A step-by-step process used to solve problems. The Scientific Method A step-by-step process used to solve problems.

Steps of the Scientific Method Observation: This can result in a proposed question. A problem that needs to be solved.

Steps of the Scientific Method State a Problem Note: Information needs to be gathered about the question. Problem statement is usually developed from information gathered. Stated in the form of a question.

Steps of the Scientific Method Gather Information: Research the problem All related factors about your observations.

Steps of the Scientific Method State a Hypothesis: Possible solution to the problem. Based on information gathered. Educated prediction (what would happen in a test situation if the hypothesis were true).

Steps of the Scientific Method Test Hypothesis: Experimentation: testing your hypothesis under controlled conditions Design a proper experiment to prove your hypothesis.

The Parts of An Experiment Control Group: The Group not given the experimental factor. all conditions are kept the same. Experimental Group - all conditions are kept the same except the single factor that’s being tested.

The Parts of An Experiment Experimental Group: only one condition is changed at a time. The condition that changes is called the independent variable. The condition that results from changing the independent variable is known as the dependent variable.

Parts of an Experiment

Independent and Dependent Variables

An Example of an Independent Variable You notice that the dogs in your pound have fleas. While watching TV you notice a commercial for Acme Flea Powder. Develop an Experiment to test the effectiveness of Acme Flea Powder on your dogs.

The Experimental Variables Experiment to test the effectiveness of flea powder: What is the independent variable? Flea Powder (the condition that was changed) What is the dependent variable? Number of Fleas (the condition that resulted from the change)

Steps of the Scientific Method Analysis & Conclusions: Analyze your test results: Organize information collected into a data table. Usually numerical data is plotted in a graph. Conclusion: Was your hypothesis correct or not? Communicate the results of your findings; report.

Review of the Scientific Method

The Development of Theories Theory: A hypothesis that is supported by many separate experiments over a long period of time. Examples: Theory of Evolution Big Bang Theory

Chapter 1: The Science of Life Mountain Pointe High School Science Department Edited By: R. LeBlanc, MS

HINT: Snowy owls nest on the ground The Science of Life What is the adaptive value of juvenile animals having different coloring than their parents (adults snowy white and juveniles are gray)? HINT: Snowy owls nest on the ground

Why study Biology? Biology is the study of life. Used to both solve societal problems Help explain aspects of our daily lives. Living things don’t exist in isolation, they depend upon other living & nonliving things. The future health of our planet and our species depends upon our understanding of biology.

The Science of Life We depend on the Tropical Rain Forest for: nuts, bananas, coffee, tea, rubber, wood, chocolate There is 1 thing that we totally depend on and without it we would die in minutes. What is it & what produces it? Oxygen from green plants. How does the tropical rain forest depend on us & for what purpose? Carbon dioxide for photosynthesis

Characteristics of Life Living things share the same 7 characteristics: Cellular organization Response to a stimulus Maintain homeostasis Metabolism Grow and develop Reproduce Change through time

Characteristics of Life An Organism: Anything that possesses all of the characteristics of life .

Life is Organized; Made of Cells They all show an orderly structure. They all have specialized parts that perform specific functions. They all are either unicellular (one cell) or multicellular (more than one cell). What is the order of organization of a human (from smallest to largest living structures)? Cells -> Tissue -> Organs -> Organ Systems -> Organism

Living Things Respond to a Stimulus A response: An organism’s reaction to a stimulus. Stimulus: a physical or chemical change in the internal or external environment. Any structure, behavior, or internal process that improves an organism’s chances for survival is an adaptation. Example: If you place your hand on a hot object you respond by pulling your hand back.

Homeostasis: Maintaining a Balance Environment - all living & nonliving factors that affect an organism. Environmental condition - internal or external, may require an organism to adjust or maintain a stable condition. Example: Why does your body sweat? Why would painting your entire body with oil paint possibly kill you?

Living Things Use Energy to Power all the Life Processes Metabolism Metabolism is the sum of all the chemical reactions that take in and transform energy and materials from the environment. Life Process: repair, movement and growth

Living Things Grow and Develop Growth – the division an enlargement of cells resulting in an increase in the amount of living material & the formation of new structures. Development - all of the changes that occur during an organism’s life resulting in a mature adult.

Living Things Reproduce Species: Similar-looking organisms that can interbreed & produce fertile offspring. Living organisms pass on hereditary information from parents to offspring, also called reproduction. Without reproduction, a species becomes extinct.

The Affects of Evolution

For a species survival in a changing world. Populations Change Populations of living organisms evolve or change through time. Why is this important? For a species survival in a changing world. This explains the diversity of life-forms on Earth.