Scientific Method and Characteristics of Life

Independent variable

what the scientist changes

Dependent variable

changes in response to the independent variable, is measurable

Constants

things that remain the same throughout the experiment

Scientific Method

a series of steps that are used to investigate a natural occurrence.

Steps of Scientific Method

1. Problem/Question
2. Observation/Research
3. Formulate a Hypothesis
4. Experiment
5. Collect and Analyze Results
6. Discussion & Conclusion
7. Communicate the Results (Lab report, Poster, powerpoint presentations, etc.

DIE

Living things have a lifespan, which is the time from birth to death

CAN ADAPT/EVOLVE

To adapt means in some way respond to a change in the environment and to evolve means to change from generation to generation

Inductive reasoning

draws conclusions through the logical process of induction

Deductive reasoning

uses general premises to make specific predictions

hypothesis

an explanation, based on observations and assumptions, that leads to a testable prediction...or an “educated guess”

experiment

a scientific test, carried out under controlled conditions

Independent variable

what the scientist changes

Dependent variable

changes in response to the independent variable, is measurable

Constants

things that remain the same throughout the experiment.

Control

the “untreated” group against which data will be compared...sets the baseline.

Experimental groups

the “treated groups”, or what the experimenter changes.

controlled experiment

an experimental group is compared with a control group

Experimental variables

features or quantities that vary in an experiment

IVs and DVs

The independent variable is the one that is changed by the researcher, while the dependent variable is the one predicted to be affected in response, and is measurable.

9 characteristics of life

1. Have cells
2. Maintain homeostasis
3. Respire
4. Require a source of energy
5. Reproduce
6. Grow (and develop)
7. Respond to external environment
8. Die
9. Can adapt/evolve

Have cells

All living things are made up of cells, or the basic unit of structure and function in living things.

Respire/ respiration

Breathing is the the act of exchanging gases (air) with the external environment.

Cellular respiration

a series of chemical processes that add the oxygen taken in from the air to an energy source so useful energy can be formed. (Some microbes that live in environments with extreme temperatures/conditions do not take in oxygen.)

Maintain homeostasis

All living things maintain homeostasis, or internal stability. Some examples include body temperature, levels of water, blood pH etc.

Require a source of energy

All livings need energy to carry out daily activities. Energy can either be consumed (via food) or produced (i.e. converting sun energy by photosynthesis in plants).

Reproduce

Through reproduction (or procreation) living things create new living things. This characteristic is essential for the maintenance of the species but not to maintain the life of an individual member.

Grow and develop

grow and overtime may develop (become different beyond getting bigger)

Respond to external environment-

All living things respond detect changes in and can respond to their external environment. For example, when its cold, you shiver to get warmer, which causes the body to get warmer, is also an example of homeostasis. When you bump your little toe on a hard object, you feel pain or cry. When the light at an intersection goes to WALK, you cross the street.

DIE

Living things have a lifespan, which is the time from birth to death.

ADAPT/EVOLVE

To adapt means in some way respond to a change in the environment and to evolve means to change from generation to generation. To evolve the adaptation must be able to be inherited by offspring.