Scientific Method
The second step of the scientific method where you make a prediction about the outcome of an experiment; generally an if/then statement
Hypothesis
Define independent variable
The variable that is directly manipulated by the scientist; affects the outcome of an experiment
Factors in an experiment that remain unchanged to ensure accurate results
Constant
This is the study of how humans interact with the environment, including natural and human-made systems.
Environmental science
All of the air that surrounds the planet is known as the _________________
Atmosphere
The first step of the scientific method; relying on 5 human senses to gather information about a phenomenon
Observation
Define dependent variable
The variable that changes as a result of the independent variable
In an experiment testing plant growth with different fertilizers, this factor should remain constant to ensure accurate results.
amount of water (or sunlight, soil type, pot size, etc.
This term describes resources like sunlight and wind that are naturally replenished over short periods of time.
Renewable resources
The study of life is known as ________________
Biology
The final step of the scientific method; important for research to be considered valid; other scientists review and check your work
(Time Spent Studying) causes a change in (Test Score). What is the independent variable?
Time spent studying
A scientist testing the effect of temperature on bacterial growth should keep this constant to ensure temperature is the only variable being tested
type of bacteria (or growth medium, amount of nutrients, etc.)
The scientist Garrett Hardin introduced this concept in the 1960's, in which individual greed quickly depletes natural resources; "If I don't use it then someone else will"
Tragedy of the Commons
A _________________ group is used as a baseline to compare the results in the experimental group
Control group
In order for a scientific experiment to be considered valid, it must be _______________ (performing multiple trials)
Repeatable
A cow is given a growth hormone and then compared to another cow that was not given a growth hormone. Both cows were weighed at 2 years. What is the dependent variable?
The cows growth
This is the main reason scientists include constant variables in an experiment
To ensure accurate results/isolate the independent and dependent variables
Environmental Sciende is an interdisciplinary field. What does this mean?
Utilizes multiple scientific fields (biology, geology, chemistry, economics, etc.)
What is one "red flag" that alerts you to bad science
Claims that seem too good to be true, Hidden methods, Single studies, Emotional language, Conspiracy theories, no supporting evidence, not repeatable/lacking multiple trials, etc.
This step of the scientific method involves analyzing data, determining if the hypothesis was supported or refuted, and often leads to further experimentation or new questions.
Conclusion
Bacteria are grown in a petri dish. One side of the dish is sprayed with an antibiotic. After a week, the number of bacteria colonies are counted on each side. Identify both the independent variable and the dependent variable
IV: The presence of antibiotic in the petri dish
DV: The number of bacteria left
In a scientific experiment, the group that receives the independent variable is called the ________________
Experimental group
This term refers to an individuals or a communities (towns, businesses, country's) impact on the environment; normally measured in global hectares
Ecological footprint
Oil, coal, natural gas, and minerals are all examples of ________________ resources
Nonrenewable