Introduction to Science/Biology

Scientific MethodLaboratory Report Format

Metric SystemThemes of Biology

Characteristics of Life

Scientific Method

Steps of the Scientific Method1.Observation → Problem

2.Research (books, journal articles, internet, etc.)

3.Hypothesis- a possible explanation to a problem that can be tested experimentally

4.Prediction

Steps of the Scientific Method5.Experimentation

A controlled experiment is based on a comparison of a control group with an experimental group.

The control group and the experimental group are designed to be identical except for one factor.This factor is called the independent

variable (manipulated variable).The dependent variable is the responding

variable.

Steps of the Scientific Method6.Recording and Analyzing Data

7.Conclusion

8.Repetition- run the same experiment using the same materials and methods

9.Theory- most probable explanation for a set of data, based on the best available evidence

Correlation vs. CausationCorrelation: a relationship in which two or more

things are mutual or complementary

Causation: the fact that something causes an effect, or the action of causing an effect

CORRELATION CAUSATION

Important VocabularyControlled Variables: variables that must be

controlled or they will have significant effects on the outcome of the experiment

Level of Treatment: the value set for the independent variable

Method of Replication: the manner in which the experiment is repeated

Controlled Experiments

Control

Experimental Groups

Plant B Plant CPlant A

Brand X

Controlled Experiments

Independent Variable: Type of Fertilizer

Dependent Variables: height, weight, # leaves, #stems, color, etc.

Controlled Variables: sunlight, temperature, humidity, amount of soil, soil pH, # seeds, type of seeds, pot size, etc.

Control Plant A Plant B Plant C

Experimental Groups

Brand X

Controlled Experiments

Level of Treatment: 25 g fertilizer/30 days

Method of Replication: Repeat 4 more times using same materials and methods

Control Plant A Plant B Plant C

Experimental Groups

Brand X

Laboratory Report Format

Laboratory Report FormatI. Problem

Usually in the form of a question

II. HypothesisUsually in the form of an “If… then…” statement

III. MaterialsAll materials must be listed (use two or more columns

to save space).

Laboratory Report FormatIV. Procedure

The procedure is written/typed as a list of steps. Each step is an individual action. Steps are never combined.

V. Results - Label with Figure #Data (entered into tables and charts)Appropriate Graphs (line, bar, scatter, etc.)Drawings and DiagramsPhotographsObservations

Laboratory Report FormatVI. Conclusions

Summary of the LaboratoryAnalysis of DataDiscussion of Error (experimental error, equipment

failure, human error, etc.)

VII. Questions (if applicable)Answers to questions are numbered and in

complete sentences.

Metric System

Metric System Conversions

Basic Unit (g, m, L)

deca-

hecta-

kilo-

deci-

centi-

milli-

Movedecimal

pointto left

Movedecimal

pointto right

Example #1

Convert 25 mg to kg

25.0

Basic Unit (g, m, L)

deca-

hecta-

kilo-

deci-

centi-

milli-1

2

3

4

5

6

Move decimal to the left 6 spaces

0.000025 kg

Example #2

Convert 0.5 km to cm

0.5

Basic Unit (g, m, L)

deca-

hecta-

kilo-

deci-

centi-

milli-

1

2

3

4

5

Move decimal to the right 5 spaces

50,000 cm

Example #3

Convert 500 mL to L

500.0

Basic Unit (g, m, L)

deca-

hecta-

kilo-

deci-

centi-

milli-1

2

3Move decimal to the left 3 spaces

0.5 L

Themes of Biology

Biology

Biology: the science of living organisms and the interactions among them

Seven Major Themes of Biology

EvolutionEvolution: the theory that species

change over timeScientists suggest that evolution

occurs by a process called natural selection.

Organisms that have certain inheritable traits (adaptations) are better able to survive in specific environments than organisms that lack those traits.

Seven Major Themes of Biology

Reproduction and InheritanceReproduction: asexual (no exchange of

genetic information between organisms) or sexual (genetic information is exchanged between organisms)

Inheritance: the acquisition of traits by offspring

Seven Major Themes of Biology

DevelopmentDevelopment: the process by which an

organism growsUnicellular vs. Multicellular Development

Seven Major Themes of Biology

Structure and FunctionMorphology: the internal and external

appearance of an organismAnatomy = Internal MorphologySTRUCTURE DETERMINES FUNCTION

Seven Major Themes of Biology

Energy RelationshipsAll organisms use energyAutotrophs vs. Heterotrophs

Seven Major Themes of Biology

EcologyEcology: the study of the relationship

between organisms and their environmentsInterdependence

Seven Major Themes of Biology

Science and SocietyKnowledge from biological science can be

applied to specific problems in society to improve human life.

How biological knowledge should be used involves decisions based on ethics (bioethics)

Characteristics of Life

Seven Characteristics of Life

Cells: all living things are composed of cells

Organization: all organisms are organized at both molecular and cellular levelsatoms → molecules → organelles → cells →

tissues → organs → organ systems → organisms

Seven Characteristics of Life

Metabolism: all organisms use energy for growth and maintenance

Response to the Environment: a response is a reaction to a stimulus

Growth: all living things grow, growth occurs through cell division and cell enlargement

Seven Characteristics of Life

Reproduction: all organisms have the ability to reproduce, reproduction is necessary for the continuity of life

Adaptation: organisms have adaptations that give them an advantage in an environment