2. Biology The Living Environment Mr. Mac

3. What is Biology/Life Science?

4. The study of all living things Ex. You, your pet rat, a tree, a mushroom Living things both large and small

5. Scientists Study Biology Through…. Observation Critical thinking Experimentation Evaluation Analysis Patience

6. Scientific Method: Steps to problem solving Universal

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

8. Observation Vs Inference

9. Observation Vs. Inference

10. Observation Vs. Inference

11. Step 1Identify 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

12. Step 2Gather Information Gain as much information as possible Through observations senses 1. sight 2. sound 3. taste 4. touch 5. Smell

13. Step 3Hypothesis An “educated guess” about the problem, or better, a TESTABLE explanation. Always written as an “if…then” statement Ex.

14. Step 4 Design an Experiment: To test the hypothesis Examine all factors that could change in the experiment

15. 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

16. 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

17. Step 6State 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

18. Does miracle grow really make plants grow faster?

19. DATA

20. More ways to represent DATA

22. 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

23. 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 Sunlight C. Type of Soil D. Length of Experiment