Download Section 1: Scientific Methods

Environmental Science
____ Period
Name:
Date:
Section 1: Scientific Methods
Objectives:
 List and describe the steps of the experimental method
1. Making observations
2. Hypothesis and prediction
3. Experimenting to test hypothesis
4. Organizing and analyzing data
5. Drawing conclusions (repeat to verify results if hypothesis is correct; change hypothesis
and prediction followed by repeating experiment if original hypothesis is incorrect
6. Communication of results
Steps in the
scientific method:
Make
Observations
Repeat several
times to confirm
Hypothesize
& Predict
Test
Hypothesis
Hypothesis supported
Analyze
Results
Modify/Revise
Hypothesis

Draw
Conclusions
Communicate
Results
Hypothesis not supported
Describe why a good hypothesis is not simply a guess
A good hypothesis makes logical sense, is a testable explanation of an observation and is a
guess based on previous experiments.

Describe the two essential parts of a good experiment
a. experimental group: the variable being tested
b. control group: the control variable
Ch.2 – Tools of Environmental Science (pp. 30-57)
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Environmental Science
____ Period

Name:
Date:
Describe how scientists study subjects in which experiments are not possible
Scientists use the correlation method to make discoveries by studying and examining
reliable associations when they cannot do an experiment because the time has passed or it
is unethical/harmful to test subject.

Explain the importance of curiosity and imagination in science
Curiosity and imagination is important to science because they are two of the 5 scientific
habits of mind that allow scientists to approach questions in many different ways.
2. Definitions:
a. Observation: information gathered by using sight, hearing, smell, and touch
b. Hypothesis: testable explanation for an observation
c. Prediction: a logical statement about what will happen in an experiment
d. Experiment: procedure designed to test a hypothesis
e. Variable: a factor that changes in an experiment in order to test a hypothesis
f. Experimental Group: the group in the experiment that is being tested
g. Control Group: in an experiment, that which does not receive the experimental
treatment
h. Data: information gathered during an experiment
i. Correlations:
association used to study a subject when using an experiment is
impossible or unethical
j. Values: principles or standards considered to be important
k. Models: representations of objects or systems
l. Risk: the probability of an unwanted outcome
m. Probability: chance of something happening
n. Statistics: collection and classification of data in the form of numbers
o. Mean: the average; sum of all the data for a given characteristic divided by the
number of individuals
p. Distribution: the relative arrangement of the members of a statistical population
Ch.2 – Tools of Environmental Science (pp. 30-57)
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Environmental Science
____ Period
Name:
Date:
3. Be able to identify examples of
a. experimental method
b. correlation method
c. scientific habits of mind
d. physical model
e. graphical model
f. conceptual model
g. mathematical model
h. risk
i. aesthetic value
j. economic value
k. environmental value
l. educational value
m. ethical/moral value
n. health value
o. recreational value
p. scientific value
q. social/cultural value
Section 2: Statistics and Models
Objectives:
 Explain how scientists use statistics
Scientists use statistics to analyze, summarize, characterize, and compare data.

Explain why the size of a statistical sample is important
The statistical sample size must be large enough to give an accurate estimate for the whole
population.
Ch.2 – Tools of Environmental Science (pp. 30-57)
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Environmental Science
____ Period

Name:
Date:
Describe three types of models commonly used by scientists
Physical model
Graphical model
Conceptual model
Mathematical model
Ch.2 – Tools of Environmental Science (pp. 30-57)
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Environmental Science
____ Period

Name:
Date:
Explain the relationship between probability and risk
Probability is the chance that something will happen and risk is the probability of an
unwanted outcome.
Section 3: Making Informed Decisions
Objectives:
 Describe three values that people consider when making decisions about the
environment
Values That Affect Environmental Decision Making
Value
Definition
what is beautiful or pleasing
Aesthetic
Economic
the gain or loss of money or jobs
Environmental
the protection of natural resources
Educational
the accumulation and sharing or knowledge
Ethical/moral
what is right or wrong
Health
the maintenance of human health
Recreational
human leisure activities
Scientific
understanding of the natural world
Social/cultural
the maintenance of human communities and their
values and traditions

Describe the four steps in a simple environmental decision-making model
Gather 
Information
Consider values
Explore
consequences
Make a decision
Ch.2 – Tools of Environmental Science (pp. 30-57)
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Environmental Science
____ Period

Name:
Date:
Compare the short-term and long-term consequences of two decisions
regarding a hypothetical environmental issue
Know question 21 on concept review. Know which ones were long-term effects (b & c) and
which one was a short-term effect (a).
Ch.2 – Tools of Environmental Science (pp. 30-57)
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