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Study Guide: 1st 9-Weeks Benchmark
Life Science
LS.1
This test will include scientific method, how to plan and conduct scientific investigations
(identifying dependent variables, independent variables, constants, and a control, writing a
hypothesis, repeating trials, how to create a table and graph to show general trends in data,
etc.), and the standard units of measure (volume-liters, mass-grams, length-meters).
a) data are organized into tables showing repeated trials and means (the experiment must be
repeated for it to be considered valid)
b) triple beam and electronic balances, thermometers, metric rulers, graduated cylinders, and
probeware are used to gather data;
c) models and simulations are constructed and used to illustrate and explain phenomena; if
something is too big or too small to study
d) sources of experimental error are identified;
e) dependent variables, independent variables, and constants are identified; the control group
is the standard that is identical to the other groups except for ONE aspect
f) variables are controlled to test hypotheses and trials are repeated;
g) data are organized, communicated through graphical representation, interpreted, and used
to make predictions;
h) patterns are identified in data and are interpreted and evaluated
Scientific Method
1. Stating the problem involves thinking about the question that needs to be answered or
the purpose of the investigation.
2. When forming a hypothesis, it has to be written as an IF, THEN statement. For example,
Sherri wants to test the effect of different types/brands of fertilizer on the growth of her
bean plants. She finds out more (research) information about the types of fertilizer, and
then decides which fertilizer she thinks (predicts) will work best. Her hypothesis may be
stated this way: If Brand B Fertilizer is used, then the bean plants will grow taller.
3. Testing the hypothesis involves performing an experiment. The experiment would have
the following parts/variables-independent variable, dependent variable, constants, a
control/control group, and several repeated trials (at least 3).
4. Recording and Analyzing Data involves data tables, charts, and graphs. The two main
types of graphs used in Life Science are a line graph and bar graph. Below you will find
examples of each. On each graph, the independent variable is plotted on the x-axis and
the dependent variable is plotted on the y-axis.
5. When forming a conclusion, summarize the results in word form. Be sure to state
whether your hypothesis was correct or incorrect.
Below are two examples of sample experiments
Example 1-Compost and Bean Plants
After learning that the color of light a plant is exposed to affects their growth, Sarah’s lab
group designed an experiment. Sarah and her partners tested which color of light would
help a plant grow faster. Because most plants are exposed to sunlight, the group decided to
test other colors of light against sunlight. Three flats of bean plants (25 plants per flat)
were used. The students measured each of the plants before they began the experiment.
The plants were placed in light as follows: (a) Flat A was exposed to green light, (b) Flat
was exposed to blue light, and (c) Flat C was exposed to sunlight. The plants received the
same amount of water each day and were placed in the same type of soil. They were also
exposed to their type of light for the same length of time each day. At the end of 30 days the
group recorded the height of the plants (cm).
Identify the following components of the above experiment.
1. Independent variable (What is the tested item or manipulated variable?)-different
color of light
2. Dependent variable (What responds to the tested item or what is measured as a
result?)-growth of the plants
3. Control (What part of the experiment does not receive the tested item?)-Flat C
4. Constants (What variables/items remain the same throughout the experiment?)- The
plants received the same amount of water each day and were placed in the same type of
soil. They were also exposed to their type of light for the same length of time each day.
Example 2-Muscle Cream-YOU TRY!!
Larry was told that a certain muscle cream was the newest best thing on the market and
claims to double a person’s muscle power when used as part of a muscle-building workout.
Interested in this product, he buys the special muscle cream and recruits his friends, Steve
and Michael to help him with an experiment. Larry develops a special weight-lifting
program for Steve and Michael. He meets with them once every day for a period of 2 weeks
and keeps track of their results. Before each session Steve’s arms and back are lathered in
the muscle cream, while Michael’s arms and back are lathered with the regular cream.
Which person is in the control group?
What is the independent variable?
What is the dependent variable?
What should Larry’s conclusion be?
LS.2
This test will also include the difference between plant and animal cells, cellular structures
and functions (know your organelles and what they do!), cell theory, and notable cell
scientists.
a. cell structure and organelles
b. Distinguish among the following: cell membrane, cytoplasm, nucleus, cell wall,
vacuole, mitochondrion, endoplasmic reticulum, and chloroplast.
c. Correlate the structures of cell organelles with their functions.
d. similarities and differences between plant and animal cells
e. development of cell theory: Describe and sequence the major points in the development
of the cell theory. Know the three components of the cell theory
f. Cell Division: know why mitosis occurs, the stages of the cell cycle (interphase,
prophase, metaphase, anaphase, telophase and cytokinesis), the end result of mitosis (2
genetically identically daughter cells) and meiosis (4 daughter cells with half the genetic
material)
LS.3
The student will investigate and understand that living things show patterns of cellular
organization. Key concepts include
a) cells, tissues, organs, and systems; and
b) patterns of cellular organization and their relationship to life processes in living things.