Bio. 1: The student will demonstrate an understanding of scientific reasoning, logic, & the nature of science by planning and conducting investigations: a) observations of living organisms are recorded in the lab and in the field; b) hypotheses are formulated based on direct observations and information from scientific literature; c) variables are defined and investigations are designed to test hypotheses; d) graphing and arithmetic calculations are used as tools in data analysis; e) conclusions are formed based on recorded quantitative and qualitative data; f) sources of error inherent in experimental design are identified and discussed; g) validity of data is determined; h) chemicals and equipment are used in a safe manner; i) appropriate technology including computers, graphing calculators, and probeware, is used for gathering and analyzing data, communicating results, modeling concepts, and simulating experimental conditions; j) research utilizes scientific literature; k) differentiation is made between a scientific hypothesis, theory, and law; l) alternative scientific explanations and models are recognized and analyzed; and m) current applications of biological concepts are used. Nature of Science: • The Natural World is Understandable • Science Demands Evidence • Science Avoids Bias • Scientific Ideas Are Subject to Change • Science is a Blend of Logic & Imagination • Scientific Knowledge is Durable • Science is a Complex Social Activity The Nature of Science is how scientists conduct their work and scientific knowledge is gained. Experimental Design • Can only change ONE variable – INDEPENDENT VARIABLE (THINK – What did I change?) • What is affected by that change? – DEPENDANT VARIABLE (Think – What am I measuring?) • CONTROL – What you use to compare? – CONTROL GROUP – Nothings changes here; No variables changed • EXPERIMENTAL GROUP – The group that has the changed variable • CONSTANTS – Everything else in the experiment MUST be the SAME • DATA – Measurements or observation you collect in an experiment • HYPOTHESIS – Educated guess about the outcome of the experiment – Based on prior knowledge – Typically written in an “If…(IV)…. , then…(DV)…” statement. • THEORY/LAW – Scientific ideas that “have stood the test of time” – LOTS of DATA still support these ideas • INFERENCE – A guess you make about something you did not see directly • CONCLUSION – Formed based on recorded quantitative and qualitative data. • SOURCE OF ERROR – In all experiments some small errors occur: HUMAN Error (Is it red or maroon?); Measurement Error; TOO SMALL of a SAMPLE SIZE; Change TWO variables; Did Not Control ALL Constants Studying Captive & Wild Behaviors Studying the behaviors of organisms living in a controlled setting (i.e., in a laboratory, zoo, aquarium, or any other type of captivity) does NOT mean that the organism would respond that same way in the wild. To obtain the most accurate information on how an organism behaves, the organism should be observed while it is in its natural, wild habitat.
