Chapter #1Introduction to Science

Notes 1.1

• What is science?• Science is observing, studying, and

experimenting to find the nature of things.

3 major branches of science1. Biological (botany, zoology, ecology)2. Physical (chemistry and physics)3. Earth Science (geology, meteorology)

• What is technology?

• It is using scientific knowledge for practical applications.

• Makes human life easier…cars, electricity, pencils, computers…

• Hypothesis- educated guess.

• A scientific theory is an explanation that has been tested by repeated observation.

Scientific Theories must1. Explain observations simply and clearly2. Experiments must be repeatable3. You must be able to predict from the

theory Theories can change

• Scientific law states a repeated observation about nature. Describe by words or numbers.

1.Qualitative- describes in words

2.Quantitative- describes uses numbers or equations.

Equations

• Rectangle Area equation

A=L x W

• Universal Gravitational Equation

F=Gm1m2

d2

Do NOT need in notes

• Model is a representation of an object or event that can be studied to understand the real object or event.

Greek Theory Model Modern Theory Model

Notes 1.2

• The scientific method is a way to organize your thinking about everyday questions as well as about questions that you might think of as scientific.

Scientific Method

Question

Collect Data

Form a Hypothesis

Test the Hypothesis

Observations

Draw a Conclusion

• Hypothesis- a possible answer that can be tested. An Educated guess.

• Variable: A variable is the factor that is being tested in an experiment. You should only have ONE variable.

• Matter is anything that has mass and volume (occupies) space. Examples air, smoke, water vapor.

• Volume: is a measure of space, such as the capacity of a container.

Weight vs. Mass• Weight is the pull of gravity on an object.

Weight changes from place to place.

• Mass is the quantity of matter. Mass never changes.

Astronauts in space. Is a good example to help you remember the difference….

Metric Conversions• RULES:1. Make the chart (Kind Hector Does Better During Classical Music)2. Place # into the chart, put the DECIMAL POINT in the row with the

STARTING UNITS.3. Only 1 # per row4. Decimal points are ALWAYS on the RIGHT SIDE of row and a # is on

the left of that row5. Move decimal point to the RIGHT SIDE of the row with the ENDING

UNITS.Kilo Hecto Deca Base deci centi milli

Meter Liter

Grams

Notes 1.3• AccuracyAccuracy refers to the agreement of a particular refers to the agreement of a particular

value with the true value.value with the true value.• PrecisionPrecision refers to the degree of agreement refers to the degree of agreement

among several measurements made in the same among several measurements made in the same manner.manner.

• Neither accurate nor preciseNeither accurate nor precise• Precise but not accuratePrecise but not accurate• Precise AND accuratePrecise AND accurate

• Line graph is best for displaying data that change.

• Independent variable is the one you chose the intervals for (x-axis) Bottom.

• Dependent variable is the one that depends what happens in the experiment (y-axis) Side.

• Bar graph is useful when you want to compare data for several individual items or events.

• Pie Charts is ideal for displaying data that are parts of a whole.

• Scientific notation: is a value written as a simple number between 1 & 9.999 multiplied by a power of 10.

• Examples

65 000 = 6.5 x 104

0.00012 = 1.2 x 10-4

8923100000= 8.9231 x 109

Work Cited• “Cartoon”. Nov. 27, 2007.

http://cas.bellarmine.edu/tietjen/RootWeb/Science%20Funnies.htm• “What has science done Cartoon”. Nov. 27, 2007.

http://nasw.org/users/Halpern/whats_science.jpg• “Greek cosmos”. Nov, 27, 2007.

http://abyss.uoregon.edu/~js/images/greek_cosmos.jpg• “Solar System”. Nov. 27, 2007.

http://www.aerospaceweb.org/question/astronomy/solar-system/solar-system.jpg

• “Line Graph”. Dec. 3, 2007. http://www.w3.org/2000/08/nba-manual/line-graph.gif

• “Bar Graph”. Dec. 3, 2007. http://education.yahoo.com/homework_help/math_help/solutionimages/minialg1gt/11/1/1/minialg1gt_11_1_1_6_100/f-bargraph2.gif

• “Pie Chart w/ Pie types”. Dec. 3, 2007. http://www.fedstats.gov/kids/mapstats/graphics/pie.gif

• “Pie Chart”. Dec. 3, 2007. http://www.census.gov/statab/www/img/expends.gif