LOPE Module 1 - Introduction

Biology

The scientific study of life

Science

A system that uses knowledge in testable situations

a. collection of known facts

b. methods and actions to discover the unknown

Inductive reasoning

general conclusions from specific observations - used to form a hypothesis

Deductive reasoning

Taking two facts to form a conclusion

ex.) dolphins are mammals > mammals have kidneys > dolphins have kidneys

Experiments

Tests designated to support or falsify a prediction

experiments are performed on an experimental group, as compared with a control group, and sometimes on models

Independent variables

defined or controlled by the person doing the experiment

(variables are used to investigate cause and effect relationships)

Dependent variable

Observed result influenced by the independent variable

(variables are used to investigate cause and effect relationships)

Scientific method definition

making, testing, and evaluating a hypothesis

conclusions are drawn from experimental results

if a hypothesis is not consistent with data then the hypothesis is modified

Scientific method process

observe > think of explanation > test hypothesis > form a conclusion > report results

Critical thinking

process of judging the quality before accepting it

considers supporting evidence, alternate interpretations, and bias

Scientific theory

hypothesis that has not been disproved after many years of testing

Law of nature

A phenomenon that has been observed, but we don’t have a scientific explanation

Natural laws

Statement of fact that explains an action, universally accepted

ex.) gravity

Limits of science

Doesn’t measure moral, aesthetic, or philosophical standards

Life

highly organized, grow and develop, adapt, improve, reproduce, certain independence

emerges at the level of a cell

size of multi-cell organisms depends on # of cells

Emergent properties

Characteristic of an entire system, but doesn’t appear in individual parts

organization of parts determines system