Week 2 - Biology

Essential Science Skills

This week will be dedicated to reviewing the scientific method while learning how to write and analyze as a scientist, and how to use common tools found in the lab.

BY THE END OF THIS WEEK, you should be able to:

  • define all terms from the previous week,

  • know the difference between primary and secondary literature,

  • describe differences between tables and figures,

  • create an experiment and isolate variables,

  • describe the differences between a null hypothesis and alternate hypothesis, and

  • understand hypothesis testing and the differences between the terms support or reject vs. reject or fail to reject.

Your Week Ahead

Day 1: The Scientific Method

  1. We will begin with reviewing logistics from last week to make sure that students feel comfortable with the weekly norms and processes.

  2. I’ll walk around and check everyone’s material from last week as you begin your activities for this week - describing the steps of the scientific method:

    1. Observe

    2. Question

    3. Hypothesize

    4. Experiment

    5. Analyze

    6. Conclude

    7. Communicate

  3. You will continue working through your activities, finishing at least the Question lab section with the 10 specimens at the lab tables.

  4. AFTER CLASS, complete Journal 1 on page 10 of your Journaling lab manual. Remember that it should take you roughly 30 minutes to complete - use the journaling techniques if you need assistance.

Day 2: Experiment (Continuing Activities Reviewing the Scientific Method)

  1. Students should pick up with where they left off on Day 1. You’ll also sign up to your correct gizmos class online.

  2. Want to know if you’re on track for the week? You should be roughly finished with the hypothesize section of your activities. If you’re not, feel free to work on this outside of class.

Day 3: Analyze & Conclude

  1. We will finish your scientific method activities and begin looking at lab tools for Monday; be sure that all of these packets are completed by then.

  2. After class, make sure you completed your journal for Monday.

  3. Also, begin studying for your first quiz on Day 2 of next week reviewing terms to know for weeks 1 and 2.

Important Dates

Quiz 1 next week on Day 1 (Monday/Wednesday) due to college fair

Did you…?

  • … complete all of your scientific method packets to show on Monday?

  • … complete your observation? on page 10 of your journaling lab manual?

  • … begin studying for your first quiz?