Tools of Environmental Scientist Chapter 2. Scire (latin) to know What is Science?
Environmental Science Chapter 2 Notes “Tools of Environmental Science” 1.
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Transcript of Environmental Science Chapter 2 Notes “Tools of Environmental Science” 1.
Environmental Science
Chapter 2 Notes“Tools of Environmental Science”
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Section 1: Scientific Method2
Parts of the scientific method 3
1)observations: (quantitative / qualitative)
Information gathered by using the senses.
2) hypothesis: (educated guess) Testable explanation for an observation.
3) predicting: logical statement about what will happen if the hypothesis is correct.
4) experiment / data collection:(dependent / independent variable)
Procedure used to test a hypothesis under controlled conditions.Data: information that a scientist gathers during an experiment (often numeric)
4) Communicating Results: (peer review before publication) Scientists publish their results
to share what they learned with other scientists.
Scientific Method
Correlation Method: using the associations between two or more events – used when an experiment cannot.
Graphs: often used by scientists to display relationships or trends in the data. ex. Bar graph (used for comparing data)
Two Types of Observations:Quantitative: measured or
counted – must contain a number. ex. 22 mL or 75° C
Qualitative: descriptive that doesn’t contain a number.
ex. Color , shape , texture
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1. What is the most likely size predictable for a mussel randomly drawn from this population?a. 40 - 44 mm b. 45 – 49 mmc. 50 - 54 mm d. 70 – 74 mm
The bar graph below shows the distribution of lengths in a population of dwarf wedge mussels. Use this graph to answer the following question. (X-axis: length in mm ; y-axis: # of mussels)
Parts of an Experiment
Variable: the factor of interest.
-scientist usually study two groups or situations at a time.-the variable studied is the only difference between the groups.
Experimental Group: the group that receives the experimental treatment.
Control Group: the group that does not receive the experimental treatment.
Independent Variable: the variable being tested. The part of the
experiment that is manipulated by the experimenter.
Dependent Variable: the variable being
measured in response to the variable being tested.
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Scientific Method Continued
Conclusion: Is drawn after a scientist analyzes the collected data and is compared to the hypothesis.
Repeating experiments: looking for the reliability of their conclusions.
Organizing and Analyzing Data:
GraphsData tables
Graphic organizers
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Scientific Method
Question 1: In an experiment, the experimental treatment differs from the control treatment only in the _________ being studied.
a. experiment b. variable c. hypothesis d. data
Question 2: Why is it important to use unbiased methods in scientific research?
a. Unbiased methods are more persuasive to the public.b. Unbiased methods produce more data that biased methods.c. Unbiased methods are easier to develop than biased methods.d. Unbiased methods help scientists to better characterize the natural world.
9Scientific Habits of Mind
Curiosity: Good scientists are endlessly curious.
Skepticism: Good scientists tend to be skeptical (they don’t believe everything they’re told)
Openness to New Ideas: Always keep an open mind about how the world works.
Intellectual Honesty:Being willing to accept the hypothesis was not correct if the data doesn’t support it.
Imagination and Creativity: The ability to see patterns where others do not or to imagine things others cannot.
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Skepticism
What attribute of a skeptic contribute to a good scientific mind?
a. willingness to travelb. empathetic naturec. desire to construct experimentsd. continual questioning of observations
Section 2: Statistics and Models 1
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How Scientist Use Statistics
Statistics: the collection and classification of data that are
in the form of numbers.
Statistical Population:A group of similar things that
a scientist is interested in learning about.
The Mean:The number obtained by
adding the data for a characteristic and dividing this sum by the number of individuals.
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How Scientist Use Statistics
What is the Probability
Distribution: the relative arrangement of the members of a statistical group.
bell-shaped curve: (normal distribution) the data are grouped symmetrically around the mean.
Probability: The chance that something will happen.
Sample: A group of individuals or events selected to represent the population.
Sample Size: the number of objects or events sampled.
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Statistics and Models
Risk: the probability of an unwanted outcome. Most people overestimate
the risk of sensational environmental issues
(ex. radioactive waste) and underestimate the risk of
ordinary issues (ex. Global climate change
and water pollution)
Models
(Climate model of Earth)
Models: representations of objects or systems.
4 Types of Models Physical Models:are 3-D
models you can touch. Graphical Models:maps and
charts. Conceptual Models:a verbal or
graphical explanation of how a system works or is organized. (flow-chart)
Mathematical Models:equations that represent the way
a system or process works.
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Section 3: Making Informed Decisions15
16Making Informed Decisions
ValuesDecision-Making Model
Values: principals or standards we consider important.
Decision-Making Model Is a conceptual model
that provides a systematic process for making decisions.
How to Use It: Gather Information Consider Values Explore Consequences Make a Decision
Values That Affect Environmental Decision Making
Aesthetic: what is beautiful or pleasing.
Economic: the gain or loss of money or jobs.
Environmental: the protection of natural resources.
Educational: the accumulation and sharing of knowledge.
Social/Cultural: the maintenance of human communities and their values and traditions.
Recreational: human leisure activities
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