Chapter Two Tools of Environmental Science Scientific Method

Chapter Two Tools of Environmental Science

Scientific Method l An International step-by-step method for scientific investigation

Steps of Method l l l l l Observation Research Hypothesis Design an Experiment Perform an Experiment Record Data Analyze Results Make a Conclusion Repeat Experiment

Steps to be Concerned With l l l Observation - Information gathered by using sight, hearing, smell, and touch Prediction - Logical statement about what will happen if a hypothesis is correct Hypothesis - Testable explanation for an observation

Steps to Know Continued l l Experiment - Procedure for testing a hypothesis under controlled conditions Data - Information gathered during an experiment

Going Further l l l Correlation - Association used to study a subject when using an experiment is impossible or unethical Value - Principles or standards we consider important Probability - Chance of something happening

Even Further l l Conceptual Model - Verbal or graphical explanation of data in the form of numbers Statistics - Collection and classification of data in the form of numbers

Important Questions l l What essential characteristic does a good experiment have? A single variable is tested A control is used (D) Both (B) and (C)

Cont. l l l Why are mathematical models important? They are especially useful in situations with many variables They can be used to create useful digital images They can represent how a system or process works (D) All of the above

Cont. l l The average mass of a wolf in a pack of wolves is an example of A) mean

Cont. l l A model of a dinosaur is an example of a _____ model D) Physical

Cont. l l The chance that an earthquake will occur in your town during the next year is an example of: C) Risk

Cont. l l l Before you can make a decision using a decision-making model, what step must you take? Explore the consequences of each option Consider which values apply to the issue Gather information D) All of the Above

Cont l l If you consider what will protect our natural resources when making an environmental decision, you are examining a(n) ____ D) Environmental

Cont. l l Your county is considering buying land to form a nature preserve. On this land, an endangered species of mammal is known to breed. Which of the following is a possible positive long-term consequence of this decision? A) The population of the endangered species increases

Cont. l l In a scientific investigation, it is important that the number of objects or events being sampled be: B) Large enough to give an accurate estimate for the whole population

Cont. l l A good hypothesis is more than a guess because it: States what is likely to happen Makes logical sense D) Both B and C

l Finished!