experimental group.
The control group and the experimental group are designed to be identical except for one factor.
This factor is called the independent variable (manipulated variable).
The dependent variable is the responding variable.

5. Steps of the Scientific Method
6. Recording and Analyzing Data 7. Conclusion 8. Repetition- run the same experiment using the same materials and methods 9. Theory- most probable explanation for a set of data, based on the best available evidence

6. Correlation vs. Causation
Correlation: a relationship in which two or more things are mutual or complementary
Causation: the fact that something causes an effect, or the action of causing an effect
CORRELATION  CAUSATION

7. Important Vocabulary
Controlled Variables: variables that must be controlled or they will have significant effects on the outcome of the experiment
Level of Treatment: the value set for the independent variable
Method of Replication: the manner in which the experiment is repeated

8. Controlled Experiments
Plant C
Plant B
Control
Plant A
Brand X
Experimental Groups

9. Controlled Experiments
Plant A
Plant B
Plant C
Experimental Groups
Brand X
Independent Variable: Type of Fertilizer
Dependent Variables: height, weight, # leaves, #stems, color, etc.
Controlled Variables: sunlight, temperature, humidity, amount of soil, soil pH, # seeds, type of seeds, pot size, etc.

10. Controlled Experiments
Plant A
Plant B
Plant C
Experimental Groups
Brand X
Level of Treatment: 25 g fertilizer/30 days
Method of Replication: Repeat 4 more times using same materials and methods

11. Laboratory Report Format

12. Laboratory Report Format
I. Problem
Usually in the form of a question
II. Hypothesis
Usually in the form of an “If… then…” statement
III. Materials
All materials must be listed (use two or more columns to save space).

13. Laboratory Report Format
IV. Procedure
The procedure is written/typed as a list of steps. Each step is an individual action. Steps are never combined.
V. Results - Label with Figure #
Data (entered into tables and charts)
Appropriate Graphs (line, bar, scatter, etc.)
Drawings and Diagrams
Photographs
Observations

14. Laboratory Report Format
VI. Conclusions
Summary of the Laboratory
Analysis of Data
Discussion of Error (experimental error, equipment failure, human error, etc.)
VII. Questions (if applicable)
Answers to questions are numbered and in complete sentences.

15. Metric System

16. Metric System Conversions
Move
decimal
point
to left
kilo-
Move
decimal
point
to right
hecta-
deca-
Basic Unit (g, m, L)
deci-
centi-
milli-

17. Example #1 Convert 25 mg to kg 25.0 6 5 4
Basic Unit (g, m, L)
deca-
hecta-
kilo-
deci-
centi-
milli- 6 5 4
Move decimal to the left 6 spaces kg 3 2 1

18. Example #2 Convert 0.5 km to cm 0.5 1 2 3
Basic Unit (g, m, L)
deca-
hecta-
kilo-
deci-
centi-
milli- 1 2 3
Move decimal to the right 5 spaces
50,000 cm 4 5

19. Example #3 Convert 500 mL to L 500.0 Move decimal to the left 3 spaces
Basic Unit (g, m, L)
deca-
hecta-
kilo-
deci-
centi-
milli-
Move decimal to the left 3 spaces
0.5 L 3 2 1

20. Themes of Biology

21. Biology
Biology: the science of living organisms and the interactions among them

22. Seven Major Themes of Biology
Evolution
Evolution: the theory that species change over time
Scientists suggest that evolution occurs by a process called natural selection.
Organisms that have certain inheritable traits (adaptations) are better able to survive in specific environments than organisms that lack those traits.

23. Seven Major Themes of Biology
Reproduction and Inheritance
Reproduction: asexual (no exchange of genetic information between organisms) or sexual (genetic information is exchanged between organisms)
Inheritance: the acquisition of traits by offspring

24. Seven Major Themes of Biology
Development
Development: the process by which an organism grows
Unicellular vs. Multicellular Development

25. Seven Major Themes of Biology
Structure and Function
Morphology: the internal and external appearance of an organism
Anatomy = Internal Morphology
STRUCTURE DETERMINES FUNCTION

26. Seven Major Themes of Biology
Energy Relationships
All organisms use energy
Autotrophs vs. Heterotrophs

27. Seven Major Themes of Biology
Ecology
Ecology: the study of the relationship between organisms and their environments
Interdependence

28. Seven Major Themes of Biology
Science and Society
Knowledge from biological science can be applied to specific problems in society to improve human life.
How biological knowledge should be used involves decisions based on ethics (bioethics)

29. Characteristics of Life

30. Seven Characteristics of Life
Cells: all living things are composed of cells
Organization: all organisms are organized at both molecular and cellular levels
atoms → molecules → organelles → cells → tissues → organs → organ systems → organisms

31. Seven Characteristics of Life
Metabolism: all organisms use energy for growth and maintenance
Response to the Environment: a response is a reaction to a stimulus
Growth: all living things grow, growth occurs through cell division and cell enlargement

32. Seven Characteristics of Life
Reproduction: all organisms have the ability to reproduce, reproduction is necessary for the continuity of life
Adaptation: organisms have adaptations that give them an advantage in an environment