1. Science of Biology Notes Photo courtesy of Ms. Furtwangler

2. First of all, what is science?  Draw a vertical line on your paper, and label the two sides as “science” and “not science”  Brainstorm a few examples of specific academic disciplines on each side (besides the normal broad high school classes like English, Math, Science, Social Studies) (besides the normal broad high school classes like English, Math, Science, Social Studies)  Take a minute

3. What is Science? (1-1) The root ­sci- means “to know”. Science is one way of investigating the world in which we live. Science strives to: explore and understand the natural world, explore and understand the natural world, explain events in the natural world, and explain events in the natural world, and use those explanations to make useful predictions. use those explanations to make useful predictions. Are some things unpredictable?Are some things unpredictable?

4. Things that are not science include things like…  Art  Religion  Literature  Opinion

5. Is science better than these things?  No! it is simply another way of exploring the world in which we live  Science can only concern itself with testable things and\or observable things http://www.ohsu.edu/research/rda/funding/images/scientist.jpg http://www.isleroyalewolf.org/LMV_telemetry_1.JPG

6. Is scientific knowledge a set truth?  No! In our scientific explanations, we explain how things work using the knowledge we have to explain natural phenomena In our scientific explanations, we explain how things work using the knowledge we have to explain natural phenomena When our knowledge base changes, our explanation may change When our knowledge base changes, our explanation may change

7. What is Science? (1-1) Scientists use observations (process of gathering information by using your five senses) to gather data. They also use known data to make inferences (a logical interpretation of the data based on past experiences). Practice…

8. 1. _____ There are 2 doors. 2. _____ The people are fighting because someone ate their cookies. 3. _____ One door is closed. 4. _____ They are hitting each other hard. 5. _____ Glass is broken. Determine in the picture if it is an observation (O) or an inference (I) O O O I I

9. What do scientists do?  BASIC SKILLS:  1. Observing- Noting the properties of objects and situations using the five senses  2. Classifying- Relating objects and events according to their properties or attributes (Involves classifying places, objects, ideas, or events into categories based on their similarities.)  3. Space/Time Relations- Visualizing and manipulating objects and events, dealing with shapes, time, distance, and speed

10. What do scientists do?  BASIC SKILLS:  4. Using numbers- Using quantitative relationships, e.g. scientific notation, error, significant numbers, precision, ratios, and proportions  5. Measuring- Expressing the amount of an object or substance in quantitative terms, such as meters, liters, grams, newtons, etc.  6. Inferring- Giving an explanation for a particular object or event  7. Predicting- Forecasting a future occurrence based on past observations or the extension of data

11. What do scientists do?  INTEGRATED SKILLS  8. Defining Operationally- Developing statements that present a concrete description of an object or event by telling one what to do or observe.  9. Formulating models- Constructing images, objects, or mathematical formulas to explain ideas  10.Controlling variables- Manipulating and controlling properties that relate to simulations or events for the purpose of determining causation in experimental research design

12. What do scientists do?  INTEGRATED SKILLS  11. Interpreting Data- Arriving at explanations, inferences, or hypotheses from data that have been graphed or placed in a table (this frequently involves concepts such as mean, mode, median, range, frequency, distribution, chi-square test, t test)  12.Hypothesizing- Stating a tentative generalization of observations or inferences that may be used to explain a relatively larger number of events but that is subject to immediate or eventual testing by one or more experiments in experimental research design  13.Experimenting- Testing a hypothesis through the manipulation and control of independent variables and noting the effects on a dependent variable; interpreting and presenting results in the form of a report that others can follow to replicate the experiment using experimental research design

13. How Scientists Work “The” Scientific Method Scientists solve problems, but the method may vary based on the problem The three types of investigations: “The” Scientific Method Scientists solve problems, but the method may vary based on the problem The three types of investigations: Experimental Research DesignExperimental Research Design CorrelationCorrelation Descriptive InvestigationDescriptive Investigation

14. Steps to Experimental Scientific Investigation (The Scientific Method):  1. Observe – make an observation of the world around you. There are two kinds of observations: Qualitative observation – descriptive observation Qualitative observation – descriptive observation Ex: The plant is a dark green.Ex: The plant is a dark green. Quantitative observation – a numerical observation. Quantitative observation – a numerical observation. Ex: The flask contains 12.45 ml. There are 4 pennies.Ex: The flask contains 12.45 ml. There are 4 pennies.  Which kind of observation? Let’s practice!

15. Determine if the statement is qualitative (A) or quantitative (B).  _____ The sky is blue.  _____ There are 4 clouds.  _____ There are 3 hills.  _____ The first hill is small.  _____ The clouds are small.  _____ There are a total of 38 birds. A B B A A B

16.  2. Ask a question – based on your observation, ask a question to investigate.  3. Research - Look in books, journals and the internet to make additional observations and research about the questions you made from your observation.

17.  4. Formulate a hypothesis: - Propose a scientific explanation to the question being observed and researched. The statement must be testable. (“Which is best?” does not lend itself to being tested). At the end of the investigation, you will either accept or reject your hypothesis.

18.  5. Perform a controlled experiment - Develop and use the experimental design to test your hypothesis. Whenever possible, the hypothesis should be tested by an experiment in which only one variable is changed at a time. All other variables should be kept unchanged, or controlled. Testing fertilizers on plant growth? Keep all other factors constant!

19. Variables: Factor being tested Variables: Factor being tested Controlled- Variables that are kept constantControlled- Variables that are kept constant Independent- Variable being manipulated (in a graph found on the x-axis or the horizontal axis)Independent- Variable being manipulated (in a graph found on the x-axis or the horizontal axis) Dependent- Variable that responds (in a graph found on the y-axis or the vertical axis)Dependent- Variable that responds (in a graph found on the y-axis or the vertical axis)

20. A way to remember variables D ependent R esponding Y - axis M anipulated I ndependent X - axis

21.  6. Observe again - Collect data (measurements) and perform analysis on the data using graphs and charts

22.  7. Draw conclusions - State whether or not the evidence supports the hypothesis based on your data and analysis. Please notice that we do not prove hypotheses! Proof exists when the chance for error is 0. There is always some chance for error (no matter how small it is) and this existence of chance error means we cannot prove anything in true, honest, science. Please notice that we do not prove hypotheses! Proof exists when the chance for error is 0. There is always some chance for error (no matter how small it is) and this existence of chance error means we cannot prove anything in true, honest, science.

23.  8. Report back to the community – Experiments’ results can be used by other to help them with their own experiments. This is what keeps science progressing. http://www.fnal.gov/pub/inquiring/physics/discoveries/images/baryon-talkLR.jpg

24. What is the difference between a hypothesis, a theory, and a law?  A hypothesis is a possible explanation for a set of observations. It has not yet been thoroughly tested.

25. What is the difference between a hypothesis, a theory, and a law?  A theory is a well tested explanation that unifies a broad range of observations. A theory explains observations simply and clearly, and predictions can be made from them. It is widely accepted by the scientific community. Theory of Plate Tectonics

26. What is the difference between a hypothesis, a theory, and a law?  A law is a summary of observed natural events: they are less comprehensive than theories and normally are associated with a mathematical expression. It is also widely accepted by the scientific community. Law of Universal Gravitation

27. What is a scientist?  Draw your perception of a scientist in the space below

28. What is a scientist?  Draw your perception of a scientist in the space below

29. Scientists Just your average joes…

30. Charles

31. Charles Cancer Researcher at MD Anderson

32. Megan

33. Megan Field Biologist in southeast Texas

34. Jeff

35. Jeff Wildlife Ecologist, Birder

36. Abeezar

37. Abeezar Pediatrician

38. Tony

39. Tony Physicist in New Zealand

40. Kamran

41. Kamran Doctor, Comedian, Filmmaker

42. Cindy

43. Cindy Environmental Control and Life Support Systems, NASA

44. Studying Life What is Biology? Etymology: “bio” means life, “-ology” means the study of- Characteristics of Living Things: all living things have all eight things in common:

45. Studying Life 1) They are made up of units called cells.

46. 2) Reproduction (sexually or asexually)

47. 3) Has a universal genetic code (DNA or RNA)

48. 4) Grows and develops

49. 5) Responds to the environment http://www.ciadvertising.org/studies/student/99_spring/theory/eileen/mytheo/passion3.gif

50. 6) Obtains and uses materials and energy

51. 7) homeostasis- maintains a stable internal environment

52. 8) Evolution- Groups change over time http://www.ichthus.info/Evolution/PICS/horse-evol.jpg

53. Branches of Biology – Biology is studied at many levels of organization from simple to complex: 1) Molecules – groups of atoms Atoms  Molecules 

54. 2) Cell – smallest functional unit of life

55. 3) Groups of cells – tissues, organs, and organ systems http://68.90.81.6/ScienceTAKS/Integration/Cells_files/image022.jpg

56. 4) Organism – individual living system

57. 5) Population – group of organisms of one type that live in the same area

58. 6) Community – populations that live together in a defined area

59. 7) Ecosystem – community and its nonliving surroundings

60. 8) Biosphere – the part of Earth that contains all ecosystems http://oceancolor.gsfc.nasa.gov/SeaWiFS/ICONS/seawifs_biosphere_icon.jpg

61. Tools and Procedures (1-4) Biologists use metric measurement (the SI system) to gather and interpret data. SI is the universal measurement system.

62. Tools and Procedures (1-4)

63.  The metric system is universal measurement system based on the number 10. The meter is the distance value, the gram is the mass value, and the liter is the volume value. Conversions

64. Conversions  If you want to change a larger unit into a smaller unit, move the decimal point to the right.  If you want to change a smaller unit to a larger unit move the decimal point to the left.  Example problems: Convert 100 g to kg. 100.0 g = Convert 100 g to kg. 100.0 g = 0.0074 kL = ________________ L 0.0074 kL = ________________ L

65. Scientific Notation  to make large or small numbers easier to read  Numbers that are very small (many numbers after the decimal) have negative exponents  Numbers that are very large (many numbers before the decimal) have positive exponents

66. Scientific Notation  The goal is to have a single non-zero number to the left of the decimal (1-9) and the exponent at the end tells you how many decimal places over in which direction you would move to get to the original number. Scientific Notation is really only useful if it will make the number shorter. If the number does not have several zeros in front or behind of the number taking up space, scientific notation will only make the number longer. Keep this in mind when converting.

67. Scientific Notation  Example:  0.0000000001 kg is easier to read as 1.0 x 10 -10 kg  1094600000 cm is easier to read as 1.0946 x 10 9 cm  Practice problems:  1980084600000 g = _____________________  0.00034568 cm = _______________________  14698 g = _____________________________

68. Graphing- how a scientists shows patterns in data collected.  There are several kinds of graphs; not all of them are useful for data communication. Which type of graph is appropriate for which situations? Line graph - compares two things in which items on one axis affect the items on the other axis. If you are comparing anything to time, it is usually a line graph. (Ex. Amount of CO2 in the atmosphere over the last 6 decades) Line graph - compares two things in which items on one axis affect the items on the other axis. If you are comparing anything to time, it is usually a line graph. (Ex. Amount of CO2 in the atmosphere over the last 6 decades)

69. Line Graph

70. Bar graph - compares two or more values. (Ex. Number of students with red hair in each class) Bar graph - compares two or more values. (Ex. Number of students with red hair in each class)

71. Bar Graph

72. Pie Chart- effective in showing proportions or percentages of a whole thing. (Ex. Comparing the percentage vote that each candidate received in the election) Pie Chart- effective in showing proportions or percentages of a whole thing. (Ex. Comparing the percentage vote that each candidate received in the election)

73. Pie Chart

74. Graphing  Always draw lines with a ruler, use pencil, and use map pencils when necessary. Make sure your graph contains all components: Title – tell what you are comparing or displaying (be descriptive). Title – tell what you are comparing or displaying (be descriptive). X-axis – label and give scale. X-axis – label and give scale. Y-axis – label and give scale. Y-axis – label and give scale. Key – give meanings of the symbols and colors used on the graph. Key – give meanings of the symbols and colors used on the graph. Data points – clearly marked, and label them if you do not have grid lines. Data points – clearly marked, and label them if you do not have grid lines.

75. Microscopes  Biologists use microscopes to see living things that are too small for the unaided eye. The two basic categories of microscopes are:

76. 1) Light microscope – produces magnified images by focusing visible light rays. This microscope can be used to magnify up to 1000 times

77. 2) Electron microscope – produce magnified images by focusing beams of electrons. This kind is used to magnify tens and hundreds of thousands of times for extremely small object like a virus. The hair on the leg of a fly (magnified by a factor of 1000) Salt crystals on the antennas of an insect (magnified by a factor of 5000)

78. Other techniques and tools 1. Cell cultures - in order to study cells under a controlled condition, a biologist can take a single cell and place it in a Petri dish with nutrient solution to help the cell regenerate and fill the whole dish. This cell culture can be used to isolate a single kind of cell, or study interactions between cells and chemicals.

79. Other techniques and tools 2. Cell fractionation - in order to study a single part of a cell, the cells can be lysed (burst open) and the broken cells can be added to a liquid and placed in a tube. This tube can be placed in a centrifuge which spins the tubes at high speeds which causes cell parts to settle at different levels based on their density, the densest parts will land on the bottom.

80. Other techniques and tools 3. Autoclave - in order to sterilize tools and kill anything a scientist may have been growing to test, the must kill it with an autoclave. The large steel machine uses heat and pressure to raise the temperature above normal boiling point of water to a temperature in which no bacteria, viruses, or spores can survive.