ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE Chapter 2 Lecture: Tools of Environmental Science

Section 1: Targets I can list and describe the steps of the scientific method. I can describe why a good hypothesis is not simply a guess. I can describe the two essential parts of a good experiment. I can describe how scientists study subjects in which experiments are not possible. I can explain the importance of curiosity and open-mindedness in science.

The Scientific Method Scientific Method: series of steps scientists use to ________ and ________________.

1. _______________ Observation: getting/using information by using senses Observations can take many forms: – ___________________ Observations can be ________________ or ___________________

Name 3 Qualitative and 3 Quantitative Observations about the Following Photograph Qualitative Quantitative

2. ________________________ Hypothesis: explanation based on observations. – not merely a guess, it is an _______________ – must be ________________ – should be stated in ______________ format.

3. __________________ Good experiments have 2 essential characteristics: – _________________________________ ____________: the factor that changes in an experiment to test a hypothesis.

Experimenting To test for one variable, scientists study two groups at one time, with a variable being the only difference between the two groups. – _____________________: exposed to the “thing” (variable) you are testing – _____________________: used as a comparison. exactly the same as experimental group EXCEPT it is not exposed to the variable.

4. _______________________ Data: information collected through observation or experimentation. Should be organized into tables or graphs Data can be QUALITATIVE or QUANTITATIVE

5. ___________________ Scientists determine results of their experiment by analyzing data and comparing the results of their experiments with their prediction.

Repeating Experiments Scientists often repeat experiments The more often an experiment can be repeated with the same results, in different places and by different people, the more sure scientists become about the reliability of their conclusions.

Characteristics of a Good Scientist OSCO – _________________________

Let’s Test Your Scientific Skills!!

Comprehension Check 1. What is a testable explanation for an observation? A.a correlation B.an experiment C.an hypothesis D.a prediction

Comprehension Check 2.Why is being skeptical important to a good scientific mind? F.willingness to travel G.an empathetic nature H.desire to conduct experiments I.continually questioning observations

Comprehension Check 3. How many mussels are less than 25 mm in length? F.6 G.9 H.12 I.15

Comprehension Check 4. Determine the total size of this population of dwarf wedge mussels. A.60 B.80 C.100 D.120

Comprehension Check 5. What is the most likely size predictable for a mussel randomly drawn from this population? F.15–20 mm G.25–30 mm H.30–35 mm I.40–45 mm

Section 3: Target I can describe four values that people consider when making decisions about the environment.

Values and the Environment ________________is an essential first step in solving environmental problems. _______________: principles or standards an individual considers to be important and affect environmental decision making.