Discovery Science
Concept 2.1 pp. 24
Discovery Science begins science inquiry
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Describes Nature.
Careful observations & data collection
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Inquiry- starting point for exploring life.
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Observing and asking questions.
Observations-5 senses used to gather info.
Data- recorded observations / information
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Qualitative data-descriptive using 5 senses
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Includes writing, photographs, drawings etc.
Quantitative data-measurements (metric)
Organized and reliable
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Examples of Discovery Science:
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Jane Goodall’s chimpanzee research.
Fleming’s discovery of Penicillin.
“Chance favors the prepared mind”
Inferences
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Definition- a logical conclusion based on
observations.
May use prior knowledge.
Difference between an observation and an
inference.
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Examples:
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Generalizations-a general conclusion
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Based on many similar observations.
Demo- T28
General patterns in large sample populations.
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Graphs make it easier to visualize.
Results in “breakthroughs”
Discovery Science- begins science inquiry
Hypothesis Based Science- attempts to
explain.
Hypothesis Based Science
Concept 2.2 pp. 30
Hypothesis-based ScienceCauses and Explanations
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Scientific Method- sequence of steps used
to solve problems/ answer questions.
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Steps do not have to be followed exactly.
Key element is the hypothesis.
Hypothesis- suggested answer to a
scientific question.
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Based on past experience + knowledge
Instinctive, used to solve everyday problems.
Need to be testable.
Scientific Method
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Hypotheses
Not just proposed, but tested.
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Additional observations and experiments.
Based on the hypothesis a prediction is made.
Prediction- the “If…, then” statement.
Figure 2-11- Flashlight example
Case Study- Mimicry
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Hypothesis- “Mimics benefit because
predators confuse them with the harmful
species.”
Key to testing – controlled experiment.
Controlled Experiment
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An experiment that tests a single variable.
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Variable- A condition that can differ in an
experiment.
Brown colored snakes were the control.
OnLine Activity 2.2- what was the control?
Other variables need to be eliminated.
Examples of other variables.
Mimicry Flowchart.
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Collecting Data
Organizing and Analyzing Data.
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Tables and Graphs
Reveal patterns
Conclusions
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Does the data fit the prediction?
What happens if the data does not support the
hypothesis?
Revise the hypothesis.
Concept 2.3
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Evidence- Collected body of data from
observations and experiments.
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Science requires repeatable observations
and testable hypotheses.
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Repeatable makes it scientific.
Limited to natural causes for natural
phenomena.
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Theory- well tested explanation that takes
into account a great variety of scientific
observations.
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Gives rise to many hypotheses that can be
tested.
Broader is scope than a hypothesis.
Example- Adaptations such as mimicry
evolve by natural selection.
Theory is accepted once it is supported by
extensive body of evidence.
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Models
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Tools used by scientists.
Diagrams, 3-D, Graphs, Flowcharts.
Technology- Science applied for a specific
purpose.