Introduction to Science/Biology

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Introduction to Science/Biology

• Scientific MethodLaboratory Report FormatMetric
  SystemThemes of BiologyCharacteristics of Life

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Scientific Method
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Steps of the Scientific Method

• 1. Observation ? Problem
• 2. Research (books, journal articles, internet,
  etc.)
• 3. Hypothesis- a possible explanation to a
  problem that can be tested experimentally
• 4. Prediction

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Steps of the Scientific Method

• 5. Experimentation
• A controlled experiment is based on a comparison
  of a control group with an experimental group.
• The control group and the experimental group are
  designed to be identical except for one factor.
• This factor is called the independent variable
  (manipulated variable).
• The dependent variable is the responding variable.

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Steps of the Scientific Method

• 6. Recording and Analyzing Data
• 7. Conclusion
• 8. Repetition- run the same experiment using the
  same materials and methods
• 9. Theory- most probable explanation for a set of
  data, based on the best available evidence

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Correlation vs. Causation

• Correlation a relationship in which two or more
  things are mutual or complementary
• Causation the fact that something causes an
  effect, or the action of causing an effect

CORRELATION ? CAUSATION
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Important Vocabulary

• Controlled Variables variables that must be
  controlled or they will have significant effects
  on the outcome of the experiment
• Level of Treatment the value set for the
  independent variable
• Method of Replication the manner in which the
  experiment is repeated

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Controlled Experiments
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Controlled Experiments

• Independent Variable Type of Fertilizer
• Dependent Variables height, weight, leaves,
  stems, color, etc.
• Controlled Variables sunlight, temperature,
  humidity, amount of soil, soil pH, seeds, type
  of seeds, pot size, etc.

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Controlled Experiments

• Level of Treatment 25 g fertilizer/30 days
• Method of Replication Repeat 4 more times using
  same materials and methods

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Laboratory Report Format
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Laboratory Report Format

• I. Problem
• Usually in the form of a question
• II. Hypothesis
• Usually in the form of an If then statement
• III. Materials
• All materials must be listed (use two or more
  columns to save space).

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Laboratory Report Format

• IV. Procedure
• The procedure is written/typed as a list of
  steps. Each step is an individual action. Steps
  are never combined.
• V. Results - Label with Figure
• Data (entered into tables and charts)
• Appropriate Graphs (line, bar, scatter, etc.)
• Drawings and Diagrams
• Photographs
• Observations

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Laboratory Report Format

• VI. Conclusions
• Summary of the Laboratory
• Analysis of Data
• Discussion of Error (experimental error,
  equipment failure, human error, etc.)
• VII. Questions (if applicable)
• Answers to questions are numbered and in complete
  sentences.

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Metric System
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Metric System Conversions
Move decimal point to right
kilo-
Move decimal point to left
hecta-
deca-
Basic Unit (g, m, L)
deci-
centi-
milli-
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Example 1

• Convert 25 mg to kg
• 25.0

Move decimal to the left 6 spaces 0.000025 kg
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Example 2

• Convert 0.5 km to cm
• 0.5

Move decimal to the right 5 spaces 50,000 cm
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Example 3

• Convert 500 mL to L
• 500.0

Move decimal to the left 3 spaces 0.5 L
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Themes of Biology
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Biology

• Biology the science of living organisms and the
  interactions among them

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Seven Major Themes of Biology

• Evolution
• Evolution the theory that species change over
  time
• Scientists suggest that evolution occurs by a
  process called natural selection.
• Organisms that have certain inheritable traits
  (adaptations) are better able to survive in
  specific environments than organisms that lack
  those traits.

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Seven Major Themes of Biology

• Reproduction and Inheritance
• Reproduction asexual (no exchange of genetic
  information between organisms) or sexual (genetic
  information is exchanged between organisms)
• Inheritance the acquisition of traits by
  offspring

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Seven Major Themes of Biology

• Development
• Development the process by which an organism
  grows
• Unicellular vs. Multicellular Development

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Seven Major Themes of Biology

• Structure and Function
• Morphology the internal and external appearance
  of an organism
• Anatomy Internal Morphology
• STRUCTURE DETERMINES FUNCTION

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Seven Major Themes of Biology

• Energy Relationships
• All organisms use energy
• Autotrophs vs. Heterotrophs

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Seven Major Themes of Biology

• Ecology
• Ecology the study of the relationship between
  organisms and their environments
• Interdependence

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Seven Major Themes of Biology

• Science and Society
• Knowledge from biological science can be applied
  to specific problems in society to improve human
  life.
• How biological knowledge should be used involves
  decisions based on ethics (bioethics)

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Characteristics of Life
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Seven Characteristics of Life

• Cells all living things are composed of cells
• Organization all organisms are organized at both
  molecular and cellular levels
• atoms ? molecules ? organelles ? cells ? tissues
  ? organs ? organ systems ? organisms

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Seven Characteristics of Life

• Metabolism all organisms use energy for growth
  and maintenance
• Response to the Environment a response is a
  reaction to a stimulus
• Growth all living things grow, growth occurs
  through cell division and cell enlargement

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Seven Characteristics of Life

• Reproduction all organisms have the ability to
  reproduce, reproduction is necessary for the
  continuity of life
• Adaptation organisms have adaptations that give
  them an advantage in an environment

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