IF YOU CAN FIND A PATH WITH NO OBSTACLES, IT PROBABLY DOESN'T
LEAD ANYWHERE.
1. What is the scientific method?2. What does the word BIOLOGY mean?
Vocabulary #1 Hypothesis- educated guess Independent Variable- given to the experimental
group, controlled by scientist Dependent Variable- measured by scientist,
experiment outcome Control group- receives no independent variable Experimental group- receives independent
variable Theory- explains how and why nature works,
many hypotheses proven multiple times Law-explains what nature does under certain
conditions, but does not explain why (math laws) Scientific Method- way scientists investigate
Bellringer 8-13-13
GRAPHING 1. OBSERVE the gummy bears, and
GUESS how many of each color you have. WRITE this down.
2.CREATE a Bar Graph, with your prediction.
3. GRAPH the actual number of bears you have.
T A L KS
Sequencing the Five Steps to the Scientific Method
Make observations
Formulate Hypothesis
Perform and experiment
Gather Data
Form Conclusions
Make Observations
Observations are based on:
Senses (sight, sound, smell, taste, and touch)
Prior knowledge
Perform an Experiment
Experiments are designed to prove/disprove the hypothesis using a CONTROLLED experiment.
A controlled experiment only has one variable. Variable- something that
can be manipulated or changed.
Experimental Design
1. Control Group-no variable applied. 2. Experimental Group-variable applied.
In order to measure only one variable, groups must be identical to one another, except for the variable.
1. Independent Variable-manipulated by experimenter (YOU CONTROL THIS), given to experimental group.
2. Dependent Variable-measured by the experimenter, it depends on the independent variable (YOU MEASURE THIS).
Gather Data
During the experiment it is important to write everything down.1. Collect data during experiment.2. Interpret data and results.3. Make calculations, measurements, etc.
Form Conclusions
Determine if your hypothesis is correct/incorrect.
The purpose of a conclusion is to prove/disprove your hypothesis.
One experiment is typically not enough, multiple trials are run to ensure validity of results.
Sequencing the Five Steps to the Scientific Method
Make observations
Formulate Hypothesis
Perform and experiment
Gather Data
Form Conclusions
Horse ExampleIf I want to know which type of feed (oats or
pellets) would put weight on a group of 30 horses faster, what should I do?
Hypothesis:
Control Group:Experimental Group:Independent Variable:Dependent Variable:
SEQUENCE
Place the steps of the scientific method in sequential order.
Hint: Sequential is the adj. for sequence.
Place post it on the yellow sheet with your first and last name.
Hypothetical Application of Scientific Method
Pfizer is thinking of testing a new anti-aging drug. They ask you an expert researcher to design an experiment for them to determine whether or not the drug “Stay Young” works.
Complete the following: State Hypothesis Create an experiment
Control group & experimental group Determine independent & dependent variable
Inquiry Based Seed Lab
Inquiry- you investigate your hypothesis by designing your own unique experiment.
Constants: Variable:
Find the Flaw
A WKU professor was conducting a research trial to see what type of therapy would be the best to use to help depressed clients. She got two groups of patients, used two different therapies, and recorded her results.
Why was this not a controlled experiment with respect to control and experimental groups, independent and dependent variables, and validity of results?
Question of the Day
Driving home I realize that birds in Summer Shade are growing three wings instead of two. I also notice that they are drinking from water with a purplish tinge.
Propose a hypothesis. Set up an experiment: Label control and
experimental groups, independent and dependent variable.
Hypothesis-educated guess based on predictions
Law
Theory- a well-tested concept that has been proven many times. The hypothesis/hypotheses always remain true. Examples: Cell Theory and Evolutionary Theory
Things to Remember
Science is always changing with new technologies and new experimentation.
Science is based on fact not opinion. Always be open-minded, question the
known and unknown.
The goal of the scientific method is to investigate, understand, and explain events in the natural world and use these explanations to make further predictions.
QOD: 8-11 Must Write
1. __ variable given to experimental group 2. __ group that receives no variable 3. __ educated guess 4. __ believed by many, explains why something
happens 5. __ variable measured in the experiment 6. __ states what is going to happen, but not why 7. __ group that is compared to the control group 8. __ term to describe how scientists study nature
Introduction to BiologyWhile all organisms are different; all share some similiarities
Composed of Cells Levels of
Organization Metabolism- use
energy Respond to the
Environment/ Stimuli Growth Reproduction Adapt to
Environment
Cells-smallest unit of life; structure dictates function
Reproduction-necessary for species survival Metabolism-chemical reactions needed to
gain energy Homeostasis- the body’s ability to maintain
a constant environment. (Warm vs. Cold blooded)
Heredity- passing of traits from parents to offspring
Evolution-change over time for species’ benefit
Interdependence- all species rely/interact on one another within an environment.