CH. 2 Science Basics Biology: the scientific study of life. What makes something scientific? Observations, data, inferences, and generalizations are important to scientific understanding.

CH. 2.1 Discovery Science Scientific explanations are based on OBSERVATIONS & DATA that are collected from EXPERIMENTS. Qualitative Data: descriptions & drawings Quantitative Data: measurements, #s

Ch. 2.1: Discovery Science Inference: Logical conclusion based on observations. Observation: doorbell rings Inference: Someone is at the door

Ch. 2.1 Science of Discovery Generalization: Many specific observations are put together to reach a general conclusion. Ex: Women have a longer lifespan than men. Look for patterns in data.

Ch. 2.2: Hypothesis based research Scientific Method Observation --> Question --> Hypothesis --> Prediction --> Test/Experiment If test does not support hypothesis: rework hypothesis or test. If test does support hypothesis: More tests are needed!

Ch. 2.2 Hypothesis: well defined answer to a scientific question. An explanation on trial. Hypothesis must be TESTABLE with an experiment. Must be “falsifiable” … proved false by a given result. Stated in “if … then” format

Ch. 2.2: Testing a hypothesis Controlled Scientific Experiment All conditions (variables) in experiment are kept the same, except for the one condition (variable) you are testing for. Independent variable: Condition you are manipulating to answer the question. Constant/Controlled conditions: Conditions kept the same for all test subjects Dependent Variable: Condition that may vary at the end in response to the experiment; the results

Ch. 2.2: Testing a hypothesis Controlled Scientific Experiment Experimental Groups: Groups you are testing your independent variable on. Control Group: Comparison group in an experiment; independent variable is left out; “natural” or “normal” condition. (If you are testing to determine what color of light is best for photosynthesis … you need a group of plants grown under natural sunlight for comparison (to establish a baseline for results)

Ch. 2.3: Evaluating Evidence Evidence: a collected body of data and observations from experiments. A good scientific experiment produces REPEATABLE evidence.

Ch. 2.3 Theories Theory: well tested explanation supported by data from many, many experiments –Can be revised in light of new results.

Ch. 2.3 Models Models: physical, mental, or mathematical representations of processes or objects. Used for things too small, big, or complex to visualize. Explains observations; can be used to make predictions; matches new observations.