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
Define science
Science is a particular way of knowing about the world
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
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)
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.
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
List the general steps in designing and conducting an experiment
1.Ask a question
Conduct background research
Construct a hypothesis
Test the hypothesis in an experiment
Analyze the data
Draw conclusions and communicate them
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
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
solve problems
Essential Question
How are the nature of science, chemistry of life, and the four biological macro molecules foundational topics for all of biology?
Objectives
Define science
Science is a particular way of knowing about the world
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
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)
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.
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
List the general steps in designing and conducting an experiment
1.Ask a question
Conduct background research
Construct a hypothesis
Test the hypothesis in an experiment
Analyze the data
Draw conclusions and communicate them
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
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
solve problems