Unit One: Introduction to Biology
What is science?
Science is very broad. Therefore, it is divided into many branches. Each branch
is designated to study a specific topic.
Examples include:
This science class is biology.
Bio =________________ + ology =____________________
Therefore Biology is:
Biology is a very broad topic. The study of biology ranges from the simplest
organisms like __________________, to the most complex organisms like
________________. Therefore, it is also subdivided into many different
branches:
Microbiology:
Zoology:
Physiology:
Ecology:
Botany:
Anatomy:
Genetics:
Scientific Method:
Step 1
Step 2
Step 3
Step 4
Step 5
Step 6
Steps of the Scientific Method:
Step 1: Observation of a problem/ Asking a question
Our question?
Step 2: Do background research
What do you already know about fish?
Step 3: Form a hypothesis
-Known as an educated guess.
-Why???
Educated:
Guess:
A hypothesis must be proposed in a way that can be tested.
-it must be_______________________
-it can’t be_______________________
-it is best if written in a:
-If____________ then___________ statement
Fish scenario: Our classroom pet, Goldie the goldfish suddenly died.
State a hypothesis as to why Goldie died:
Step 4: Test with Experimentation
-There are two types of groups in a scientific experiment:
1 control group and 1 or more experimental groups
One Controlled group:
One or more Experimental group(s):
What is a variable?
Parts of an experiment:
Constants:
Variable:
Control Group:
Experimental Group:
Scientist must control the conditions and variables in an experiment.
Why?
Scenario: Our poor fish Goldie
R.I.P.
Our thoughts:
Our hypothesis:
-will have four set ups
Our controlled experiment:
1 control group
3 experimental groups
Our experimental variable is:____________________
Control group:
room temp (22 degrees Celsius) , 1 of the same type of plants
3 gallons purified water , 50 grams of stones
3 fish (same age and type), .5 grams of food each day,
14 hours of light , pH of 7
Three experimental groups:
_________
_________
All three contain: 1 of the same type of plants, 3 gallons purified water
________
, 50 grams of stones
3 fish (same age and type), .5 grams of food each day, 14 hours of light , pH of 7
The variable being test or the factor that has been changed is:__________
Step 5: Collect data, analyze results and form a conclusion
What is data?
If hypothesis is not supported then what should the scientist do?
If the hypothesis is supported then what should the scientist do?
Step 6: Scientist must replicate their work and truthfully share their
work and results by publishing/reporting their results in a scientific
journal.
Scientific understanding is always changing
Good scientist are always skeptic and always asking more questions.
Nothing is science is absolute……it is constantly being updated, it is always being
made better.
Terms you need to know:
Hypothesis:
Law:
Theory:
Being a good observer is the most important aspect of being a good scientist:
2 types of observations:
-Quantitative observations AND
Quantitative observations:
Root word?
Quantitative observations are:
Examples:
Qualitative observations
Qualitative observations:
Root word?
Qualitative observations are:
Examples:
Example:
Quantitative observations?
Qualitative observations?