Introduction to… Miss Charney Northville Central School

So…what is it? Science is a way of learning about the natural world. Therefore… Life Science (or biology) is a way of learning about the natural living world.

How can we learn? You can learn by using your 5 senses 1.Sight 2.Hearing 3.Touch 4.Taste 5.Smell

Information please! Observing uses your 5 senses to gather information in 2 different forms Quantitative observations are descriptions by number Example: 3 students are missing Qualitative observations deal with descriptions not using numbers Example: The green grapes are sour.

Can you explain that?! Inferring is when you explain or interpret the things you observe based on what you already know (reasoning) Example: You see a classmate smile after getting back an exam. You assume that the student received a good grade. **Are inferences always correct??** VITAMIN C

“100% chance of weather” Predicting means making a forecast of what will happen in the future based on past experience or evidence. Example: You predict your mom will ground you if you bring home a bad grade. This is based on your brother being grounded the last time he brought home a bad grade.

Which of these does not belong? Classifying is the process of grouping together items that are alike in some way. Example: You classify your class papers in your binders into notes, homework, labs, etc.

“If it doesn’t say Micro machines…” Making models involves creating representations of complex objects or processes. Example: You are trying to give your friend directions to your house, but they aren’t understanding….you draw them a map

Inferences vs. Predictions Slide One Tommy missed the bus and arrived at school late. He must have overslept.

Inferences vs. Predictions Slide Two I see Zach studying his notes. In the past he has done well after studying…I think he will do well on the quiz tomorrow.

Inferences vs. Predictions Slide Three I see a broken egg on the floor! It must have rolled off of that table.

Inferences vs. Predictions Slide Four That egg is rolling toward the edge of the table! It is going to make such a mess!!

Inferences vs. Predictions Slide Five There are a line of dark clouds in the sky coming this way. I think it is going to storm soon!

Problem: Say you were faced with the problem in which your grandmother’s rose bushes were dying. What major steps would you take in order to bring them back to life?

How to Solve the Problem Scientific Inquiry is the way in which scientists study the natural world and come up with explanations based on the evidence that they gather

The Riddle: Queen Helga Eats Dry Cereal

Queen Questioning happens after facing a problem or a question about an observation. –must be scientific

Helga Hypothesis is a possible explanation or answer to what you observe Always Begin With… “My hypothesis is…” Example: My hypothesis is a plant will grow taller if it is given 1 cup of water a day.

Eats Experimental Design is how you plan to test your hypothesis

Experimental Design Components Variables are factors that can change in an experiment Example: the amount of water, height of plant

Two Types of Variables Independent variables are purposely changed to test a hypothesis Example: amount of water given Dependent variables are the factors that may change in response to the independent Example: height of plant

A must have… A control is the group that is not being tested Example: A plant under normal conditions being given the standard amount of water.

The Set-up Control group (Plant 1) – plant watered whenever looks dry Variable group: Plant 2 – ¼ cup of water per day Plant 3 – ½ cup of water per day Plant 4 – ¾ cup of water per day Plant 5 – 1 cup of water per day

Dry - Data Collection PlantAmount of Water a Day Height Control Plant 2 Plant 3 Plant 4 Plant 5

Example Graph See board!

Cereal Conclusions are a summary of what you have learned from an experiment Accept or Reject Hypothesis? Accept – data supports hypothesis Reject – data does not support hypothesis