Chapter One Notes

“The Nature of Science”• The process of observing and

studying things in our world

4 Main Areas of Science•Chemistry

•Physics

•Biology

•Earth Science

Earth Science (4 areas)

• Geology

• Meteorology

• Astronomy

• Oceanography

Technology- the use of scientific discoveries

• Examples:

T.V.; artificial hearts; telephones; computers; robots; plastic razors; fast food wrappers

Advantages/Disadvantages• Disposable items are more convenient/ but fill our landfills

• cars allow us to travel freely/ but they use fossil fuels that pollute air

Scientific Method-a series of steps used to solve problems• Define the problem.• Make a hypothesis.• Experiment/analyze the results.• Draw conclusions.• ***Steps vary according to the scientist

and the problem.

Variables• Scientists design an

experiment so that changes to one item cause something else to vary in a predictable way.

Variables (cont.)

•An experiment usually has three kinds of variables: independent, dependent, and controlled.

The independent variable is the one that is changed by the scientist and there is only one independent variable.

Variables (cont.)

• Dependent variable changes in response to the independent variable. Often more than 1 dependent variable.

•Controls are used to prevent factors other than those being studied from affecting the outcome.

Variables (cont.)

Experiments• Must

have a minimum of 3 trials when testing.

Lab. Safety

• Before beginning a lab., understand all safety procedures.

• Wear goggles when heating, pouring, or using chemicals.

Lab. Safety• Always slant test tubes

away from all students when heating them. Keep materials away from flames, including hair and clothing.

• Never eat or drink in the lab. Never inhale chemicals.

Lab. Safety

• Know what to do in case of a fire.

• Report any accident or injury to your teacher.

•Clean up after experiments and wash hands after using chemicals.

Hypothesis

Theory

Law

Measurement• Should always include a number

and a unit of measureExamples:

length= 152cm

latitude=31°N

time= 7:52 A.M.

***Metric is always used in Science.

Standard Units

• Meter (m)

• Liter (L)

• Gram (g)

• Celsius degrees (Cº)

Metric PrefixesPrefix Meaning

kilo- 1000

hecto- 100

deka- 10

deci- 1/10

centi- 1/100

milli- 1/1000

Metric Conversion

• Area (A=lw)

• Volume (V=lwh)

• Density (D=m/V)

Common Formulas

Temperature • Boiling point=temp. at which substance boils• Melting point=temp. at which substance melts• Freezing point=temp. at which substance

freezes• Example for water: Boiling point=100°C• Absolute Zero (-273C°)

GraphingTypes of graphs:•bar•pie•line

0

10

20

30

40

50

60

70

80

90

1st Qtr 2nd Qtr 3rd Qtr 4th Qtr

East

West

North

BAR GRAPH

0

10

20

30

40

50

60

70

80

90

1stQtr

2ndQtr

3rdQtr

4thQtr

East

West

North

• Bar graphs are commonly used to compare information

• Uses thick bars to display info.

PIE GRAPH

SCHOOL TRANSPORTATION

BUS RIDERS 62%

CAR RIDERS 25%

WALKERS 13%

•Uses parts of a circle to

show info.

LINE GRAPH

H 5

E 4

I 3

G 2

H 1

T

(m)

JAN APRIL JULY OCT DECMONTHS

CRABGRASS GROWTH

Shows relationship between 2 types of info.

THE END