1. Tools of Environmental Science Chapter 2

2. The Experimental (Scientific) Method Series of steps that scientists worldwide Series of steps that scientists worldwide Observation -the process of obtaining information by using the senses Observation -the process of obtaining information by using the senses 1. Problem or Question - to be asked 1. Problem or Question - to be asked 2. Hypothesis - a theory or explanation that is based on observations and that can be tested 2. Hypothesis - a theory or explanation that is based on observations and that can be tested Predictions - statements made in advance that express the results that will be obtained from testing a hypothesis if the hypothesis is supported. Predictions - statements made in advance that express the results that will be obtained from testing a hypothesis if the hypothesis is supported.

3. Hypothesis must be in If-Then-Because Hypothesis must be in If-Then-Because 3. Experiments - procedures carried out under controlled conditions to discover, demonstrate, or test a fact, theory, truth 3. Experiments - procedures carried out under controlled conditions to discover, demonstrate, or test a fact, theory, truth Good Experiments have two things: Good Experiments have two things: 1. Variable - factor that changes in an experiment in order to test a hypothesis 1. Variable - factor that changes in an experiment in order to test a hypothesis 2. Control - group in the experiment that serves as a standards of comparison 2. Control - group in the experiment that serves as a standards of comparison Manipulated (experimental) Variable – one factor that is changed in the experiment Manipulated (experimental) Variable – one factor that is changed in the experiment Responsive Variable – the resulting change in the experiment Responsive Variable – the resulting change in the experiment

4. Organizing and Analyzing Data 4. Data - pieces of information acquired through observation or experimentation 4. Data - pieces of information acquired through observation or experimentation Graphing the information makes the trends presented in tables easier to see. Graphing the information makes the trends presented in tables easier to see.

5. Drawing Conclusions Analyzing the data and comparing the outcome of their experiments with the hypothesis Claims / Evidence Claims / Evidence The conclusion must tie into the question, hypothesis and supported with data The conclusion must tie into the question, hypothesis and supported with data

6. Repetition and Communication Scientists often repeat their experiments Scientists often repeat their experiments Scientists look for a large amount of supporting evidence before they accept a hypothesis. Scientists look for a large amount of supporting evidence before they accept a hypothesis. Scientists publish their results Scientists publish their results Correlation studies are done when experiments are not possible to look at evidence therefore Correlation studies are done when experiments are not possible to look at evidence therefore

7. Scientific Habits of Mind Curiosity Curiosity Habit of Skepticism Habit of Skepticism Openness to new ideas Openness to new ideas Intellectual honesty Intellectual honesty Imagination and Creativity Imagination and Creativity

8. Statistics and Models Statistics - collection and classification of data in the form of numbers it helps to summarize, characterize, analyze, and compare data Statistics - collection and classification of data in the form of numbers it helps to summarize, characterize, analyze, and compare data Mean – add up data and then divide by the number of individuals Mean – add up data and then divide by the number of individuals Distribution - range Distribution - range Normal forms bell Normal forms bell Shaped curve Shaped curve

9. Probability – likelihood that a possible future event will occur in any given instance of the event expressed 0-1 as a decimal Probability – likelihood that a possible future event will occur in any given instance of the event expressed 0-1 as a decimal Risk is the probability of an unwanted outcome. Risk is the probability of an unwanted outcome.

10. Thinking About Risk Chapter 2

11. Models Models-patterns, plans, representations, or descriptions designed to show the structure, workings of an object, system or concept Models-patterns, plans, representations, or descriptions designed to show the structure, workings of an object, system or concept Various types of models: Various types of models: Physical – 3 D model you can touch (DNA)Physical – 3 D model you can touch (DNA) Graphical – Maps and chartsGraphical – Maps and charts Conceptual – graphics or flow chartsConceptual – graphics or flow charts Mathematical – uses equationsMathematical – uses equations

12. Values - principles or standards that an individual considers to be important

13. Decision-making model -conceptual model that provides a systematic process for making decisions Decision-making model -conceptual model that provides a systematic process for making decisions Starting point in issues affecting the environments Starting point in issues affecting the environments Be sure to consider you values, weigh the pros and cons, and keep in mind both the short-term and long-term consequences of your decision Be sure to consider you values, weigh the pros and cons, and keep in mind both the short-term and long-term consequences of your decision 1. Gather information1. Gather information 2. Consider values2. Consider values 3. Explore consequences3. Explore consequences 4. Make a decision4. Make a decision