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+ Learning Goals #1-5 1. List and describe the steps of the scientific method. 2. Describe why a good hypothesis isn’t a simple guess 3. What are the 2 main parts of a good experiment 4. How do scientists study subjects in which experiments aren’t possible 5. Explain the importance of curiosity & imagination in science
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+
Tools of Env. Science
Scientific Method
+Key Vocabulary
observation hypothesis prediction experiment data correlation probability statistics statistical models and types different values
+Learning Goals #1-5
1. List and describe the steps of the scientific method. 2. Describe why a good hypothesis isn’t a simple guess 3. What are the 2 main parts of a good experiment 4. How do scientists study subjects in which
experiments aren’t possible 5. Explain the importance of curiosity & imagination in
science
+Learning Goals #6-10
6. How do scientists use statistics 7.Why is the size of a statistical sample important? 8.Describe 3 types of models that are used by scientists 9.What is the relationship between probability and risk 10.What’s the importance of conceptual and
mathematical models
+1.Steps of the Scientific Method
also known as the scientific process, experimental method, scientific inquiry
1. make an observation 2.forming a hypothesis 3.designing and performing an experiment 4.collecting and analyzing data 5. draw a conclusion 6. repeat **a good hypothesis must be testable and make sense base
on prior knowledge**
+3. 2 main parts of a scientific experiment experiments should show cause and effect
relationships, therefore good experiments should have these 2 things:
a single variable-factor being tested, considered the experimental group
a control- group that doesn't receive treatment
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+4. How do scientists study subjects when experiments aren't possible? Finding the answers to some questions is impossible. Therefore scientists test predictions using correlations
(see example in book pg. 35) **Correlations do not necessarily prove relationships
between variables, it just gives more certainty to whatever is being observed
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+Characteristics of a good scientist curious, skeptical, open, honest, imaginative, & creative 5. Why are curiosity and imagination important in
science? scientists are able to notice and see patterns that others
may not be able to AND expand knowledge as a whole
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+6. How are statistics used in science? statistics (aka "stats")- the collection and organizing
data in the form of numbers and includes a lot of math! helps organize and interpret data use stats to summarize, characterize, analyze, and
compare data stats include the following terms: mean=average of something distribution=what the population looks like probability=the likelihood that something will happen sample=group of individuals or events that represents
the population
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+7. Why is the size of a sample important? The bigger the sample size, the more accurate the
results will be. The smaller the sample size the less reliable the results
will be ( see example pg. 40) Can you think of other examples of a "bad" sample size?
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+Types of Models used by scientists... Models are representations of objects or systems There are physical, graphical, conceptual, and
mathematical models
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+
Physical Models
3 dimensional models that can be held
they closely resemble the object they represent
+
Graphical Models
include maps and charts illustrates things relative to -location (maps) -positions (stars) -amounts (tree coverage) -depths (rivers, lakes)
+
Conceptual Models
a verbal or graphical representation showing how a system works or is organized
includes diagrams, verbal descriptions, or drawings
example: flow chart
+
Mathematical Models
one or more equations that represents how a system works in numbers and equations
can represent many common situations
helpful when there's several variables in effect, i.e. weather
can include error, after all people are the ones who develop the models
+
Decision-making model
a conceptual model that provides a systematic process for making decisions
+9. What is the relationship between probability & risk? Probability is the chance that something will happen. Risk is the probability of something unwanted
happening.
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+10. Why are conceptual and mathematical models important. One can make predictions more accurately because
they represent ideas more precisely
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+
Value = principles we consider important; 9 types
aesthetic-what is beautiful or pleasing
economic-gain or loss of $ or jobs environmental-protection of natural
resources educational-growth and sharing of
knowledge ethical/moral- what is right and
wrong health-keeping up human health recreational- human leisure activities scientific-understanding the natural
world social/cultural-maintain acne of
communities and their values & traditions