Nature of Science
What is one main goal of science?
To understand the natural world and advance knowledge through observation, experimentation, and analysis.
List the basic steps of the scientific method.
Observation, question, hypothesis, experiment, data collection, analysis, conclusion.
What is peer review?
The process by which scientists evaluate and critique each other’s research before publication
Name one characteristic that all living things share.
All living things are made of cells
Name the three subatomic particles of an atom.
Protons, neutrons, electrons.
Define a scientific theory.
A well-tested explanation of natural phenomena that is supported by a large body of evidence.
What is an independent variable in an experiment?
The variable that is intentionally changed or manipulated by the scientist.
Why is peer review important in science?
It ensures the research is accurate, credible, and free from bias or errors.
List at least three characteristics that define living organisms.
1) Growth and development, 2) Reproduction, 3) Response to stimuli, 4) Metabolism, 5) Homeostasis
Explain the difference between ionic and covalent bonds.
Ionic bonds involve the transfer of electrons between atoms, while covalent bonds involve the sharing of electrons.
Name two characteristics that make a theory reliable.
1) Consistent with experimental data, 2) Can be used to make accurate predictions.
What is a controlled variable and why is it important?
A variable that is kept constant to ensure a fair test; it prevents outside factors from affecting the results.
Give an example of how scientific discoveries can influence society.
Development of vaccines that prevent diseases or invention of renewable energy technologies.
Explain why reproduction is necessary for living organisms.
To pass on genetic information and ensure the survival of the species.
Why is water considered a polar molecule?
Because it has a partial positive charge on hydrogen atoms and a partial negative charge on oxygen, creating uneven charge distribution.
Explain how scientific knowledge can change over time.
New evidence or better technology can refine, improve, or sometimes replace existing theories.
Give an example of an experiment and identify its dependent variable.
Example: Testing how sunlight affects plant growth. Dependent variable: the height of the plant.
Name one ethical consideration scientists must take when conducting research.
Ensuring the safety and well-being of participants or the environment, avoiding plagiarism, and reporting results honestly.
Compare two fields of biology in terms of their research focus.
Example: Ecology studies interactions between organisms and their environment, while Genetics studies heredity and gene function.
What is a buffer and why is it important for living organisms?
A buffer is a substance that resists changes in pH; it helps maintain stable internal conditions essential for survival.
Compare the difference between a scientific hypothesis and a scientific theory.
A hypothesis is a testable prediction or educated guess; a theory is a well-supported explanation of observed phenomena.
Explain how a scientist can critique another scientist’s experiment to improve its design.
By evaluating the clarity of the hypothesis, the controls, the sample size, the methods, and whether the data supports the conclusions.
Explain how society can influence the direction of scientific research.
Funding, public interest, policies, and societal needs can prioritize certain areas of research over others.
Describe how crosscutting concepts help scientists understand biological phenomena.
They provide overarching themes like cause and effect, structure and function, and energy flow, helping explain patterns and relationships in biology.
Identify the four major macromolecules and explain one function of each in living systems.
Carbohydrates: Provide energy.
Lipids: Store energy and make cell membranes
Proteins: Support structure, enzymes, and transport.
Nucleic acids: Store and transmit genetic information (DNA/RNA).