1. Chapter 2
What is
Science

2. How do birds fly? How is gold made? Why is it so hot today?
What is Science?
Science is a way we look at the natural world.
Science is about asking Questions, it’s about the way you think and see the world
Why? How? What? When?
How do birds fly? How is gold made? Why is it so hot today?
All scientists have something in common, they use the scientific
method to gather information.

3. Observing and Questioning
Observations are made directly with our senses.
Quantitative observations – can be expressed with numbers.
Qualitative observations – cannot be expressed with numbers, quality.
- Scientists make observations with the
help of tools or instruments.

4. Qualitative observations Quantitative observations
Deals with descriptions.
Data can be observed but not measured.
Colors, textures, smells, tastes, appearance, beauty, etc.
Qualitative → Quality
Deals with numbers.
Data which can be measured.
Length, height, area, volume, weight, speed, time, temperature, humidity, sound levels, cost, members, ages, etc.
Quantitative → Quantity 
Creamy appearance
Smells sweet
White
Rich taste
3 Gallons
serving temperature 10º F.
Serving size 4 oz.
cost per scoop $2.00

5. Qualitative data:
blue/green color, gold frame
smells old and musty
texture shows brush strokes of oil paint
peaceful scene of the country
masterful brush strokes
Quantitative data:
picture is 10" by 14"
with frame 14" by 18"
weighs 8.5 pounds
surface area of painting is 140 sq. in.
cost $300

6. Research
Researching
- Research helps scientists learn what work has been
done on a particular topic already.
- Provides additional information.

7. Hypothesis . Develop a Hypothesis
- Hypothesis – is a possible explanation for a set of
observations.
- It is not a wild guess!
- It must be based on observations.
- Inferring – is explaining or interpreting the things
you observe based on reasoning from what you already know.
- It is a prediction – making a forecast of what will happen in the future based on past experience or evidence.
- It must be testable!!!!!
- “If” “Then” statement

8. Designing an Experiment
Variable – is any factor that affects the outcome of an experiment.
- An experiment tests 1 and only 1 variable at
a time.
- 2 kinds of variables exist.
Independent variable is the variable you change.
- Also known as manipulated variable.
Dependent variable what you are measuring.
- Also known as the responding variable.
Operational definition – is a statement that describes how to measure a particular variable or define a particular term.

9. Experimental and Control Group
Groups
- Control Group: without independent variable.
- Experimental Group: gets everything the control group gets but with independent variable.

11. 2.2 Skills and Methods Collecting, Organizing, and Analyzing Data
- Collecting is record keeping.
- Organizing – Put information into tables,
charts, graphs, models (representation of a complex process), etc.
- Interpret and communicate the work to others
- To check the work of other scientists!

12. Graphing
A graph is a useful tool that may help scientist interpret data by revealing unexpected patterns.
Line graph – shows how the responding or dependent variable changes in response to the manipulated or independent variable.
The horizontal axis – runs left to right.
The vertical axis – runs up and down.
Includes a line of best fit – this shows the overall trend of data.
If a graph shows no identifiable trend then there is no relationship between the variables

13. C B A

14. Graphing
Bar graph – is used to compare a set of measurements, amounts or changes.

15. Graphing Percentage of the whole.
A circle graph or pie chart is a divided circle that shows how a part or share of something relates to the whole.
Percentage of the whole.

16. Interpreting and Analyzing numbers
Estimate – is an approximation of a number, it is not guessing. Based on known information
Scientists must sometimes rely on estimates when they cannot obtain exact numbers.
How would you estimate the number of students in this school?
Why is it not guessing?

17. Scientific Theories
A Scientific Theory is a well tested explanation for a set of observations or experimented results.
Tested many times.
Can predict future events.
Theories are never fully proven.
Scientist might reject a scientific theory if new evidence contradicts it.

18. Scientific Method
Scientific Method is a step-by-step organized plan for answering questions and solving problems.
Everyone uses the scientific method! Non-science careers use materials and processes that follow scientific principles.
Most scientific investigations today span the different fields of science.

19. Scientific Method 1. Make Observation and Ask Question
2. Conduct Research
3. Develop Hypothesis
4. Experiment (include variables)
5. Collect and Analyze Data ,Communicate Results

20. 2.3 Environmental Science
Everything that surrounds us is the environment.
Draws from all types of science
Biotic factors
Abiotic factors
All living parts of the environment
All non-living parts of the environment
* Must be alive
*Non living (even if they were once living)