General info for Unit 1 Test

1. Intro to Geo Science
The Scientific Method

2. The Nature of Science
 Science is a system of knowledge based on facts or
principles.
 Technology is the application of science to meet
human needs.
 Math is the language of science.
 A scientific model is a representation of an object or
event that can be studied to understand the real
object or event.

3. The Way Science Works…
 Science involves critical thinking, or applying logic
and reason to observations and conclusions.
 Observation vs. Inference
 Observation: description of what you see,
hear, taste, feel, smell
 Inference: the conclusion you draw as a result
of an observation (not always correct!!)

4. Variables and Controls
 A variable is anything that can change in an
experiment.
 Independent variable: The variable being
changed or controlled by the scientist.
 Dependent variable: The variable being
measured or observed by the scientist.
 Controls-standard of comparison for the experiment
*everything that stays the same
 An effective experiment tests only ONE
variable at a time.

5. Scientific Experiments…
Trials-replicates the experiment to reduce error in
that experiment
Data-facts collected during the experiment
Analysis-interpret the collected data (what does the
data mean?)
Conclusion-was the hypothesis supported or not
supported
*if supported keep and repeat to verify
*if rejected modify/ change hypothesis
Error-things that lead to incorrect data
Repeatable-must be able to repeat experiments and
get the same results

6. The Scientific Method:
a series of logical steps to follow in order to solve problems.
1. OBSERVE
2. FORMULATE A QUESTION
3. FORM A HYPOTHESIS
4. DESIGN AND CONDUCT AN EXPERIMENT
5. MAKE OBSERVATIONS
6. RECORD AND ANALYZE DATA
7. DRAW CONCLUSIONS
8. FORMULATE NEW QUESTIONS and continue
cycle

7. Accuracy vs. Precision
 Accuracy: the extent
to which a
measurement
approaches the true
value.
 Precision: the degree
of exactness of a
measurement.