The Nature of Science

Chapter 1The Science of Biology(What is science?)

The Nature of ScienceScience is

Based on evidence (observations).

Subject to change.Science isBased upon the assumption that natural laws operate today as they did in the past and will continue to do so in the future.

Science isCharacterized by a common set of values including Logical thinkingPrecisionOpen-mindednessSkepticismReproducibility of resultsHonest and ethical reporting of resultsObjectivity/An attempt to avoid biasImagination (creativity)

Science isOne way of knowing used by many people (not just scientists).

Cannot answer all questions.

Facts, Laws & Theories Observations vs. InferencesFACTthe worlds dataEx: Plants need water to survive.

Lawpredicts what will happen if certain conditions are presentEx: Newtons Second Law F = ma (Force = mass x acceleration)* Look for the equations!

Theorywell tested explanation based on observationsEx: natural selectionObservationsUsing the five senses to gather information.The apple is red.

Types of Observations:Quantitative: involve measuring and the use of numbers. For example: The plant grew 5 cm in the last 7 days.

Qualitative: involve descriptions.For example: The plant is growing more on the side that is facing the sunlight.InferencesA logical interpretation based on ones prior knowledge and experiences.For example: The plant is growing toward the light because it needs light for photosynthesis.

PracticeThese tracks are representative of fossilized tracks commonly found in parts of New England and the Southwestern U.S..

What are some observations we can make about these tracks? AND are they quantitative or qualitative observations?

What are some inferences we can make about the tracks?

More InformationWhat are some new observations we can make about these tracks? Are they quantitative or qualitative?

What are some new inferences we can make about the tracks?

And More InformationFinal observations?Final inferences?Scientific Method

Note: There is no set order to the scientific method!!!

State the PROBLEM.Usually a QUESTION about what you want to learn.

RESEARCH the topic.

Form a HYPOTHESIS.HYPOTHESIS = an educated guess or solution based on your research.

Set up the EXPERIMENT.

Include the MATERIALS LIST and PROCEDURES.

Identify the independent variable, the dependent variable, and the control.INDEPENDENT VARIABLE = the variable that is changed.

***Note: It is a good idea to have only ONE independent variable at a time!

DEPENDENT VARIABLE = the variable that responds to the change and is observed.

CONTROL = experiment where nothing is changed.

Collect data.CHARTS and GRAPHS are good.

Form a CONCLUSION.Accept or reject your hypothesis.

Repeat your work.

COMMUNICATE your findings.

Talking to Plants

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9M8FFJW7UQMRecord the following for this experiment:1.) Question2.) Hypothesis (If then)3.) Independent Variable4.) Dependent Variable5.) Initial Results

Characteristics of Lifebiology: study of life

organism: any living thing

All living things:1.) Made up of cells.

2.) Reproduce. (sexually or asexually)

3.) Based on a genetic code. (DNA)

4.) Grow and develop.

All living things:5.) Obtain and use materials and energy. (metabolism)

6.) Respond to changes in it's environment.ex: Plant growing toward light.stimulus: signal an organism responds to response: the reaction

7.) Maintain a stable internal environment. (homeostasis)Ex: body temperature

8.) Adapt and evolve. (change over time)