Scientific Method
What is an observation?
Something you notice using your senses. Example: "The lake is covered with green slime."
Which variable is manipulated by the scientist?
Independent variable
Which variable goes on the X-axis?
Independent variable
What is a climate proxy?
Evidence used to reconstruct past climate conditions when direct measurements are unavailable.
What is reliable data?
Data that is consistent, accurate, trustworthy, and reproducible.
What is a hypothesis?
A possible explanation for an observation.
Which variable is measured?
Dependent Variable.
Which variable goes on the Y-axis?
Dependent variable
Name two climate proxies
What is bias?
Favoring one viewpoint or outcome over another.
A student observes that plant leaves are turning yellow. Write a possible hypothesis.
Yellow leaves are caused by a lack of nutrients.
What are standardized (control) variables?
Variables that are kept constant throughout the experiment.
What does DRY MIX stand for?
What information can ice cores provide?
Past carbon dioxide concentrations and temperatures.
Why is reliability important in environmental investigations?
Reliable data increases confidence in findings and conclusions.
What is the difference between a hypothesis and a prediction?
A hypothesis explains why something happens, while a prediction states what will happen if the hypothesis is tested.
What is the purpose of a control group?
It allows comparison because it is not exposed to the independent variable.
List the four things required for full marks on a graph.
How have satellites improved climate research?
They monitor temperature, precipitation, sea surface temperature, and sea ice on a global scale.
What is cherry-picking data?
Selecting only data that supports a particular viewpoint while ignoring contradictory evidence.
Give an example of quantitative data and qualitative data.
Name three improvements scientists can make to increase reliability.
When creating a data table, what information must be included in the headings?
Variable names and units
Explain how climate proxies and modern technology work together to provide evidence for climate change.
Climate proxies provide evidence about past climates, while satellites and modern instruments provide current data. Comparing both sets of information shows long-term climate change trends.
Give one example of how bias can lead to misuse of climate data.