Scientific Method•Observation•Question•Literature Review•Hypothesis

To increase the chances of passing on useful information that may lead to understanding unexplained natural phenomena the scientist will follow a well defined process.

The Checks lab Activity helped us better understand the dynamics associated with the advances in scientific knowledge

Each check - more answers or questions?Was all the data critical information?Were all hypotheses the same?Did any group’s hypothesis stay the same?Did any hypotheses get radically changed with new info?

Did any group experience a biased leader?Was collaboration straight forward and open?

Can we be confident that we have explained what had happened?

Confusing/useless data?Bias - due to personal experienceOpen Minded (acupuncture, herbal treatments, immune system stimulation, nature may

know better)

Dynamics of the research TeamCollaborationAvailability of DataCan Your Conclusion always be confirmed with the data available?

Many factors influence the direction of scientific thinking

(The Checks Lab Should Have Revealed)

What must occur before a hypothesis becomes theory?

Scientific Method•Observation•Question•Literature Review•Hypothesis•Experimentation•Data Analysis•Conclusion•Theory

To increase the chances of passing on useful information that may lead to understanding unexplained natural phenomena the scientist will

follow a well defined process. (new data, new technology, open minded)

Variables (dependent, independent, controlled)

Control (Examples?)

•Q - Is light needed to support the growth of germinating seeds?

•H - The greater the intensity of light the faster a germinating seed will grow.

•P - If germinating seeds grow faster when exposed to higher intensities of light then seeds placed in full exposure to sunlight will grow taller than those deprived of sunlight.

Does flower shape effect frequency of honey bee visitations?

1. Experimental design?2. Dependent variable(s)3. Independent variable4. Controlled Variable5. Control group

What is the importance of using Clear & Accurate descriptions when defining Procedure? Observations?

What can we do to make sure that our descriptions are clear & accurate?

All experiments./ observations must be able to be replicated in order for them to be considered scientifically valid (cold fusion,, supreme being)

Be descriptive, drawings & photographs, accurate measurements, clear and accurate vocabulary, well organized, someone else read/repeat

The Theory of Spontaneous Generation offers an excellent example

of how theory can change

Formula for making Bees, Flies, Mice

The research of•Redi - flies•Spallanzani - microbes•Pasteur - microbesHelped to disprove the theory of spontaneous generation

Can current theories accepted as “true” change? Why should we continue to explore existing theories?

On September 28, 1969, a meteorite fell over Murchison, Australia. analysis of the meteorite has shown that it was rich with amino acids.

A Recent Example: Miller / Oparin

Early earth's atmosphere may not have contained predominantly reductant molecules.

Another - Plate Tectonics & Evolution leading to the isolation and

speciation of Australian marsupials, Big Bang Theory…….

Hypotheses as well as Theories change as new data becomes available. Many topics we cover this year will include concepts

that may change with time.

•Atomic structure & interaction•Chemical activity of cell organelles•DNA manipulation of information•Natural defenses against cancer•The contributions of toothed whales to the marine ecosystem

This is the nature of science. Developing new beliefs that help us better understand the natural world so that we may use this knowledge to improve the quality of life

Biology - Study of life; What determines if something is living?

•Composed of cells•Reproduce•Use a universal genetic code•Grow and develop•Exchange materials and energy•Respond to their environment•Maintain an internal stability•Change over time

Anything that lacks these qualities would be a component of the abiotic world. What about Viruses and Prions?

Different branches of biology focus on one or more of these: Zoology, Limnology, Anatomy & Physiology, Microbiology, Paleontology

1. Biosphere2. Ecosystem3. Community4. Population5. Organism6. Systems7. Organs8. Tissues9. Cells10. Macromolecules11. Molecules12. Atoms13. Atomic Particles

Life can be studied at many levels. Conditions necessary to support life can be divided into many levels of organization. Biologists will study life at one or more of these levels.

Homeostasis at each of these levels will support stability.

Changes induce adjustment or death.

Acquisition of data requires special tools such as:•Centrifuge•Gel Electrophoresis, PCR, Sequencers•Sensors (probes, depth finders, current measurement….)•Sonograms, Thermography, X-ray, MRI, PET (contrast)•Sonar, Radar, Satellite Imagery•Microscopes; Compound Light, Phase Contrast, SEM, TEM - stains

Light - up to 1,000xSEM - up to appx 25,000x TEM - up to appx. 100,000x

Sharing data requires a universal measurement system

Metric System - multiples of 10 & universal units of measure

•Volume •Distance•Mass•Temp

1000.1.01.001.000001

Prefixes are used to define how many or fractions of

LiterMeterGramCentigrade

KiloDeciCentiMiliMicro

Life Table for the Population of the United States, 1997Age Interval Of 100,000 Born Alive Average Remaining LifetimePeriod of life

between two exactages (in years)

Number living atbeginning of age

interval

Number dyingduring age interval

Average number of years oflife remaining at beginning

of age interval

0–1 100,000 723 76.5

1–5 99,277 143 76.1

5–10 99,135 92 72.2

10–15 99,043 115 67.2

15–20 98,929 370 62.3

20–25 98,558 486 57.5

25–30 98,073 500 52.8

30–35 97,574 614 48.1

35–40 96,959 814 43.4

40–45 96,145 1,150 38.7

45–50 94,996 1,668 34.1

50–55 93,327 2,443 29.7

55–60 90,884 3,747 25.4

60–65 87,136 5,626 21.4

65–70 81,510 7,752 17.7

70–75 73,757 10,596 14.3

75–80 63,162 13,135 11.2

80–85 50,026 15,805 8.5

85–90 34,221 15,794 6.3

90–95 18,427 11,551 4.5

95–100 6,876 5,316 3.3

100+ 1,559 1,559 2.5

Tables are essential for organizing raw data

Graphs are essential for analysis & presentation of data