SCIENTIFIC METHODS

Logical, orderly sequence of methods used to solve a problem

SCIENTIFIC VIDE00 https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_det

ailpage&v=wlb7tLJy5AI

Scientific Method

SEQUENCE

0Question0Observation: using senses0Hypothesis: testable, possible solution to a

problem; If___, then ____, because_____. Written as prediction.

0Experiment: test0Collect/Analyze data0Conclusion0Report0If necessary, new hypothesis

PARTS OF AN EXPERIMENT

0Control: used to compare to determine results

0Experimental group: contains factor being tested for

0Variable: factor being tested; only one per experiment

VARIABLES

0 Independent variable: factor that causes the results; manipulated variable

0 Dependent variable: factor that is the results observed; responding variable

DATA

0 Quantitative: statistics; numerical data0 Qualitative: narrative; written0 In quantitative, units of measurements must always

be used.

SCIENTIFIC METHOD EXAMPLE

0 If fertilizer is used on azaleas, then the azaleas with the smallest amount used will show the largest increase in height because large amounts of fertilizer will be toxic to the plants.

0 Set up 4 containers with an azalea bush: one without fertilizer and 3 with varying amounts of fertilizer. Maintain the same amount of light and water. Light and water are the constants, conditions that will not change in the experiment.

0 Measure height of plants weekly.0 After 3 months, analyze data to determine results by organizing

in graphs, tables, or charts.

MV and RV

0 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aLesk8fujH8&feature=player_detailpage

REDI’S EXPERIMENT

0Controlled variables0Independent variable0Dependent variable

PASTEUR’S EXPERIMENT0Long curved neck of flask traps microscopic

organisms.0Curved neck allowed air in as broth is boiled0Broke neck and flask filled with organisms

VARIABLES

0 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hxbz656Euyw&feature=player_detailpage

ASSESSMENT

Marshmallow MusclesLarry was told that a certain muscle cream was the

newest best thing on the market and claims to double a person’s muscle power when used as part of a muscle-building workout. Interested in this product, he buys the special muscle cream and recruits Patrick and SpongeBob to

help him with an experiment. Larry develops a special marshmallow weight-lifting program for Patrick

and SpongeBob. He meets with them once every day for a period of 2 weeks and keeps track of their results. Before each session Patrick’s arms and back are lathered in the muscle cream, while Sponge Bob’s arms and back are lathered with the regular lotion.

Time SpongeBob PatrickInitial 5 18 After 1week 9 24After 2weeks 17 33

QUESTIONS

• Which person is in the control group?• What is the independent variable?• What is the dependent variable?• What should Larry’s conclusion be?

ANSWERS

Marshmallow Muscles (ANSWERS)Which person is in the control group? SpongeBobWhat is the independent variable? Muscle creamWhat is the dependent variable? Amount of

marshmallows lifted (strength)

What should Larry’s conclusion be? Since both Patrick and SpongeBob improved their results by the end of two weeks, it does not appear that the claims for the special muscle cream are true. If the claims were correct, we should have seen Patrick’s amount double, but not SpongeBob’s amount.

ANSWERS

The improvements were likely a result of Larry’s special workout.

REINFORCEMENThttp://sciencespot.net/Media/scimethodwkst.pdf 

THEMES OF BIOLOGY

0CELL structure and function0Stability and HOMEOSTASIS0Reproduction and INHERITANCE0EVOLUTION0 INTERDEPENDENCE of organisms0Matter, energy, and ORGANIZATION

CHARACTERISTICS OF LIFE

CHARACTERISITICS OF LIFE

CHARACTERISTICS OF LIFE

0 Unicellular/Multicellular0 Asexual/Sexual0 DNA0 Growth/Development0 Metabolism0 Response0 Homeostasis0 Evolution

Cell Structure and Function

0Basic unit of life0Composed of only a single cell (unicellular) is

usually identical to parent cell

Cell Structure and Function

0 Most organisms are composed of many cells (multicellular).

0 Cells differentiate (undergo changes) and are highly organized

Reproduction and Inheritance

0 Produce new organisms like themselves-- REPRODUCE

0 Transmit hereditary information to their offspring-- INHERITANCE

Sexual Reproduction

0Egg and sperm= zygote (fertilized egg)0Zygote contains

hereditary information from both parents

Asexual Reproduction

0Resulting cells contain identical hereditary information

0Genetic information from single parent

Growth

0 Result of cell division and cell

0 Cell division--the formation of two cells from a preexisting cell

0 New cells enlarge as they mature

Development

0 Adult organism arises0 Repeated cell divisions

and cell differentiation

Responsiveness

0 Respond to stimuli in the external environment

0 Internal stimuli

Energy Use

0 Metabolism--Sum of all chemical processes

0 Maintain molecular and cellular organization, grow and reproduce

Homeostasis

0 Maintain stable internal conditions

0 Temperature, pH, etc.

Evolution

0 Populations of organisms change (evolve) over generations (time)

0 Explains how many different kinds of species came to exist

BRANCHES OF SCIENCE

0Zoology0Botany0Paleontology0Anatomy/Physiology0Ecology

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