Introduction to Biology

 

 

 

 

Objectives for today:


* Indentify the 5 steps of the scientific method.

* Explain how to name files for computer assignments

Science can be defined as a never ending search for truth. Truth is based on a set of facts and our understanding of those facts. A good scientist must be ready to accept new facts as they are discovered and modify what is "true" in light of these facts. Science is science, no matter what general topic is involved. Science in school is usually taught in classes that are limited to a general area of interest, but the methods of science are a part of our daily lives.

Biology is a "Life Science". This class will cover a wide range of topics from the cellular basis of life, to human systems, to Earth's environment. Students are expected to improve their work habits, skills with computer applications, and Internet research during this school year.

Saving Assignment Files:

Downloading Internet Files:
* Any files downloaded from the Internet are automatically saved on your computer Desktop.
* To download pictures, just drag them from a webpage to your desktop.
* If you decide to use a downloaded file for an assignment, move it to the Student Directory on the hard drive (HD) and change the name using the system described in the next section.
* If you decide not to use the file, drag it to the Trash.
* DO NOT leave files on the desktop!

Naming Assignment Files:
* Use only small-case letters when naming files.
* Begin each file name with the first letter of your last name.
* Follow this with the first two letters of your first name.
* Follow this with the two digit week number.
* Follow this with a single digit indicating the assignment day number.

* Example: If student Jon Doe is saving a file from the 9th week, the 2nd day,
the file name would be - djo092 plus the appropriate file extension.

* It is ok to have files with the same name, as long as they are different file types - such as doc, ppt, htm, or gif. If you ever have to save more than one of the same type of file for one day's assignment, just add a letter after the number of the day. (example) djo092a.gif, djo092b.gif, djo092c.gif, etc.

 

1. Which of the experimental setups below would be the first step in determining whether earthworms choose a wet environment or a dry environment?    


 

A
B
C
D

 

 

2. What are the eight evaluation criteria that must be met before using a Website as a research reference in HHS science classes?

 

3. What 5 things are needed to make an "A" in Frontier High School Science Classes?

 

4. Use the following information to answer the questions below the chart.

Your lab group has been given the task of determining the effect of alcohol on reaction time in humans. The test will consist of a computer program that presents an X in the middle of the screen. The participants must press the spacebar on the keyboard as soon as possible after the X appears. The computer's internal clock will measure the amount of time between the appearance of the X and the pressing of the spacebar. Your group decides to use 30 male volunteers, split equally in the three groups in the data table below.

Group #
Treatment
Average Reaction Time
1
no alcohol
2 milliseconds
2
3 ounces of alcohol
10 milliseconds
3
6 ounces of alcohol
35 milliseconds

 



A. Which hypothesis is best supported by the data presented?
a. Not everyone consumes alcohol.
b. Amount of alcohol consumed increases reaction time.
c. Age influences reaction time.
d. The decrease in reaction time is caused by the consumption of alcohol.
B. To correctly plot these data, you would place ___ on the X-axis and ___ on the Y-axis.
a. amount of alcohol consumed; age of the volunteer
b. amount of alcohol consumed; reaction time
c. reaction time; amount of alcohol consumed
d. reaction time; age of volunteer
C. Which one of the following represents the control group for this experiment?
a. Group 1
b. Group 2
c. Group 3
d. There is no control group in this experiment
D. In the described experiment ___ is the independent/experimental variable and ___ is the dependent/measured variable.
a. amount of alcohol consumed; age of the volunteer
b. amount of alcohol consumed; reaction time
c. reaction time; amount of alcohol consumed
d. reaction time; age of volunteer