Biology: Unit 1 CER Writing, Characteristics of Life & Scientific Method

inference

A conclusion reached on the basis of evidence and reasoning, based on observations

observation

information obtained through the senses; observation in science often involves a measurement, recorded as data

hypothesis

A testable prediction, often written in an If...... then..... format.

contains independent and dependent variables

dependent variable

a variable (often on y- axis ) that is measured and depends on changes in the independent variable

independent variable

variable that is changed by experimenter ( often on the x-axis) that may produce and effect on the dependent variable

controls

experimental conditions (variables)

that remain constant so that changes in dependent variable are caused by changes in the independent variable

qualitative data

Information describing color, odor, shape, or some other physical characteristic, descriptive data from our 5 senses

quantitative data

numerical data, often measured and collected during an experiment/observations

scientific method

A process followed to solve problems including observations, collecting data, formulating a hypothesis, testing the hypothesis, and stating conclusions.

CLAIM (CER writing)

An assertion which may be supported or refuted by specific evidence or data

Example: The plants given the fertilizer will grow more rapidly than the ones that did not get the fertilizer.

EVIDENCE (CER writing)

quantitative and/or qualitative data from observations and experiments that support the CLAIM

Example: The plants that received the fertilizer had greener leaves and grew an average on 3 cm more each week than the plants that did not get fertilizer.

REASONS (CER writing)

conclusion that establishes a relationship between the CLAIM and the EVIDENCE

Example: According to the evidence, plants that received fertilizer grew more rapidly and appeared more healthy than the ones that did not, because the plants need the chemicals in the fertilizer to perform photosynthesis efficiently.

controlled experiment

A scientific experiment in which only one variable is changed at a time, procedure used to test a hypothesis

experimental group

In an experiment, the group that is exposed to the treatment, that is, to one version of the independent variable.

control group

In an experiment, the group that is not exposed to the treatment; contrasts with the experimental group and serves as a comparison for evaluating the effect of the treatment.

Made of cells and display organization (criteria of life)

all living things made of one or more of these basic units

Contain DNA (criteria of life)

all living things contain this genetic material inside their cells

Reproduction (criteria of life)

organisms eventually die and must do this to prevent extinction, example a plant producing seeds

Growth AND development (criteria of life)

as organisms mature they increase in size (through cell division) and change in appearance

Respond to stimuli (criteria of life)

when environmental conditions change organisms respond for their on safety or benefit, example: a tree growing toward light

Require energy /have metabolism (criteria of life)

living things need this to perform all their necessary internal and external functions such as homeostasis, growth movement, etc.

Maintain homeostasis (criteria of life)

organisms must maintain a stable internal environment for their cells to survive and thrive, example humans sweat to cool off, regulation of internal environment

Adapt AND Evolve (criteria of life)

over time organisms evolve structures, behaviors and processes that make them better suited to their environment

example: different species of birds have different shaped beaks for different food sources

Stimulus

A change in an organism's surroundings that causes the organism to react

response

a reaction to a stimulus