unit one

Observation & Asking Questions

The first step in the scientific method to identify the problem.

Background Research

The process of gathering information before formulating a hypothesis.

Hypothesis

An educated guess that can be tested through experiments.

Experiment

A procedure to test the hypothesis.

Conclusion

The decision made based on the results of the experiment.

Report and Publish

The final step in the scientific method where findings are shared with others.

Dissecting Kit

A set of tools used for dissection, including forceps and scissors.

Petri Dish

A dish used to culture or grow microorganisms.

Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR)

A technique used to make multiple copies of DNA.

Data Logger

A device that records data over time.

Agar

A nutrient extracted from red algae used in microbial cultivation.

Thermometer

An instrument for measuring temperature.

Measuring Cylinder

A container used for measuring or mixing chemicals.

Biology

The study of living organisms.

Science

Originates from the Latin word scientia, which means knowledge.

Experimental Science

Involves using experiments to gather information.

Steps of the Scientific Method

Includes Observation & Asking Questions, Background Research, Constructing a Hypothesis, Experiment, Draw Conclusions, and Report and Publish.

Independent Variable

A variable that does not affected on the other variable, e.g., temperature.

Dependent Variable

A variable that is affected by other variables, e.g., growth rate of an organism.

Controlled Variables

Factors that could influence the experiment but do not because they are kept constant.

Accuracy

The quality of being correct (precise).

Validity

The state of being true.

Reliability

The consistency or repeatability of results.

Title (Scientific Method)

The name of the experiment.

Hypothesis

An educated guess or research question.

Experimental Procedures

The step-by-step instructions of the experiment.

Materials and Method

A list of materials used and methods applied.

Summary (Scientific Method)

A brief overview of the experiment and its findings.

Conclusion

The results and interpretations of the experiment.

Evaluation

Assessment of the experiment's process and results.

Acknowledgment

Credits to those who contributed to the research.

Dissecting Kit

Used for dissection; includes forceps, scissors, and inoculator loops.

Petri Dish

Used to culture or grow microorganisms.

Pregnancy Urine Test

Determines if a woman is pregnant.

Polymerase Chain Reaction

Makes multiple copies of DNA.

Bunsen Burner

Used for heating.

Diabetic Blood Test

Measures sugar levels in the body.

Balance

Used to measure mass.

Thermometer

Measures temperature.

CT Scan

Obtains internal images of the body.

GPS

Identifies locations.

Centrifuge

Separates solids from liquids.

Pipets

Measure small liquid amounts.

Measuring Cylinder

Used for measuring or mixing chemicals.

Agar

Nutrient extracted from red algae used to culture microorganisms.

Data Logger

Records data.

pH Kit

Measures the pH of soil and water.

Theodolite

Measures the height of trees.

Quadrant

Measures the relationship of organisms in an environment.

Transect Line

Shows type and change in each quadrant.

Optical Microscope

Uses a beam of light; only sees living cells.

Electron Microscope

Uses a beam of electrons; has higher magnification and detail; cannot view living specimens.

Eyepiece (Ocular Lens)

Lens you look through, typically 10x or 15x magnification.

Objective Lenses

Primary lenses for specimen magnification (4x, 10x, 40x, 100x).

Stage

Platform for the slide, often with clips to hold it in place.

Illuminator

Light source below the specimen.

Coarse Adjustment Knob

Brings specimen into general focus.

Fine Adjustment Knob

Fine-tunes the focus.

Arm (Microscope)

Part to hold when carrying the microscope; connects the tube to the base.

Base (Microscope)

Bottom structure for support.

Diaphragm/Iris

Adjusts light reaching the specimen.

Condenser

Focuses light on the specimen.

Magnification

Enlargement of an object.

Resolution

Ability to distinguish between two points.