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Tools of Env. Science

Scientific Method

+Key Vocabulary

observation hypothesis prediction experiment data correlation probability statistics statistical models and types different values

+Learning Goals #1-5

1. List and describe the steps of the scientific method. 2. Describe why a good hypothesis isn’t a simple guess 3. What are the 2 main parts of a good experiment 4. How do scientists study subjects in which

experiments aren’t possible 5. Explain the importance of curiosity & imagination in

science

+Learning Goals #6-10

6. How do scientists use statistics 7.Why is the size of a statistical sample important? 8.Describe 3 types of models that are used by scientists 9.What is the relationship between probability and risk 10.What’s the importance of conceptual and

mathematical models

+1.Steps of the Scientific Method

also known as the scientific process, experimental method, scientific inquiry

1. make an observation 2.forming a hypothesis 3.designing and performing an experiment 4.collecting and analyzing data 5. draw a conclusion 6. repeat **a good hypothesis must be testable and make sense base

on prior knowledge**

+3. 2 main parts of a scientific experiment experiments should show cause and effect

relationships, therefore good experiments should have these 2 things:

a single variable-factor being tested, considered the experimental group

a control- group that doesn't receive treatment

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+4. How do scientists study subjects when experiments aren't possible? Finding the answers to some questions is impossible. Therefore scientists test predictions using correlations

(see example in book pg. 35) **Correlations do not necessarily prove relationships

between variables, it just gives more certainty to whatever is being observed

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+Characteristics of a good scientist curious, skeptical, open, honest, imaginative, & creative 5. Why are curiosity and imagination important in

science? scientists are able to notice and see patterns that others

may not be able to AND expand knowledge as a whole

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+6. How are statistics used in science? statistics (aka "stats")- the collection and organizing

data in the form of numbers and includes a lot of math! helps organize and interpret data use stats to summarize, characterize, analyze, and

compare data stats include the following terms: mean=average of something distribution=what the population looks like probability=the likelihood that something will happen sample=group of individuals or events that represents

the population

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+7. Why is the size of a sample important? The bigger the sample size, the more accurate the

results will be. The smaller the sample size the less reliable the results

will be ( see example pg. 40) Can you think of other examples of a "bad" sample size?

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+Types of Models used by scientists... Models are representations of objects or systems There are physical, graphical, conceptual, and

mathematical models

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+

Physical Models

3 dimensional models that can be held

they closely resemble the object they represent

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Graphical Models

include maps and charts illustrates things relative to -location (maps) -positions (stars) -amounts (tree coverage) -depths (rivers, lakes)

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Conceptual Models

a verbal or graphical representation showing how a system works or is organized

includes diagrams, verbal descriptions, or drawings

example: flow chart

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Mathematical Models

one or more equations that represents how a system works in numbers and equations

can represent many common situations

helpful when there's several variables in effect, i.e. weather

can include error, after all people are the ones who develop the models

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Decision-making model

a conceptual model that provides a systematic process for making decisions

+9. What is the relationship between probability & risk? Probability is the chance that something will happen. Risk is the probability of something unwanted

happening.

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+10. Why are conceptual and mathematical models important. One can make predictions more accurately because

they represent ideas more precisely

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Value = principles we consider important; 9 types

aesthetic-what is beautiful or pleasing

economic-gain or loss of $ or jobs environmental-protection of natural

resources educational-growth and sharing of

knowledge ethical/moral- what is right and

wrong health-keeping up human health recreational- human leisure activities scientific-understanding the natural

world social/cultural-maintain acne of

communities and their values & traditions