1 Chapter Two: Tools of Environmental Science
2 Section One: Scientific MethodsThe Experimental Method How do scientists make discoveries? Observation: a piece of information we gather using our senses- sight, hearing, smell and touch. Scientists also use tools to extend their observations Ex. Rulers, microscopes, satellites
3 Section One: Scientific MethodsObservations almost always lead to more questions. Hypothesis: testable idea or explanation that leads to a scientific investigation A good hypothesis MUST be testable Prediction: a logical statement about what will happen if the hypothesis is correct
4 Section One: Scientific MethodsHypothesis vs. Prediction A hypothesis is a general statement that offers an explanation of a problem that has been observed. It can be proven or disproven by experimentation. A prediction is based on a hypothesis. It is meant to describe what will happen in a specific situation, such as during an experiment, if the hypothesis is correct.
5 Section One: Scientific MethodsExperiment: a procedure designed to test a hypothesis under controlled conditions Two Essential Characteristics A singe variable is tested A control is used
6 Section One: Scientific MethodsVariable: the factor of interest When testing for one variable two study groups or situations are used Experimental Group: group that receives the experimental treatment Control Group: group that does not receive the experimental treatment
7 Section One: Scientific MethodsOrganizing and Analyzing Data It is important to keep careful and accurate records. Data: the information a scientist gathers during an experiment Graphs are used to organize data and display relationships or trends.
8 Section One: Scientific MethodsDrawing Conclusions: Comparing the outcome of their experiment with their prediciton Experiments are repeated to ensure that you receive the same conclusions each time. Scientists will publish their results to share their findings with others
9 Section One: Scientific MethodsThe Correlation Method Method used when questions cannot be studied by performing an experiment Correlations: associations between two or more events
10 Section One: Scientific MethodsScientific Habits of Mind Curiosity Habit of Skepticism Openess to New Ideas Intellectual Honest Imagination and Creativity
11 Section Two: Statistics and ModelsStatistics: the collection and classification of data that are in the form of numbers Used to summarize, characterize, analyze and compare data Statistical Population: a group of similar things that a scientist is interested in learning about
12 Section Two: Statistics and ModelsStatistical populations have similar individuals but the individuals have different characteristics. Mean: the number obtained by adding the data for a characteristic and dividing this sum by the number of individuals Distribution: the relative arrangement of the members of a statistical population
13 Section Two: Statistics and Models
14 Section Two: Statistics and ModelsProbability: The chance that something will happen Sample: a group of individuals or events selected to represent the population
15 Section Two: Statistics and ModelsStatistics in Your Everyday Life The local weather report Risk: the probability of an unwanted outcome
16 Section Two: Statistics and ModelsModels: representations of objects or systems
17 Section Two: Statistics and ModelsPhysical Models: 3D models you can touch Graphical Models: Maps and charts Conceptual Models: a verbal or graphical explanation of how a system works or is organized
18 Section Two: Statistics and ModelsMathematical Model: one or more equations that represents the way a system or process works. Where T= the total number of students And SR+ SB is the number of red head students + the number of students with black hair T= SR+ SB
19 Section Three: Making Informed DecisionsValues: principles or standards we consider important Decision Making Model: a conceptual model that provides a systematic process for making decisions
20 Section Three: Making Informed DecisionsHow to Use a Decision- Making Model Gather Information Consider Values Explore Consequences Make a Decision Gather Information Consider Values Explore Consequences Make a Decision