Download The Goals of Science

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What are the goals of science?
◦ To provide natural explanations for events in the
natural world
◦ To use those explanations to understand patterns
in nature
◦ To make useful predictions about natural events
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1. Problem/Question: Develop a question or
problem that can be solved through
experimentation.
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2. Observation/Research: Make
observations and research your topic of
interest.
3. Formulate a Hypothesis: Predict a possible
answer to the problem or question.
Example: If soil temperatures rise, then plant
growth will increase.
4. Experiment: Develop and follow a
procedure.
Include a detailed materials list.
The outcome must be measurable
(quantifiable).
5. Collect and Analyze Results: Modify the
procedure if needed.
Confirm the results by retesting.
Include tables, graphs, and photographs.
6. Conclusion: Include a statement that
accepts or rejects the hypothesis.
Make recommendations for further study and
possible improvements to the procedure.
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The variable that is deliberately changed is
called the independent variable (manipulated
variable).
The variable that is observed and that
changes in response to the independent
variable is called the dependent variable
(responding variable).
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A control group is exposed to the same
conditions as the experimental group except
for one independent variable.
Scientists set up several sets of control and
experimental groups to try to reproduce or
replicate their observations.
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It is the study of living
things.
What characteristics do
all living things share?
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All organisms store the complex information
they need to live, grow, and reproduce in a
genetic code written in a molecule called
DNA.
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During development, a
single fertilized egg
divides again and again.
As these cells divide, they
differentiate, which means
they begin to look
different from one another
and to perform different
functions
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A stimulus is a
signal to which
an organism
response.
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Sexual reproduction- cells from two parents
unite to form the first cell of a new organism.
Asexual reproduction- a single organism
produces offspring identical to itself.

All living organisms use energy to keep
conditions inside their cells within certain
limits. This process is called homeostasis.

The combination of
chemical reactions
through which an
organism builds up or
breaks down materials is
called metabolism.
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Cells can grow,
respond to their
surroundings and
reproduce
Cells are complex
and highly
organized.
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Evolutionary change links all forms of life to a
common origin more than 3.5 billion years
ago.
Evidence is found in all aspects of living and
fossil organisms, from physical features to
structures of proteins to sequences of
information in DNA.
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The study of biology revolves around several
interlocking big ideas:
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Cellular basis of life
Information and heredity (DNA)
Matter and energy
Growth, development, and reproduction
Homeostasis
Evolution
Structure and function
Unity and diversity of life
Interdependence in nature
Science as a way of knowing