1. Chapter 1 – The Study of Life
Flushing High School
Biology Skills
Ms. Ferris

2. Chapter 1 Learning Targets
I can explain the characteristics of science
I can compare something that is scientific with something that is pseudoscientific
I can describe the importance of the metric system and SI
I can describe the difference between an observation and an inference
I can differentiate among control, independent variable, and dependent variable
I can identify the scientific methods a biologist uses for research

3. Chapter 1 - Vocabulary
Science = A body of knowledge based on the study of nature
Theory = Explanation of a natural occurrence based on many observations and investigations over time
Peer Review = A process that ensures that other scientists can repeat one another’s experiments and evaluate the results
Metric System = A measurement system used by scientists around the world. It is based on divisions of ten
SI = Abbreviation for the International System of Units that scientists use: meters (m); grams (g); volume (L)
Forensics = The field of study that applies science to matters of legal interest and other areas such as archaeology
Ethics = A set of values – helps to distinguish right from wrong
Observation = Orderly and direct way of gathering information about a natural occurrence
Inference = Assumption based on prior experience
Scientific Method = A procedure that helps to solve problems through observations, forming a hypothesis, experimenting, gathering and analyzing data, and drawing conclusions
Hypothesis = A testable explanation of a situation
Serendipity = Occurrence of accidental or unexpected but fortunate outcomes
Experiment = Procedure performed in a controlled setting to test a hypothesis and collect data
Control Group = The group not getting the factor (thing) being tested
Experimental Group = The group getting the factor (thing) being tested
Independent Variable = The one factor (thing) that can be changed in an experiment – its what’s being tested and affects the experiment outcome
Dependent Variable = The factor (thing) being measured in an experiment
Constant = A factor (thing) that remains fixed during an experiment
Data = Information gained from scientific investigation
Qualitative Data = Descriptive information such as color or behavior
Quantitative Data = Information described using numbers
Safety Symbol = A picture representing a specific danger that may be present in a lab activity

4. What is Science?
Science is a body of knowledge based on the study of nature.
Biology is one kind of science – what are some others?
Chemistry, Physics, Earth Science…

5. Directions:
Fill in the boxes with these titles
Put glue on the back of “Characteristics of Science” DO NOT GLUE THE WHOLE THING DOWN!!!
Match the descriptions shown and glue in behind the flaps.

6. Asks new questions
Welcomes research
Relies on data and observations
Tests claims
Glue on back of here.
Does not ask new questions
Does not welcome more research
Ignores observations and data that do not match beliefs
Makes claims that cannot be tested
Claims are often mixtures of fact and opinion

8. five senses observation educated guess forecast will happen future
Eyes: Sight
Tongue: Taste
Nose: Smell
Ears: Hearing Sound
Touch
observation
educated guess
forecast
will happen
future
evidence
While inferences are attempts to explain what is happening or what has already happened, predictions are attempts to determine what will happen in the future.

9. answer
universal
hypothesis
experience
If ….. Then….
patterns
exception
supported
nature
true
true
wrong
disproven

10. The variables that the scientist wants to remain constant and controlled in the experiment so he/she can better observe the dependent variable (what’s being measured). This group is used for comparison.
A factor or part of an experiment that differs by amount. Experiments often have three variables: controlled, independent, and dependent.
The variable changed by the scientist. A good experiment has only ONE independent variable. As the scientist changes the independent variable, he or she makes observations about what happens and collects data.
The variable you measure in the experiment. It responds to or “depends” on the independent variable.