Science n A process through which nature is studied, discovered, and understood. n All areas of science involve posing INQUIRIES (questions) about nature.

Processes of Science n Observing n Hypothesizing n Experimenting n Drawing a conclusion n Communicating

Terms and Definitions n Theory -- The most probable EXPLANATION based on the best available EVIDENCE. –Example:

Terms and Definitions n Facts -- Data or EVIDENCE that can be OBSERVED repeatedly n Example :

Terms and Definitions n Inference -- A CONCLUSION drawn on the basis of FACTS –Example:

Terms and Definitions n Hypothesis -- An EDUCATED guess – a TESTABLE statement –Example:

Terms and Definitions n Law -- A general statement that DESCRIBES or explains a wide variety of PHENOMENON –Example:

Terms and Definitions n Superstition -- A BELIEF that is NOT based on evidence –Example:

Scientific Method n 1. Stating a problem - something is considered a problem if its solution is not obvious. Some crucial information is missing. Solving the problem involves finding this missing information.

Scientific Method n 2. Collecting information on the problem -- the more you know about the problem the more precisely you can state the problem and the less time you will waste looking for solutions.

Scientific Method n 3. Making a hypothesis- –a. Use what you know about the problem to predict a solution and try it. –b. Look for patterns that will help you make predictions about the problem.

Scientific Method n 3. Making a hypothesis- –c. Make a model, or a representation, of what you’re working with. –d. Break the problem down into smaller, simpler problems.

Scientific Method n 4. Performing an experiment - design an experiment that will provide a means for you to make a solid conclusion about your hypothesis

Scientific Method 5. Make a conclusion - a solid conclusion is related to the hypothesis and based on the results of a well designed experiment.

Experimental Design Concepts n A science experiment is designed so that only ONE variable is being tested at a time.

Experimental Design Concepts n A VARIABLE is something that is changed to study how this change effects the time being studied.

Experimental Design Concepts n By changing only one variable, when you make your conclusion you can be assured that it is only that one variable that is causing the EFFECT.

Experimental Design Concepts n Independent variable (IV) - the variable that is purposely CHANGED be the experimenter.

Experimental Design Concepts n Dependent variable (DV) - the variable that responds and is the variable MEASURED.

Experimental Design Concepts n Constant (C) - all factors that are kept the SAME during the experiment.

Experimental Design Concepts n CONTROL - the standard to compare the experimental effect against.

Experimental Design Concepts n Repeated trials - the NUMBER of objects/organisms undergoing treatment for each value of the independent variable, or the number of TIMES the experiment is repeated.

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MICROSCOPE UNIT FUNCTIONS OF MICROSCOPE PARTS

Types of Microscopes n ws/microscopes/types.html ws/microscopes/types.html n worlds-most-powerful-microscope/ worlds-most-powerful-microscope/

Parts of a Compound Microscope

Arm n The basic frame, used to CARRY the microscope.

BASE n The bottom stand, which houses the LIGHT.

Body n Contains MIRRORS to reflect light to the eyepiece.

COARSE Adjustment n Roughly focuses the image by bringing the specimen and objective lenses closer together or farther apart.

Diaphragm n A disc-shaped device, located beneath the stage, used to control the AMOUNT of LIGHT passing through the specimen.

Eyepiece n The UPPER lens, nearest your eye, which magnifies the image already magnified by the objective and brings the light rays to a focus at the eye.

FINE ADJUSTMENT n SHARPENS the image of the specimen, by moving the specimen and objective lenses very small distances closer together or farther apart.

Light n The SOURCE of the light which passes through the specimen.

Nosepiece n The REVOLVING part that supports three objectives with different magnifications.

Objective n The lenses closest to the specimen, that MAGNIFIES the image of the specimen.

STAGE n The flat table-like AREA where the slide or specimen is placed.

Stage Clips n HOLDS the slide on the stage, to prevent it from slipping around.

Microscope Unit Microscopic Terms

Slide n A piece of GLASS upon which the specimen is placed for viewing.

Cover Slip n A thin SQUARE piece of glass or plastic used to COVER the specimen.

High power n The high power objective on the nosepiece (usually 40x).

Medium power n The middle power objective on the nosepiece (usually 10x).

Low power n The lowest power objective on the nosepiece (usually 4x).

Magnification n The number of TIMES an objects apparent size is INCREASED by the lens system. n The total magnification of the lens system is determined by MULTIPLYING the power of the objective times the power of the eyepiece (usually 10x).

Resolution n The ability of the lens system to distinguish and SEPARATE fine details in a specimen.

Field of view n The AREA of the specimen which is seen through the lens system. The bright circle you see when looking into a microscope.

Depth of field n The ability of a lens system to furnish a distinct image ABOVE and BELOW the focal plane. Depth of focus decreases with the increase of magnification.

Parfocal n When the objective is in focus, it can be SWITCHED from one power to another, with only small fine focus adjustments being necessary.