Definitions and Stuff
What is the difference between qualitative data and quantitative data?
Quantitative data is numbers-based, countable, or measurable. Qualitative data is interpretation-based, descriptive, and relating to language.
The goldfish is 4 cm long is an example of a qualitative or a quantitative observation? Why?
It is an example of a quantitative observation because it is something you measure.
What does it mean to be skeptical? Give an example of something you have heard that you are skeptical of.
Skeptical means that you refuse to accept things without evidence.
What is the difference between sexual and asexual reproduction?
In sexual reproduction, an organism combines the genetic information from each of its parents and is genetically unique. In asexual reproduction, one parent copies itself to form a genetically identical offspring.
Why is a data graph better than data table? Why do scientists graph data?
Graphing data makes it easier for the reader to see patterns and interpret data.
What is the difference between an independent variable and a dependent variable.
The independent variable is the variable being controlled in the problem, and the dependent variable is the variable that changes because of this control.
Give a qualitative observation about a goldfish.
It is orange. It has scales.
Who is part of a peer review process? What is the purpose?
The peer review process is undertaken by other scientists who are studying the same thing or work in the same field. The purpose is to look for mistakes or oversights that would invalidate the research.
What is homeostasis?
Homeostasis refers to any self-regulating process by which biological systems tend to maintain stability while adjusting to conditions that are optimal for survival.
Explain the cross cutting concept of systems and system models and how it related to the biology of a rainforest.
In a system all different parts work together. The plants and animals in a rainforest all rely on one other within this system.
What is a controlled experiment?
A controlled experiment is an experiment in which all the variable factors in an experimental group and a comparison control group are kept the same except for one variable factor in the experimental group that is changed or altered
Give an example of an inference about a goldfish.
It has gills so it must breathe oxygen that is dissolved in the water.
What does ethics refer to in science? Can you give an example of something that would be possible to do but maybe not ethical?
Ethics refers to whether or not something should be done from a moral prospective. Examples will vary.
True or False - An organism can only be considered alive if it is made up of many cells.
False!
Explain the cross cutting concept of patterns as it relates to biology.
Understanding patterns such as migration or seasonal changes help scientists predict events.
What is the difference between an observation and a hypothesis? Hint, a hypothesis must be _____________
A hypothesis must be testable.
What steps must be taken before a scientist can draw a conclusion?
They must make observations, state a hypothesis, perform an experiment to test the hypothesis and record and analyze data.
What is bias? How could it affect a scientific study.
Bias is personal opinions about something. It could affect a scientific study if the researcher is influenced by his or her personal biases.
Are viruses living things? Why or why not?
They are not. They only meet certain criteria for life but not all. Viruses are not made out of cells, they can't keep themselves in a stable state, they don't grow, and they can't make their own energy. Even though they definitely replicate and adapt to their environment, viruses are more like androids than real living organisms.
Why do some biologists work in the field and others in a lab?
There are many branches of biology. Working in the field allows scientists to study what is happening in nature. Working in a lab allows them to do controlled experiments.
What is a theory in science and how does something become a theory?
A theory is a tested an reliable explanation of events in the natural world. A theory has to be tested multiple times and supported by much evidence.
What is the difference between an experimental group and the control group in a scientific study?
An experimental group, also known as a treatment group, receives the treatment whose effect researchers wish to study, whereas a control group does not.
What is one thing that is similar about the scientific inquiry process and the engineering design process? What is one thing that is different?
Both attempt to solve problems or answer questions. Both collect, record and analyze data. Both involve research. The scientific inquiry process relies on controlled variables and the engineering process does not.
What does "cross cutting concepts" mean?
Crosscutting concepts have application across all domains of science. As such, they are a way of linking the different domains of science. They include patterns; cause and effect; scale, proportion, and quantity; systems and system models; energy and matter; structure and function; and stability and change.
How organisms function at a cellular level is small scale. How a person interacts with their environment is large scale. In order to have a fuller understanind of life we need to study both.