+ Tools of Env. Science Scientific Method

+ Key Vocabulary  observation  hypothesis  prediction  experiment  data  correlation  probability  statistics  statistical models and types  different values

+ Learning Goals #1-5  1. List and describe the steps of the scientific method.  2. Describe why a good hypothesis isn’t a simple guess  3. What are the 2 main parts of a good experiment  4. How do scientists study subjects in which experiments aren’t possible  5. Explain the importance of curiosity & imagination in science

+ Learning Goals #6-10  6. How do scientists use statistics  7.Why is the size of a statistical sample important?  8.Describe 3 types of models that are used by scientists  9.What is the relationship between probability and risk  10.What’s the importance of conceptual and mathematical models

+ 1.Steps of the Scientific Method  also known as the scientific process, experimental method, scientific inquiry  1. make an observation  2.forming a hypothesis  3.designing and performing an experiment  4.collecting and analyzing data  5. draw a conclusion  6. repeat  **a good hypothesis must be testable and make sense base on prior knowledge**

main parts of a scientific experiment  experiments should show cause and effect relationships, therefore good experiments should have these 2 things:  a single variable-factor being tested, considered the experimental group  a control- group that doesn't receive treatment 6

+ 4. How do scientists study subjects when experiments aren't possible?  Finding the answers to some questions is impossible.  Therefore scientists test predictions using correlations (see example in book pg. 35)  **Correlations do not necessarily prove relationships between variables, it just gives more certainty to whatever is being observed 7

+ Characteristics of a good scientist  curious, skeptical, open, honest, imaginative, & creative  5. Why are curiosity and imagination important in science?  scientists are able to notice and see patterns that others may not be able to AND expand knowledge as a whole 8

+ 6. How are statistics used in science?  statistics (aka "stats")- the collection and organizing data in the form of numbers and includes a lot of math!  helps organize and interpret data  use stats to summarize, characterize, analyze, and compare data  stats include the following terms:  mean=average of something  distribution=what the population looks like  probability=the likelihood that something will happen  sample=group of individuals or events that represents the population 9

+ 7. Why is the size of a sample important?  The bigger the sample size, the more accurate the results will be.  The smaller the sample size the less reliable the results will be ( see example pg. 40)  Can you think of other examples of a "bad" sample size? 10

+ Types of Models used by scientists...  Models are representations of objects or systems  There are physical, graphical, conceptual, and mathematical models 11

+ Physical Models  3 dimensional models that can be held  they closely resemble the object they represent

+ Graphical Models  include maps and charts  illustrates things relative to  -location (maps)  -positions (stars)  -amounts (tree coverage)  -depths (rivers, lakes)

+ Conceptual Models  a verbal or graphical representation showing how a system works or is organized  includes diagrams, verbal descriptions, or drawings  example: flow chart

+ Mathematical Models  one or more equations that represents how a system works in numbers and equations  can represent many common situations  helpful when there's several variables in effect, i.e. weather  can include error, after all people are the ones who develop the models

+ Decision-making model  a conceptual model that provides a systematic process for making decisions

+ 9. What is the relationship between probability & risk?  Probability is the chance that something will happen.  Risk is the probability of something unwanted happening. 17

+ 10. Why are conceptual and mathematical models important.  One can make predictions more accurately because they represent ideas more precisely 18

+ Value = principles we consider important; 9 types  aesthetic-what is beautiful or pleasing  economic-gain or loss of $ or jobs  environmental-protection of natural resources  educational-growth and sharing of knowledge  ethical/moral- what is right and wrong  health-keeping up human health  recreational- human leisure activities  scientific-understanding the natural world  social/cultural-maintain acne of communities and their values & traditions