The Nature of Science
Define "biology".
the scientific study of the living world
Explain what it means for a hypothesis to be testable.
must be able to observe data and determine if the hypothesis is true or false
Define "organism".
an individual living thing
True or False: scientists can help find solutions to problems we face as a society.
true
Define "variable".
a condition or factor involved in an experiment
Describe the 3 main things involved in the scientific process.
observation, experimentation, and peer review
Define "observation" and explain how we collect it.
- a collection or noticing of information about something
- use our 5 senses (touch, taste, smell, hear, see)
Put the following words in order from smallest to largest: populations, organisms, ecosystems, communities
organisms, populations, communities, and ecosystems
Define "technology" and give an example of how it has helped us.
- the use of scientific information
- healthcare, travel, agriculture, communication
State how many variables should be changed in a controlled experiment.
1
Name the 2 types of questions that cannot be answered by science.
philosophical and ethical
Explain the difference between the experimental group and the control group.
experimental group experiences changed variable, control group stays the same
Define "matter" and why it is important in biology.
- anything that takes up space and has mass
- every living and non-living thing is made of matter
List things a scientist might be influenced or affected by in their society.
politics, beliefs, values, and concerns
Describe the difference between a tool and an instrument.
tools are used to perform a function (scientific or not) and instruments are specifically used for delicate or scientific work
Explain why scientists are continuously adding to scientific knowledge.
everyone has different ideas and beliefs from their own cultures and backgrounds, which leads to different questions and different experiments
Define "peer review" and explain why it's important.
- the process of criticizing a scientific study, especially by the scientific community
- make sure that results are unbias and reliable
energy gives us the ability to move and do work
Explain how scientists changed society's view on smoking cigarettes.
List the 4 parts needed for a data table.
- title
- column headings
- row labels
- units of measurement
Describe the job of a scientist.
careful study and accurately report results, not tell people what they should do with the information
List the 5 steps of the scientific method.
- state question or problem
- form a hypothesis
- conduct experiment
- collect data
- analyze data and form conclusion
Explain why humans are important to consider when discussing the environment.
Describe your role in science, as a member of your community.
we decide what scientists should study
Define "source of error" and explain if humans can be a source of error.
- any flaw in an experiment that affects the accuracy or precision of the results
- no, sources of error are tools or experimental design