Transcript What is life?

Chapter 1
Biology: The Study of Life
Sections 2 and 3
The Methods of Biology
The Nature of Biology
Review of the Scientific Method

The scientific method is not a list of rules
that must be followed but a general
guideline for scientific thought and
procedures.
Observation

Gathering information with the five
senses.
Hypothesis

An explanation for a problem or question
that can be formally tested.

Problem or question arises through inferences
formed from observation.
Experiment

An investigation that tests a hypothesis by
the process of collecting information under
controlled conditions.
Experiment

Controlled Experiment

An experiment set up to test a variable.

Control Group


The standard against which results are compared.
Experimental Group

The test group which receives experimental treatment.
Experiment

Controlled Experiment
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Independent Variable


The condition which is tested (and changed).
Dependent Variable

Condition which results from the change (and is
measured or observed).
Experiment

What if setting up a controlled experiment
isn’t possible?


Use a model to simulate the problem.
Perform investigations in order to gather data.
Collect and Analyze Data
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Quantitative Data


Measured in numbers.
Qualitative Data

Described in words.
Conclusion

Proves or disproves your hypothesis.
Hypotheses, Theories, and Laws

Theory


Explanation (hypothesis or set of hypotheses) of a
natural phenomenon that is consistent with known
facts and is supported by a large body of scientific
evidence obtained form many different experiments,
investigations and observations.
Law

Rule of fact of nature that correctly describes a
known phenomenon and is proven correct every time
it is tested.
International System of
Measurement (SI)


System of measurement based on
multiples of tens or tenths of a base unit.
Used to communicate scientific data
world-wide.
Ethics


Moral principles and values held by
people.
Ethical questions cannot be answered by
science.
Technology


Application of scientific research to meet
the needs of society.
Can have both positive and negative
consequences.