1. Science Skills
Biology 11

2. Scientific Method A problem solving approach in science
Uses a series of logical steps
The traditional basis for the acceptance of new knowledge
The main approach to designing an experiment
Observation
Hypothesis
Experiments
Support Hypothesis
CONCLUSION
REPORT
Reject Hypothesis
New Questions

3. Experimental Design Experiments Are used to investigate a hypothesis.
Give strength to a hypothesis but cannot prove it.
One hypothesis may generate any number of experiments.
Usually, an experiment in biology involves 2 groups:
a control group
A variable group, in which everything is kept the same as the control group, except the one factor the experimenter wishes to investigate

4. e.g. pond water pond water + waste (control) (variable)
Questions: Does waste water have an effect on life in pond water?
All other external factors are kept the same
If there are changes, one can conclude that waste appears to have some effect on life in pond water
Further Questions: What kind of waste water? Different types of pond water?

5. Hypothesis vs. Theory Hypothesis
an “educated guess”, explanation of phenomenon
usually based on some initial observations or understanding
leads to experimentation
cannot be proved only supported or rejected
Theory
takes into account the results of many hypotheses (explains many observations)
has been tested and retested many times
can be used to make successful predictions

6. Read pg. 4-15