Chapter 1 & 2 Reading Assignmet

Chapter 1

1. The steps in the scientific method are: Observing and stating a problem or asking a question Forming a hypothesis Testing the hypothesis (this is usually done by designing and performing an experiment) Recording and analyzing data (example: writing down observations or recording measurements in a data table) Forming a conclusion (based on the your data and observations) Replicating the work ( to make sure our results are not by random chance or to confirm the work of other scientists)

2. Hypothesis vs Theory A hypothesis is a guess or possible explanation or preliminary conclusion about some event in nature. A theory is a time-tested concept that allows for dependable predictions. Sometimes if a hypothesis is tested and confirmed often enough, it may become a theory.

3. Control and experimental setups A variable is a single factor that scientists change in their experiment to investigate if it makes any changes in the results. (examples of common variables could be temperature, light levels, amounts of substances, etc.) The control setup is the part of the experiment that does not contain the variable. The experimental setup is the part of the experiment that contains the variable being tested.

4. Scientific method The steps in the scientific method may not necessarily be followed in the same order. However it is usually a logical sequence of investigation and problem solving that we use everyday. (It’s organized common sense.)

5. No, the hypothesis is only an educated guess or a possible explanation of some phenomena. If the experiment does not confirm or disproves the hypothesis, then another hypothesis can be formed and tested.

6. The metric system is based on certain international standards and scaled on multiples of 10.

7. The name for the metric system is International System of Units or SI

8. Units of measurement Length – metres/meters Volume – Litres/ Liters Mass – grams or kilograms Temperature – degrees Celsius

9. Metric conversions a)54.6m = 5460cm b)35mm = 3.5cm c)82.5mm = um (micrometres) d)7.45L = 7450mL e)9.12g = 9120mg

10. Design an experiment proposal Have identical chambers that can be set a different temperatures Multiple eggs in each chamber so your results are not by random chance (replicating work) Set chambers to different temperatures Control chamber is the normal environmental temperatures that the turtle eggs are natural found (for example: ~ 22 degrees Celsius) Temperature is our variable so.. Cold chambers could be set at – 15, 10 degrees Celsius; Warm chambers could be set at high than average temperatures -25, 30, or 35 degrees Celsius Wait for eggs to hatch and record how many females and males appear. Compare results of chambers with different temperatures

Chapter 2

1. Characteristics of living things Living things are.. 1)Made up of one or more units called cells 2)Reproduce ( they make more cells / of the same type of organism) 3)Grow and develop 4)Obtain and use energy 5)Respond to the environment

2. Unicellular vs multicellular Unicellular organisms consist of only a single cell. Multicellular organisms contain hundred, thousands, or even trillions of cells. These cells may have specific functions that contribute to the survival of the organism. Usually in most multicellular organisms, the cells are interdependent on each other for survival. A single cell cannot exist independently from the other cells.

3. Reproduction Sexual reproduction requires that two cells from different individuals unite to produce the first cell of a new organism. Asexual reproduction (a- means without) Organisms that can reproduce without the aid of another individual. Examples: Some single cell organisms like bacteria just grow and divide into 2 new cells. Some plants form new plants from the existing parent plant. Strawberry plants send out “runners” that can grow into new strawberry plants. Some primitive simple animals if cut in half will regenerate into new individuals (flatworms, sea stars)

4. Living things need energy to grow, develop and reproduce. Anabolism – process in a living thing that involves synthesizing complex substances from simpler substances (growing, nails, hair, repairing injuries) Catabolism – the breakdown of complex substances into simpler substances, usually resulting in the release of energy (digestion) Metabolism - the sum of all the chemical reactions in the body (anabolic and catabolic reactions combined)

5. Homeostasis Homeostasis is the process by which organisms keep internal conditions constant despite changes in their external environment (body temperature, water concentration, blood sugar levels)