Introduction to Science

1. Introduction to Science

2. Vocabulary science theory observation bias hypothesis stimulus controlled experiment homeostasis control group data independent variable dependent variable microscope

3. Learning Target • I can discuss the fundamental assumptions of science by: • Defining science. • Interpreting the goals of science. • Explaining the steps involved to think like a scientist.

4. What is Science? • Science is a way to learn about the world in an organized process using evidence. • It is also the body of knowledge built up after years and years of using this process.

5. What are the goals of science? • To investigate • To understand AND • To explain how things work in the natural world • To use our explanations to make useful predictions

6. How do we think like scientists? • We begin with an observation. • We then collect data. • Quantitative data is collecting numerical evidence • Qualitative data is collecting descriptive evidence • We then make inferences. • An inference is a logical interpretation of data based on our experiences.

7. Explaining and Interpreting Data • After making observations, we develop a hypothesis • A hypothesis • Must be testable • May be incorrect • May need to be revised

8. Points to Ponder . . . • How are quantitative and qualitative similar and different? • Can you give an example of each? • Make up your own question about the goals of science (and answer it).

9. Learning Target • I can discuss the fundamental assumptions of science by: • Defining science. • Interpreting the goals of science. • Explaining the steps involved to think like a scientist.

10. Learning Targets • I can design and conduct investigations appropriately using essential processes of scientific inquiry. • I can collect, organize and analyze data accurately and precisely.

11. Scientific Method Steps • Asking a question • Forming a hypothesis • Setting up a controlled experiment • Recording and analyzing results • Drawing a conclusion

12. Asking a Question • Problem • If it ain’t broke . . . . • What’s not working… Can we fix it? • Observation • Uses any and all of the five senses • Gathering information about a question or a problem

13. Forming a Hypothesis • Hypothesis • A testable explanation • A solution to a problem • An answer to a question • Can be an “if; then” statement

14. Setting up an experiment • What kind of data will I collect? Qualitative or quantative? • What can I control? • What are my variables? • Variables are the factors in an experiment that are or can be changed. • Equipment used, material used, amount of material, temperature, light, water, time

15. Setting up an experiment Independent variable or manipulated variable Dependent variable or responding variable Why is it important to control as many variables as possible?

16. Recording and Analyzing Results • Scientists keep written records of their observations and data. • Writing about observations • Writing about the numbers • Drawings • Graphs • Tables

17. Drawing a Conclusion • Was my hypothesis correct or not? • Can my hypothesis be revised and retested? • Is there a pattern in my results?

18. Theory • A hypothesis that has been well supported by many experiments over and over again.

19. Learning Targets: • I can design and conduct investigations appropriately using essential processes of scientific inquiry. • I can collect, organize and analyze data accurately and precisely.

20. Points to Ponder . . . • Differentiate between a control group and an experimental group • Differentiate between an independent variable and a dependent variable

21. Learning Targets • I can safely use laboratory equipment and techniques when conducting scientific investigations. • I can identify the parts and appropriately use a compound light microscope.

22. Microscopes • Devices that produce magnified images • Several types • Compound Light • Electron

23. Compound Light Microscopes • Most common • Can produce a clear image up to 1000X • Allows light to pass through the object • Uses two lenses to produce the image

24. Compound Light Microscope

25. Electron Microscopes • Transmission electron microscopes (TEM) • Scanning electron microscopes (SEM) • SEM scan a narrow beam of electrons back and forth across the surface of a specimen • TEM shine a beam of electrons through a thin specimen

26. Points to Ponder . . . • How is the total magnification of a microscope determined?

27. Learning Targets • I can safely use laboratory equipment and techniques when conducting scientific investigations. • I can identify the parts and appropriately use a compound light microscope.