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Natural Science Biology Lab: Welcome To NSB

This document provides an overview of the topics and expectations for a Natural Science Biology lab course. It includes: 1) An introduction to the importance of biology and how biological concepts affect daily life. 2) An outline of the course grading policy, lab manual requirements, safety procedures, and the scientific method process of forming and testing hypotheses. 3) Descriptions of key lab concepts like dependent and independent variables, collecting and analyzing data through precision measurements and statistical analysis, and properly presenting findings in tables, graphs, and charts.

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Justin Morris
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59 views4 pages

Natural Science Biology Lab: Welcome To NSB

This document provides an overview of the topics and expectations for a Natural Science Biology lab course. It includes: 1) An introduction to the importance of biology and how biological concepts affect daily life. 2) An outline of the course grading policy, lab manual requirements, safety procedures, and the scientific method process of forming and testing hypotheses. 3) Descriptions of key lab concepts like dependent and independent variables, collecting and analyzing data through precision measurements and statistical analysis, and properly presenting findings in tables, graphs, and charts.

Uploaded by

Justin Morris
Copyright
© Attribution Non-Commercial (BY-NC)
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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1/7/2011

Natural Science Biology Lab


The University of Akron
Spring 2011

Welcome to NSB
Why do you need to know about Biology?
Stem cells, cloning, DNA, genetic testing, vaccines, evolution, bioethics, animal and plant diversity, mutations, antibiotic resistance, viruses, diseases, global warming, energy, fossil fuels, genetically engineered foods. These things affect you EVERY DAY. You want to be informed, so you can make smart choices.

Natural Science Syllabus


Grading Quizzes Attendance Participation Paper/Presentation Code of Conduct Electronic Communications

Designing an Experiment
Lab Manual
Must be purchased for lab. Available in Bookstore. Needed every week to turn in your questions. This is how you get your participation points.

Safety Procedures
1. Never conduct any laboratory experiments until proper instructions have been given and a instructor is present. 2. If something goes wrong while performing a laboratory experiment, immediately get the attention of the instructor. 3. Always read the instructions and safety precautions before beginning an experiment. The scientific method is a series of steps that scientists use to answer questions and solve problems. Forming and testing a hypothesis are two key steps in the scientific methods. A hypothesis is a possible explanation or answer to a question.

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Forming a Hypothesis
Forming a hypothesis first involves observation. You should observe the subject you are curious about. Then, ask a question about something you observe. Your hypothesis will be a possible answer to that question. Remember a hypothesis does not have to be correct; it simply has to be testable. In fact, often hypotheses are wrong. However, even a wrong hypothesis is useful because it helps you rule out ideas.

Testing a Hypothesis
You must design a controlled experiment to test a hypothesis. A controlled experiment tests only one factor at a time.

Dependent v. Independent Variable


The one factor that differs is the variable. (THINK: varies) Because the variable differs between the control group and the experimental groups, scientists can be more certain that differences in the variable are causing any differences observed in the outcome of the experiment. Dependent Variable (Depends) Measured Independent Variable - Changed

Lab Equipment
Lab equipment must always be stored properly and cleaned to avoid contamination. Never put away equipment that is dirty. Always check to make sure you have all the needed equipment before you begin your experiment

Collect and Interpret Data


Precision in Data Collection When you collect data you need to be concerned about precision and accuracy. Precision refers to how consistent and reproducible a measurement is. A good rule of thumb is to take measurements two or three times (called replicates) in order to ensure precision

Which is more precise?

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Accuracy in Data Collection


Accuracy refers to the correctness of a measurement. Data will be useless unless it is collected accurately.

Data Collection Techniques


All of the information collected during a scientific investigation is known as data. Data can be collected through the following techniques: Quantitative measurement Qualitative observation There are many tools available to assist in data collection. Some common laboratory tools include: Microscopes a balance a computer calipers

Analyzing Data
Data can be analyzed by making inferences from and recognizing patterns in the data. Of course, how you analyze the data is dependent upon the nature of the experiment, but the following tools are often used to find meaning in a data set: statistical analysis creating graphs organizing data into tables and charts

Which piece of equipment would be best for accurately measuring 76 ml?

Reading Tables and Graphs


1. When a question includes a table or graph, read it first, before the question. 2. Dont just Look at it READ IT. 3. What is the Title, what is being measured or compared? What units (grams, mLs, minutes, years) are given? 4. Are the numbers or slope increasing, decreasing? 5. After reading the data, now read the question!

Presenting Data
Tables, graphs, and charts are not only useful for analyzing data, they are also useful for presenting data. Different kinds of graphs include: circle graphs line graphs bar graphs

Scientific Theory and public misuse of the word theory


When a scientist has an idea he or she wishes to test through observation or experimentation, this is termed a hypothesis. Once a body of scientific data has been accumulated in support of the hypothesis, it is elevated to the status of theory. After a time, certain theories receive considerable support from various scientists and no contradictory evidence turns up. Then, the theory may be elevated to the status of law.

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Data Collection and Sample Size


The larger the amount of data collected, The larger the sample size, The more times the experiment is repeated,

Termite Experiment
The termites used in this experiment are a group of social insects usually classified at the taxonomic rank of order Isoptera. As truly social animals, they are termed eusocial . Eusocial animals display several characteristics they have a queen, workers or laborers, defenders, colonies, castes but WHY????

Following Instructions
Read the laboratory instructions carefully. You must completely and thoroughly fill out your Data Collection Sheet to give to your instructor. This is how you will receive credit for being here. Follow the Scientific Method.

The more valid the results.

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