1. Biology EOC Benchmarks Write the benchmark coding in the upper right hand corner of the first page of your composition book.
SC.912.N.1.1-NATURE OF SCIENCE
Define a problem based on a specific body of knowledge, for example: biology, chemistry, physics, and earth/space science, and do the following:
pose questions about the natural world,
conduct systematic observations,
examine books and other sources of information to see what is already known,
review what is known in light of empirical evidence,
plan investigations,
use tools to gather, analyze, and interpret data (this includes the use of measurement in metric and other systems, and also the generation and interpretation of graphical representations of data, including data tables and graphs),
pose answers, explanations, or descriptions of events,
generate explanations that explicate or describe natural phenomena (inferences),
use appropriate evidence and reasoning to justify these explanations to others,
communicate results of scientific investigations, and
evaluate the merits of the explanations produced by others.
Also assesses SC.912.N.1.6 Describes how scientific inferences are drawn from observations and provide examples from the content being studied.

2. Objectives Students will…..
Recognize the role of creativity in constructing scientific questions, methods and explanations.
Describe and explain what characterizes science and its methods.
Collect, organize, and analyze data sets, determine the best format for the data and present visual summaries for the following:
bar graphs
line graphs
circle graphs
histograms
scatter plots

3. Bellringer: Doing Science
Directions: 1. Read the following probe and answer the questions in complete sentences in your ISN. 2. Vote using Class Flow-go to & select code
The best answer is Marcos’s: I think scientists use different methods depending on their question. Doing science is generally a logical,
systematic process, unlike Antoine’s response, which implies that the approach to science is random rather than methodical. Sometimes
creative, divergent thinking and approaches have led to scientific discovery but they usually involve a systematic approach. Fundamentally,
the various scientific disciplines are alike in their reliance on evidence, the use of hypotheses and theories when appropriate, the kinds of
logic used, and more; however, scientists differ greatly from one another in what phenomena they investigate and in how they go about their
work (AAAS 1988, p. 4). The scientific method correctly implies a methodical approach; however, Tamara’s response implies that there
is one method that includes a definite sequence of steps that all scientists follow. “There simply is no fixed set of steps that scientists always follow,
no one path that leads them unerringly to scientific knowledge” Scientists move back and forth among processes and do not follow a recipe.
Experimentation is a process in which scientists control conditions in order to test their hypotheses. Unlike Avery’s response, not all
scientific investigations involve experiments. An experiment is a type of investigation that involves testing cause-and-effect relationships
between variables—manipulated (independent) and responding (dependent). Astronomy, field studies in nature, and paleontology are some
of the examples of areas of science in which it would be difficult or unfeasible to manipulate and control experimental conditions. In these
types of investigations, scientists rely on a wide range of naturally occurring observations to make inferences about organisms, objects,
events, or processes. For example, the link between smoking and lung cancer was actually established through correlational research designs
as opposed to classic experiments.

4. How are observations different from inferences?
Essential Question
How are observations different from inferences?
Solicit answers from students, but do not give answers yet.

5. What Is Science? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ?

6. Goals of Science Investigate and understand nature
Explain events in nature
Make useful predictions
Never stop questioning

7. All scientific knowledge must be regarded as tentative.
Characteristics of Scientific Explanations
The phenomenon studied must be measurable.
Phenomenon that cannot be measured:
Is this painting beautiful?
Does God exist?
It must be consistent with known natural laws and well-established, well-documented existing theories.
It must be derived objectively from independently confirmable observations.
All scientific knowledge must be regarded as tentative.

8. Definition of Science
An organized way of using evidence to learn about the natural world.
The body of knowledge that scientists have built up after years of testing proposed explanations.

9. Forms of inquiry used to explore life
Biology blends two main processes of scientific investigations:
The inquiry-Based approach which is mostly about describing nature.
The hypothesis-Based approach which is mostly about explaining nature by conducting controlled experiments.
Most scientific approaches combine these two processes.
Scientific Investigations
Inquiry-Based (Discovery)
Inductive Reasoning-Observations & Inferences
Hypothesis-Based
(Controlled Experiments)
Deductive Reasoning-
Cause & Effect
Teacher: Explain that both approaches include collecting data (observations). An example of discovery science is that the sun always rises in the east. You don’t need to set up a controlled experiment to draw this conclusion. Ask students to give you examples of other general conclusions from their personal observations.
Science is empirical. It relies on observation and experience

10. Observations The first step to “doing” science
Involves using one or more of the senses
Sight
Hearing
Touch
Smell
Taste

11. Observations Will raise a question.

12. Observations To gather… Information Evidence Data

13. Inference
Follows an observation
A logical interpretation based on prior knowledge and experience
Uses what you know to figure something out 

14. Inference Observation or Inference? The little dog is old.
The little dog is old.
There is a chair by the dog beds.
The dogs are not allowed in the chair.
The dogs are friends.
The big dog is happy.
The little dog is in a big bed.
The little dog stole the big dog’s bed.
There are two dogs.
There are two dog beds.
The big dog is in the little bed.
The big dog is sleeping.
The little dog is mad.
The little dog is gray.

15. Hypothesis
A tentative statement that proposes a possible explanation to some phenomenon or event
Attempts to explain a set of observations
May arise from logical inferences

16. Hypothesis Is a testable statement which may include a prediction
Uses prior knowledge
Is an educated guess or a trial answer
Is a testable statement which may include a prediction

17. Essential Questions
Why do scientists/researchers need to follow a specified set of steps (method) to investigate natural phenomena?
Is it always “bad science” to change the sequence of steps? Why or why not?
How do scientists test hypotheses?

18.                                          
Importance of Science
Science helps us to understand the world around us and to appreciate it's complexities
It underlies our health, our work, our communications, our entertainment and our transport
It permeates our lives and informs our actions
Science is a way of thinking, fun, dynamic, constantly changing

19.                                          
Importance of Science
Science contributes to our understanding of health and disease and enables medical progress
It shows us our impact on the environment and our world
It empowers us to make technological advancements
As scientific knowledge grows, so does our understanding of the universe

20. What Science Isn’t Scientific knowledge is not the absolute truth
It is based only on available evidence
It is subject to modification in light of new evidence and new ways of thinking
Science is limited to the study of the natural world and cannot study or explain supernatural events

21. A Unique Endeavor
What three things make science different from other human endeavors?
It deals only with the natural world
Scientists collect and organize information in a careful, orderly way, looking for patterns and connections between events
Scientists propose explanations that can be tested by examining evidence

22. A Good Scientist: What qualities make for a good scientist? Curious
Honest
Open minded
Persistent
Skeptical
Patient and careful
Recognize limitations of science
Believe in cause and effect
Concern for mankind

23. Scientist all over the world follow a series of steps called A Scientific Method.
These steps are used to investigate natural occurrences by finding cause and effect. They design controlled experiments to test their premises.
Following these steps, insures that all scientists can share results and learn from each other.
Ask for a student volunteer to read the bullets on the slide and comment on its meaning (Three minutes.) Ask students what is a premise. After getting their input, explain that a premise is the same as a prediction or a pre-hypothesis.

24. Controlled experiments test one variable at a time
With your partner answer the following questions:
What would be a valid observation for this scenario?
What is a good problem statement?
Are the hypotheses testable? Give an example of a non-testable hypothesis.
How is the girl testing one variable at a time? And why?
What conclusion can you draw from the experiment?
Observation: The flashlight does not work; Problem statement: Why doesn’t the flashlight work?; Non-testable hypothesis: ghosts are keeping it from working. The girl tests the light bulb and the batteries separately. If she test both at the same time, she would not know which hypothesis was correct.
What is wrong with the flashlight?

25. SMSH Lab Report Format
You must follow the school lab report format for each lab completed in class.
Glue the lab report format/rubric to the inside cover of your composition book.

26. TITLE: HOT LAB – Seed Germination BENCHMARK: SC. 912. N. 1
TITLE: HOT LAB – Seed Germination BENCHMARK: SC.912.N.1.1 (Scientific Method) GROUP MEMBERS: Write the names of students in your lab group PROBLEM: Leave two blank lines.

27. INTRODUCTION: Read the background information from the lab
INTRODUCTION: Read the background information from the lab. Summarize the concept, what is already known about the lab and the objectives of the lab.
Guiding Questions:
What are seeds?
Describe the structure of
a seed
How can you tell if
a seed as germinated?
What factors affect seed
germination?

28. Group Assignment Problem Statement
Review the questions provided and as a group select one to investigate.
MUST BE IN THE FOLLOWING CATEGORY:
 Water or Soil
Must be approved by teacher before you continue.
Once approved, write your problem statement in your composition book.

29. Group Assignment Experimental Design Diagram
Complete the group experimental design diagram provided.
Complete all the sections:
Title
Problem Statement
Hypothesis
Independent Variable
Number of Tests
Number of Trials per Test
Dependent Variable
Control Test
Constants
Materials
Procedures

31. Once your experimental design diagram is approved by your teacher continue writing your lab report in your composition book.

32. HYPOTHESIS: If (state the independent variable) is (choose an action), then (state the dependent variable) will (choose an action). MATERIALS: Record precise details of all equipment used in a bullet format.) . Include quantities used.

33. PROCEDURE: Do not copy the procedure from hand-out, summarize
PROCEDURE: Do not copy the procedure from hand-out, summarize. It and provide accurate and concise details about materials and apparatus used. It’s a recipe and its numbered. VARIABLES / CONTROL : Identify the dependent, independent, and constant variables. Independent variable (manipulated/cause/test variable): factor that can be changed by the investigator. Dependent variable (responding/effect/outcome variable): observable factor of an investigation that is the result or what happened when the independent variable was changed Constant/Controls variable: other identified independent variables in the investigation that are kept or remain the same during the investigation Control Test – separate experiment that serves as the standard for comparison

34. DATA: Contains qualitative & quantitative analysis
DATA: Contains qualitative & quantitative analysis. Design your own data table and record all data carefully. - specify which is your independent variable.

35. NEXT CLASS….. Set-up seed germination lab.
Review the two missing parts of lab report.
Analysis
Conclusion

36. RESULTS: Ensure that you have used your data correctly to produce the required result. It data expresses in words. Includes any other errors or uncertainties that may affect the validity of your result. - graph data. - answer analysis questions

37. CONCLUSIONS: (CER) CLAIM-EVIDENCE-REASONING
CONCLUSIONS: (CER) CLAIM-EVIDENCE-REASONING. A conclusion statement answers the following seven questions in at least three paragraphs. Introduction - What was investigated? Was the hypothesis supported by the data? What were your major findings? Middle Paragraphs - These paragraphs discuss the major findings of the experiment, using data. How did your findings compare with other researchers? Last Paragraph - What possible explanations can you offer for your findings? What recommendations do you have for further study and for improving the experiment? What are some possible applications of the experiment?

38. EXIT SLIP

39. #1
Use this slide to activate prior knowledge. Have a student read the scenario and open up a brainstorm discussion on the correct answer. This is an item specification from 7th grade. The EOC Biology Assessment may require the student to apply scientific knowledge from lower grades.

40. #2
A student hypothesized that lettuce seeds would not sprout (germinate) unless they were exposed to darkness.
The student planted 10 lettuce seeds under a layer of soil and scattered 10 lettuce seeds on top of the soil.
The data collected are shown in the table below.
Data Table
One way to improve the validity of these results would be to
(a) conclude that darkness is necessary for lettuce seed germination
(b) conclude that light is necessary for lettuce seed germination
(c) revise the hypothesis
(d) repeat the experiment
Seed Treatment
Number of Seeds Germinated
Planted under soil 9
Scattered on top soil 8
Answer: (d) repeated experiment-same as more trials

41. #3
Researchers performing a well-designed experiment should base their conclusions on
(A) the hypothesis of the experiment
(B) data from repeated trials of the experiment
(C) a small sample size to insure a reliable outcome of
the experiment
(D) results predicted before performing the experiment
Have students copy question in the first 3 minutes of class. Discuss possible answers and best possible answer. Answer is B-Question taken from New York Regents Biology Examination June 22, 2005

42. Prior Knowledge Activation Benchmark-Sc.7.N.1.2#4
Prior Knowledge Activation Benchmark-Sc.7.N.1.2
Use this slide to activate prior knowledge. Have a student read the 4 scenarios and open up a brainstorm discussion on the correct answer. This is an item specification from 7th grade. The EOC Biology Assessment may require the student to apply scientific knowledge from lower grades.

43. Science is always changing-constant revisions
Science is an organized way of gathering & analyzing evidence about the natural world.
A way of knowing, thinking, observing
Deals only with the natural world-not supernatural