I. Scientific Method
A. 6 Steps
1). Observing – using 1 or more of the 5
senses to look at objects / events.
a.
How “old” science was done.
b.
Measuring – determining the
dimensions of an object with a
numerical value.
2).
Hypothesis – a testable statement.
3).
Experiment – procedure to test the
hypothesis.
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a.
1.
Test only 1 variable at a time
Why?  know which variable is
causing the result.
2.
Independent variable – variable that
is changed in the experiment.
a.
Ex: time, water amount,
fertilizer, antibiotic, etc.
3.
Dependent variable – variable that
is measured.
a.
Ex: height, time, etc.
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4.
Controlled variable –
variable that could be
changed, but is held
constant.
4).
Results – measured end products
of your experiment.
5).
Analysis – determining if
results support/refute the
hypothesis.
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a.
Ex: interpreting graphs
b.
Organizing data  placing results
in a graph, chart, table, or map.
6).
Conclusion – basic bottom line of
experiment using hypothesis and
results.
B.
Do Scientist communicate?
1).
Yes, by conferences and scientific
papers.
2).
Communication – allows scientists to
build on the work of others.
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C. Scientific sampling – a small sample is
used to represent an entire population
II. Characteristics of Living Things
A. These include the following:
1). Made of units called cells.
2). They reproduce.
3). Based on universal genetic code
(DNA)
4). Grow and develop.
5). Obtain & use materials and
energy.
6). Respond to their environment.
(Behavior)
7). Maintain a stable internal
environment.
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III.
Microscopes – instrument used for
magnification with high detail
A.
Types of microscopes:
1). Dissecting microscope
2). Light microscope
3). Transmission electron
microscope – (TEM)
a. Transmits a beam through a
very thinly sliced specimen.
4). Scanning electron microscope –
(SEM)
a. Scans the surface of an
object with a beam of
electrons, e-.
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B.
Parts and Functions
Parts
1). Eyepiece/ocular
2). Body tube
3). Revolving
nosepiece
4). Objective lenses
5). Stage
6). Stage clips
Functions
magnifies & serves as
a place to view
specimens
Area for light path
Turns allowing
differing objective
lenses to be used
Holds lenses with
different
magnification
Support for the slide
or specimen
Prevents the slide
from moving.
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Parts
7). Arm
Functions
Used to carry the
microscope
8). Base
Supports the entire
microscope
9). Inclination Joint Allows the microscope
to be angled
10).Light Source
Mirror or fluorescent
bulb
11). Coarse Adjustment Allows for basic
Knob
focusing
12). Fine Adjustment
Allows for fine
Knob
focusing
13). Diaphragm
Changes the light to
adjust contrast
14). Condenser
Concentrates light
into a smaller beam
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C.
Other Characteristics
1). Total magnification of a
microscope:
a. Total magnification =
ocular mag. X objective mag.
b. Ex: 400X = 10X X 40X
2). Field of view patterns:
a. As magnification increases,
field of view decreases
b. Specimen is upside down and
backwards through ocular
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