Chapter 1
Science Skills
1.1 What is Science?
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Throughout history, humans have had a strong sense of curiosity.
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Science: is a system of knowledge and the methods you use to find that knowledge.
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The goal of science is to understand the world around us
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Science begins with curiosity and ends with discovery.
 Scientific Method
1.1 Science and Technology
 Technology: is the use of knowledge to solve practical problems.
 Long Distance Communication = Telephone
 Time consuming math calculations = calculator
 Science and technology are interdependent. Advances in one lead to advances in another.
 Example Evolution of telephones… page 3
1.1 Branches of Science
 Natural Science: can be broken down into 3 branches. (look at graphic organizer)
 1. Physical Science: focuses on non-living things. Physical Science can be broken down into 2 fields:
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Chemistry: is the study of the composition, structure, properties, and reactions of matter.
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Physics: is the study of matter and energy and the interactions between the two through forces and motion.
1.1 Branches of Science
 2. Earth and Space: is the study of Earth and space by applying chemistry and physics.
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Geology: is the study of the origin, history, and structure of Earth.
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Astronomy: is the study of the universe beyond Earth, including the sun, moon, planets, and stars.
 3. Biology: is the study of living things (life science)
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Zoology= animals Botany= plants
1.1 Big Ideas of Physical Science
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The universe – very old and very big.
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The universe – mostly space.
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Matter: anything that takes up space
(has both mass and volume)
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All matter – made of atoms.
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World – full of forces and motion.
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Energy exists in many forms.
1.2 Scientific Method
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Scientific Method: organized plan for gathering, organizing, and communicating information. (A systematic approach to problem solving)
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The goal – to solve a problem

 to better understand an observed event.
(The world around us)
 State the problem/Form Question:
 Gather Information: gathering information using your senses. (observations)
1.2 Scientific Method
3. Form a hypothesis:
 Hypothesis: proposed answer to a problem.
(An educated guess)
 Must be testable
1.2 Scientific Method
4. Testing a Hypothesis:
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Experiments test the hypothesis.
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Variable: any factor that can change during an experiment.
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Manipulated variable: is the variable we change.
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Responding variable: changes in response to the manipulated variable.
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Controlled Experiment: only one manipulated variable is deliberately changed at a time.
(everything else stays the same)
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Data: information gathered
(Tables, graphs, pie charts, lists, etc.)
1.2 Scientific Method
5. Analyzing Data
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Scientists decide if data supports the hypothesis
6. Conclusion:
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If data doesn’t support hypothesis, then revise it & test again
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If data supports the hypothesis, test again to validate
1.2 Scientific Method
7. Developing a Theory:
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Scientific Theory: a well-tested explanation for a set of observations or experimental results.
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Theories are supported, not proven
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Scientific Law: statement that summarizes a pattern found in nature.
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Describes an observed pattern without trying to explain it. Ex. Gravity.
1.2 Scientific Models
 Scientific models: used to understand things that are too difficult to observe directly.
 Model of the atom
 Model of the universe
 Model of a city
 Model cars/planes
1.3 Measurement
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Scientific notation – Makes it easier to work with very large or very small numbers
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Negative exponent = less than 1

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Positive exponent = greater than 1
1.3 SI Units (Metric System)
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Scientists use SI (International System)
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Length: straight-line distance between 2 points
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Mass: amount of matter in an object
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Volume: amount of space an object takes up
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Base units (Page 16)Derived Units (Page 16)
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Density: mass per unit of volume

D=m/v
1.3 Measurement
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Metric Prefixes (page 17)
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Conversion Factor: is a ratio (fraction) of equal measurements used for a conversion
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1 km = 1,000 m
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1 m = 100 cm
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1 m = 1,000 mm
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Example Problems
1.3 Limits of Measurement
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Precision: is how exact a measurement is
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Significant digits: are all the digits in a measurement, plus the last estimated digit.
 The more significant digits = more precise
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Accuracy: closeness to the actual measure
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Temperature: measured with a thermometer
 Temperature table: pg. 20
1.4 Presenting Scientific Data
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Scientists organize data into tables and graphs
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Powerpoint Slide
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Data Table: information arranged into a table, this info can then be expressed as:
 Line Graph
 Bar Graph
 Circle (pie)
1.4 Presenting Scientific Data
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Scientists can communicate scientific results by writing in scientific journals or speaking at science conferences
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Peer Review: is when a scientific experiment or project is reviewed by a board of scientists before getting published
 This shows that the project is valid