1.3 Scientific Thinking and Processes KEY CONCEPT Science is a way of thinking, questioning, and gathering evidence.

1.3 Scientific Thinking and Processes Like all science, biology is a process of inquiry. Scientists make careful and systematic observations. Scientists record observations as data.

1.3 Scientific Thinking and Processes –Numbers (most common) –Sketches / Pictures (drawn or snap-shot) Data collected during observations or experimentation can be recorded in various ways... –Words; (1) short descriptive terms or phrases (2) journal entries with complete sentences

1.3 Scientific Thinking and Processes Like all science, biology is a process of inquiry. Scientists make careful and systematic observations. Scientists test their hypotheses using controlled experiments, analyze their data, then evaluate their results. Scientists form a hypothesis as a possible answer to a scientific question. – MUST BE TESTABLE!! Scientists record observations as data.

1.3 Scientific Thinking and Processes –Independent variables are manipulated (changed by the scientist). –Constants are conditions that are kept the same throughout the experiment (for all test subjects). Experimental studies allow scientists to determine what causes a phenomenon. –Dependent variables are observed and measured (affected by the independent). –Variables are factors that can change during an experimentb

1.3 Scientific Thinking and Processes Biologists use experiments to test hypotheses. Observational studies (field studies) allow scientists to describe a phenomenon. Natural environment False environment - “do not disturb”, should get close to the natural behavior - less likely to get the natural behavior

1.3 Scientific Thinking and Processes Experiments allow scientists to determine what causes a phenomenon.

1.3 Scientific Thinking and Processes A theory explains a wide range of observations. Theories explain a wide range of observations and experimental results. A theory is supported by a wide range of scientific evidence. Theories can change based on new evidence.