Biology The Living Environment

Mr. Mac

What is Biology/Life Science?

What is Biology/Life Science?

The study of all living things

Ex. You, your pet rat, a tree, a mushroom

Living things both large and small

Scientists Study Biology Through….

Observation Critical thinking Experimentation Evaluation Analysis Patience

Scientific Method: Steps to problem solving Universal

Steps to Scientific Method Identifying the problem Observation/ gather informatin Hypothesis Experimentation Analysis Conclusion

Observation

Vs

Inference

Observation

Vs.

Inference

Observation

Vs.

Inference

Step 1 Identify the Problem

Observe something interesting, and wonder…Hmmm

Define the problem Determine what you are researching

Images from http://www.inmagine.com/searchterms/thinking-4.html

Step 2 Gather Information

Gain as much information as possible Through observations

senses

1. sight

2. sound

3. taste

4. touch

5. Smell

                          

 

Step 3 Hypothesis

An “educated guess” about the problem, or better, a TESTABLE explanation.

Always written as an “if…then” statement Ex.

Step 4 Design an Experiment:

To test the hypothesis

Examine all factors that could change in the experiment

Factors to consider during an Experiment Include:

independent variable – the thing in the experiment that causes the change

dependent variable - the thing in the experiment that changes

Control – the thing that remains unchanged or is considered the “normal” part in the experiment

Step 5 Record/Analyze data

Create graphs, charts, and/or tables, that record information collected in the experiment

Form an Inference – type of conclusion based on the collected data

Step 6 State a Conclusion

A written statement that reflects the outcome of the data collected in the experiment

States whether the data agrees (supports) or disagrees (refutes) with the HYPOTHESIS

Does miracle grow really make plants grow faster?

                         

                   

DATA

More ways to represent DATA

Put the following steps of the scientific method in the correct order

a. Make a conclusion

b. Pick your topic

c.  Conduct your experiment

d.  Make your hypothesis

e. Analyze your data  

f. Research your topic

An experiment is being done to determine how light affects the growth small zinnia plants. One plant is placed in full sunlight, the second in a shaded area, the third in an unlit closet. What is the independent variable in the experiment?

A. Type of plant B. Amount of SunlightC. Type of SoilD. Length of Experiment