Introduction to Life Science Chapter 1: Introduction to Life Science

What is Science? A way of learning about the natural world

5 Skills that Scientists Use 1. Observing- using your senses to gather information a. QuanTitative- deals with numbers (ex. You have 8 new emails in your inbox) b. QuaLitative- deals with descriptions that can’t be expressed in numbers (ex. The grapes are sour)

5 Skills that Scientists Use 2. Inferring- Explaining or interpreting the things you observe. What has happened.   Example: You see a friend smile when she gets her test paper back, so you infer that she made a good grade.

5 Skills that Scientists Use 3. Predicting- making a forecast of what will happen in the future based on past experience. What will happen.   Example: You predict that the basketball team will win the game because they have always beaten the team they are playing in the past.

5 Skills that Scientists Use 4. Classifying- the process of grouping together items that are alike in some way.   Example: Sorting laundry in your drawers (one drawer for socks, one for shirts)

5 Skills that Scientists Use 5. Making Models- involves creating representations of complex objects or processes   Example: Globes, maps, etc

Making Models - Thinking Like a Scientist Making models involves creating representations of complex objects or processes. This model traces a chimp’s journey through the forest.

What is Life Science? Life Science- the study of living things “Bio”= life “ology”= to study  

Scientific Inquiry The diverse ways in which scientists study the natural world and propose explanations based on the evidence they gather is called scientific inquiry. Also called the scientific process or scientific method.  

Scientific Inquiry Steps in the scientific process: 1. Posing Questions ex: What influences how crickets chirp?   2. Developing a Hypothesis ex: I hypothesize that crickets chirp more at higher temps. ***Hypothesis must be testable! ***

Scientific Inquiry Steps in the scientific process: 3. Designing an experiment a. Variables- factors that can change in an experiment (kind of crickets, type of container, etc.)   b. Controlled Experiment- one variable is manipulated at a time (kind of cricket, type of container, etc.)

Scientific Inquiry c. Manipulated Variable- the variable that is purposely changed to test the hypothesis (the temperature).   d. Responding Variable- the factor that may change in response to the manipulated variable (the amount of chirping). e. Operational Definition- statement that describes how to measure a variable (what sound counts as a single chirp?)

Scientific Inquiry 4. Collecting and Interpreting Data Data are facts, figures, and other evidence gathered through observations  

Collecting and Interpreting Data - Scientific Inquiry A data table helps you organize the information you collect in an experiment. Graphing the data may reveal any patterns in your data.

Scientific Inquiry 5. Drawing Conclusions Summary of what you learned- do you need to repeat something?    

Scientific Inquiry 6. Communicating Sharing your results with other scientists so they can try to repeat them.  

Characteristics of Scientists To be successful, scientists must possess certain characteristics: 1. Curiosity 2. Honesty 3. Open-mindedness 4. Skepticism 5. Creativity  

Using Technology Technology- how people change the world around them to meet their needs and solve practical problems The goal of technology is to improve the way people live.   How can technology impact society? Can have positive and negative consequences for society as a whole.

How Does Technology Relate to Science? - Understanding Technology How Does Technology Relate to Science? Science is the study of the natural world to understand how it functions. Technology, on the other hand, changes, or modifies, the natural world to meet human needs or to solve problems. For example, understanding the physics of light (science) led to the development of optical fibers and endoscopes (technology).

How Technology Progresses - Understanding Technology How Technology Progresses Technology, such as writing or word-processing technology, is always changing. Technology progresses as people’s knowledge increases and as new needs can be satisfied.

Graphic Organizer Study of the natural world Science Technology Study of the natural world Changing the natural world Rely on each other To understand how it functions To meet human needs and solve problems

Lab Safety When should lab preparation begin? Before you begin the lab! Lab Safety: Safety Goggles Wear Aprons Heat-resistant gloves Clean and neat desk Store cords Close-toed shoes Treat animals with care Tie back long hair Plastic Gloves No food or gum  

Safety Symbols

Lab Safety Most important safety guidelines: Follow all directions !!! (What you are actually told, not your interpretation of what you are told.) If you’re not sure, ASK!! Read directions before asking, “What are we supposed to do?”   NO HORSEPLAY---EVER !!!

Lab Safety What does “in the field” mean? Going outside! What should you do in case of an emergency? Notify the teacher immediately and follow his or her directions.  

Lab Tools For Specimens Petri dish & lid Slide & coverslip

SO…… What‘s the difference? For Liquids Lab Tools Measuring ONLY SO…… What‘s the difference? Beakers Mixing, observing, experimenting. NOT measuring. Test tubes Graduated cylinder Flasks

Lab Tools For Measuring Ruler– measures length Cylinders & Pipets– measure volume Balance– measures mass

Lab Tools Lab Tools For Dissection forceps Tray Sharp probe Scissors Blunt probe Pins