Chapter 1 Section 1 Mrs. Chilek Life Science – 4 th period What is Science?

Science is a way of learning about the natural world. - scientists use skills such as observing, predicting, classifying and making models to learn more about the world.

In science, we observe using our senses to gather information. - your senses include sight, hearing, touch, taste and smell - observations can be quantitative or qualitative - quantitative deals with numbers or amounts - qualitative deals with descriptions that can not be expressed in numbers.

When you explain or interpret things you have observed, you are inferring. - an inference is based on reasoning from what you already know Scientists may also predict what may happen next in an experiment or observation. - predicting means making a forecast about the future based on past experience or evidence.

You can also group objects and information by classifying them. - this is the process of grouping together items that are alike in some way. Using models involves creating representations of complex objects or processes - Examples: a globe, a map or a diagram of the human body Life Science is the study of living things. - Examples: Botanist, Park Rangers or Marine Biologists.

Ch 1 Sec 2 Scientific Inquiry

SCIENTIFIC INQUIRY Scientific Inquiry is a diverse way in which scientists study the natural world and propose explanations based on the evidence they gather.

Steps in the Scientific Method 1.Ask a question 2.Develop a hypothesis 3.Design an experiment 4.Collect and Interpret Data 5.Conclusion 6.Communicate your theory

During an Experiment Variables – any factors that can change in an experiment An experiment that only one variable changes at a time is called a controlled experiment. Two types of variables: –Manipulated variable – one variable that you purposely change to test your hypothesis. – Responding variable – the factor in the experiment that may change in response to the manipulated variable.

Ch 1 Sec 3 - Understanding Technology

What is Technology? Technology is 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 - examples: refrigerators, eye glasses or contacts, thermometers or farm machinery

Comparing Technology and Science Science is the study of the natural world to understand how it functions Technology changes, or modifies, the natural world to meet human needs or to solve problems. An engineer is a person who is trained to use both technology and scientific knowledge to solve practical problems.

Overall, technology can have both positive and negative consequences for individual people and society as a whole.

Ch 1 Sec 4 – Safety in the Science Laboratory

Good preparation helps you stay safe when doing science activities. When accidents occur in the lab, always notify your teacher immediately. Then, listen to your teacher’s instructions and do them.