Concept 1 Study Guild- Nature of Science 

Essential Question

How are the nature of science, chemistry of life, and the four biological macro molecules foundational topics for all of biology?

Objectives

  1. Define science
  • Science is a particular way of knowing about the world

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  1. Give an example of a hypothesis in the correct format
  • Hypothesis is a testable prediction based on observations (more than a guess) that describes a cause and effect relationship between variables
  • If>>>>>then>>>>>because

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  1. Explain the relationship between independent and dependent variables within a hypothesis
  • Independent variable is what the experimenter will deliberately change or manipulate in the investigation (Cause; x-axis)
  • Dependent variable is what changes in response to the independent variable (Effect; y-axis)

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  1. Differentiate between observation and an inference
  • Observation is a description of something you can see, smell, touch, taste, hear. That isn’t an opinion.
  • Inference is a guess about the object or outcome based on your observations. There can be multiple inferences for one observation.

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  1. Explain the difference between accuracy and precision, and the significance of having data that is both.
  • Precision is how close your measurements are to each other
  • Accuracy is how close your measurements are to correct value

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  1. List the general steps in designing and conducting an experiment
  • 1.Ask a question
  • 2. Conduct background research
  • 3. Construct a hypothesis
  • 4. Test the hypothesis in an experiment
  • 5. Analyze the data
  • 6. Draw conclusions and communicate them

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  1. Give an example of scientific investigation design, with appropriate constants and variables.
  • Question- Which light out of Red Blue or Green makes micro-green grow faster?
  • IV= The red, blue, or green light
  • DV= How tall the micro-greens grow
  • Control= A plant in sunlight

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  1. Explain the general steps of the technological design process, and the criteria that must be considered when designing a solution
  • Problem Identification- Clearly identify the problem
  • Solution Design- Brainstorm, research, sketch, and narrow down to best design for product or process all within the constraints. Think about the cost and time effectiveness. Benefits and risks
  • Implementation- build and test continually making improvements
  • Evaluation- Determine if you solved the problem and met all of the constraints of the project

\ Vocab

  • Fact = an objective, verifiable observation. (Ex. Water boils at 100 degrees Celsius.)
  • Principle = a statement based on repeated experimental observation that describes an aspect of the world. (Ex. Greenhouse effect)
  • Law= broad concept or principle (HOW)
  • Theory= An explanation of an observed phenomenon
  • Qualitative Observation: describes qualities
  • Quantitative Observation: uses numbers to measure something
  • Constants: the aspects of an experiment that are held constant/consistent
  • Experimental Group: groups that are being tested
  • Control Group: group used for comparison with your experimental groups. This is the “normal” group
  • Technology: the advancement of society
  • Engineering: applies scientific and mathematics principles to \n solve problems \n

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