What is Biology? Scientific Method

• What should students be able to explain by the end of the lesson?


  What is meant by Deductive reasoning
• What are the various steps in the Scientific method that students should outline?


  Observation, Hypothesis formation, Prediction, Experimentation, Conclusion
• What are the characteristics of living organisms that students should list?

  Order, growth, development, reproduction, sensitivity, homeostasis, evolutionary adaptation
• What is the definition of science?


  • A systematic approach to understanding the natural world
  • Involves observation, hypothesis formation, prediction, experimentation, and conclusion
• What is a scientific experiment?


  A test under controlled conditions to demonstrate a known truth or examine a hypothesis
• What is the purpose of deductive reasoning in science?


  To use general principles to make specific predictions
• What does inductive reasoning involve?


  Using specific observations to develop general conclusions
• What are the two types of reasoning used in science?

  • Deductive reasoning
  • Inductive reasoning
• How does deductive reasoning differ from inductive reasoning?


  Deductive reasoning uses general principles for specific predictions, while inductive reasoning uses specific observations for general conclusions
• What is the first step in the scientific method?


  Formulating a question
• What is a hypothesis?


  A possible explanation for an observation that allows for predictions to be made
• Why must hypotheses be tested?


  To determine their validity
• What happens if an experiment produces results inconsistent with the predictions of a hypothesis?


  The hypothesis must be rejected
• What are the three types of variables in an experiment?

  1. Independent Variable
  2. Controlled Variables
  3. Dependent Variable
• What is the independent variable in an experiment?


  The variable that YOU choose to change to answer your question
• What are controlled variables?


  Materials, measurements, and methods that remain the same in every trial
• What is the dependent variable?


  The variable that changes as a result of the independent variable
• What is the relationship between the independent and dependent variables?

  The dependent variable is the effect that results from changing the independent variable
• What is the Central Dogma in biology?


  • Genetic information flows from DNA to RNA to proteins
  • RNA interprets instructions from DNA to assemble amino acids into proteins
• What are the levels of organization in living systems?

  • Cellular Level: Atoms, molecules, organelles, cells
  • Organismal Level: Tissues, organs, organ systems, organisms
• What are the characteristics of living systems?

  • Order
  • Growth
  • Development
  • Reproduction
  • Sensitivity
  • Homeostasis
  • Evolutionary adaptation
• What is the basic unit of life?


  The cell
• What is the significance of DNA in modern biology?


  The structure and function of DNA is central to understanding biological processes
• What do all cells have in common?


  All cells have cell membranes, ribosomes, and DNA
• How is DNA packaged in eukaryotic and prokaryotic cells?


  DNA is packaged differently but has the same basic structure and function
• What are the general principles and specific instances in scientific reasoning?

  • General Principles: Deductive and Inductive reasoning
  • Specific Instances: Application of these principles in experiments and observations
• What is the purpose of using a tick list when studying?


  To ensure all important topics are covered