Chapter 1
The Science of Biology
1-1: WHAT IS SCIENCE
What science is and is not…
KeyC#1: The goal of science is
to investigate and understand
the natural world, to explain
events in the natural world,
and to use those explanations
to make useful predictions

Three features of science:

1. In the context of the natural
world

2. Data collection is organized
(look for patterns/connections)

Investigate


Explain
3. Must be testable by looking
at evidence

Make predictions

Def: Science—an organized
way of using evidence to learn
about the natural world.

Thinking like a scientist

Scientific thinking:



Def: Observation—use of
senses to gather information
(data) in an orderly fashion
Data:

Quantitative—expresses as
numbers (counting/measuring)

Qualitative—descriptive
characteristics (cannot be
counted)
What are some examples of
quantitative vs. qualitative?

Scientists use data to make
inferences.

Def: Inference—logical
interpretation based on prior
knowledge or experience (ex.
water in reservoir)
Explaining and Interpreting
Evidence

After initial observations of
the natural world,
researches will propose a


Def: Hypothesis—proposed
scientific explanation for a
set of observations

Hypotheses rise from:

Prior knowledge

Logical inference

Informed, creative
imagination
Must be testable. Can be
ruled out or
supported/confirmed.
Science as a way of knowing

The best scientists are skeptics

Don’t be afraid to ask questions.

Questions both existing and new
hypotheses.

There are limits to science and
definite lines that should not be
crossed. What do you think
determines where these lines are
drawn?

First question in the bible: Genesis
3:1

“Now the serpent was more crafty
than any of the wild animals
the LORD God had made. He said
to the woman, ‘Did God really say,
‘You must not eat from any tree in
the garden’?’”
Writing assignment: Where is the
line?
Write a paragraph (5 complete


Edward Jenner video
sentences, TS, 3 SS, CS) explaining
why Jenner’s research methods
might have been controversial
and whether you
support/challenge his methods.
Chapter 1
The Science of Biology
1-2: HOW SCIENTISTS WORK
Designing an experiment

First: Ask a question. (i.e. how did
maggots get on the meat?
Spontaneous generation?)


Def: Spontaneous generation: life
from non-living matter


Variables: factors that can change (i.e.
equipment used, materials, temperature,
light, time)

KeyC#1: Whenever possible, a
hypothesis should be tested by an
experiment in which only one variable is
changed at a time. All other variables
should be kept unchanged, or
controlled.

Controlled experiment:
Second: Form a hypothesis. (i.e.
maybe maggots come from flies)

Setting up a controlled experiment
Remember: observe and propose
an explanation


Manipulated variable: changed by the
researcher

Responding variable: changes in
response to the manipulated variable
Let’s look at Figure 1.8 (Pg. 9)
Designing an experiment cont’d…


Recording & Analyzing Results:

Repeating experiments:

Always keep a record of your data
(hard copy/digital)

Your work is a contribution to the
science community

What types of data can we
observe?

Let’s look at Figure 1-11, pg. 12

How did Pasteur’s test add to
Redi’s experiment? What was his
conclusion?
Drawing a conclusion:

Data is used to refute for support
the hypothesis.

Remember: have integrity! Do not
manipulate your data!
When experiments are not possible

Other ways of testing a
hypothesis:

Field studies

Clinical studies (i.e. cancercausing chemical)

How a theory develops:

Well supported hypothesis
can become a theory

Def: Theory—well tested
explanation that unifies a
broad range of
observations

Remember: a theory
cannot be considered as
absolute truth. Why?
Chapter 1
The Science of Biology
1-3: STUDYING LIFE
Characteristics of living things

Def: Biology—The science that
employs the scientific method to study
living things

KeyC#1: Living things share the
following characteristics…
1.
Made up of units called cells
2.
Reproduce
3.
Based on a universal genetic code
4.
Grow and develop
5.
Obtains and use materials and energy
6.
Respond to their environment
7.
Maintain a stable internal environment
8.
Change over time
Big Ideas in Biology: Timeline of our
learning…

Science as a way of knowing

Interdependence in nature

Matter and energy

Cellular basis of life

Information and Heredity

Unity and diversity of life

Evolution

Structure and Function

Homeostasis

Science, Technology, and Society
 What
idea are
you most excited
about learning?
Branches of Biology

KeyC#2: Some of the levels at
which life can be studied include:

Molecules

Cells

Groups of cells

Organisms

Populations

Communities

Ecosystems

Biosphere

Complete your flowchart!
Hole punch and keep in
your handouts divider! 

Biology is a part of your
every day life! (p. 22)
Chapter 1
The Science of Biology
1-4: TOOLS AND PROCEDURES
A Common Measurement System



KeyC#1: Most scientists use the
metric system when collecting
data and performing experiments.
Metric System

Decimal system

Based on physical standards

Scaled on multiples of 10
Let’s look at figure 1-21 (p. 24)

How do scientists collect data??

What is the purpose of a graph or
table?
Microscopes



Microscopes—devices that
produce magnified images of
structures that are too small to see
with the unaided eye
KeyC#1: Light microscopes
produce magnified images by
focusing visible light rays. Electron
microscopes produce magnified
images by focusing beams of
electrons.
Read Appendix D!

Light Microscopes:


View living things 1000x magnified
Electron Microscopes:

View smaller non-living or dead
samples with more detail than light
micro.

TEM: inside of cells

SEM: surface of cells
Laboratory Techniques

Cell culturing: growing a single cell
into many cells (cell culture)

Cell fractionation: separate cell
parts (blend & centrifuge)