BIOL 1321 LAB2

Science

Study of the natural world through observation and experiment

Observe, ask questions, seek answers through the

scientific method

Scientific Method

allows ideas (questions) to be tested in the real world (observations); 5 steps that help scientists answer questions about the real world

To investigate something? Before asking questions?

Must observe it; pose questions and investigate AFTER observations

Hypothesis

Educated guess that attempts to answer a question abt the natural world; must be testable

How to test a prediction?

Through making observations or experimenting

Experiment

Controlled and repeatable procedure designed to support or disprove the hypothesis; consists of a control group (not changing to serve as a baseline) and experimental groups (manipulated variables)

Theory

explanation (supported hypothesis) generally accepted by scientific community bc well supported by evidence or observation

Mouth provides an environment for many microorganisms to thrive… why?

Water, nutrients, and a moderate temperature

How many species of bacteria are in the mouth?

Over 350

What are the 5 steps of the Scientific Method?

Observation, hypothesis, prediction, testing, and conclusions

When results agree w/ the hypothesis…

the hypothesis is supported, but do not claim that it has been proven or true

If the results disagree w/ the hypothesis

The hypothesis is not supported; change hypothesis and test through new experiment

A single milliliter of saliva…

may contain more than 100 million individual bacterial cells

Typically, mouth bacteria

adhere to teeth and gums to resist being flushed into the stomach, where digestive acids would kill them T

The incubator is kept at

body temp, or 98.6°F/35°F