The Science of Biology Chapter 1

The Nature of Science (What is science?)

Science is… Based on evidence (observations). Subject to change.

Science is… Based upon the assumption that natural laws operate today as they did in the past and will continue to do so in the future.

Science is… Characterized by a common set of values including Logical thinking Precision Open-mindedness Skepticism Reproducibility of results Honest and ethical reporting of results Objectivity/An attempt to avoid bias Imagination (creativity)

Science is… One way of knowing used by many people (not just scientists). Cannot answer all questions.

Facts, Laws & Theories Observations vs. Inferences

FACT the world’s data Ex: Plants need water to survive.

Law predicts what will happen if certain conditions are present Ex: Newton’s Second Law F = ma (Force = mass x acceleration) * Look for the equations!

Theory well tested explanation based on observations Ex: natural selection A good review

Observations Using the five senses to gather information. The apple is red.

Types of Observations: Quantitative: involve measuring and the use of numbers. For example: The plant grew 5 cm in the last 7 days. Qualitative: involve descriptions. For example: The plant is growing more on the side that is facing the sunlight.

Inferences A logical interpretation based on ones prior knowledge and experiences. For example: The plant is growing toward the light because it needs light for photosynthesis.

Practice 1 What observations can we make about this picture? What inferences can we make?

Practice 2 What observations can we make about this picture? What inferences can we make?

Practice 3 What observations can we make about this picture? What inferences can we make?

Scientific Method

Note: There is no set order to the scientific method!!!

State the PROBLEM. Usually a QUESTION about what you want to learn. RESEARCH the topic. Form a HYPOTHESIS. HYPOTHESIS = an educated prediction or solution based on your research.

Set up the EXPERIMENT. Include the MATERIALS LIST and PROCEDURES.

Change only 1 variable. CONTROL: Normal, unchanged part EXPERIMENTAL GROUP: Changed part INDEPENDENT VARIABLE: “I” change the “I”ndependent variable. DEPENDENT VARIABLE: depends on your change. CONSTANTS: everything that is kept the same between the control and experimental group

Collect data. CHARTS and GRAPHS are good. Form a CONCLUSION. Accept or reject your hypothesis. Repeat your work. COMMUNICATE your findings.

Talking to Plants http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9M8FFJW7UQ M Record the following for this experiment: 1.) Question 2.) Hypothesis (If… then…) 3.) Independent Variable 4.) Dependent Variable 5.) Constants 6.) Initial Results

Characteristics of Life

biology: study of life organism: any living thing

All living things: 1.) Made up of cells. 2.) Reproduce. (sexually or asexually) 3.) Based on a genetic code. (DNA) 4.) Grow and develop.

All living things: 5.) Obtain and use materials and energy. 6.) Respond to changes in it's environment. ex: Plant growing toward light. 7.) Maintain a stable internal environment. (homeostasis) Ex: body temperature 8.) Adapt and evolve. (change over time)