What is Science

Independent

If you add various amounts of fertilizer to plants in a laboratory, the fertilizer would be a ______ variable.

Theory

a well-tested and widely accepted explanation; consolidates widely-supported, related hypotheses

Biodiversity

the cumulative number and diversity of living things; human actions have driven many species extinct; biodiversity is declining dramatically

Controlled Experiment

the effects of all variables are controlled; Except the independent variable whose effect is being tested

Quantitative Data

uses numbers and measurements

Natural Tests

show real-world complexity; results are not neat and clean; answers aren't black and white

Cassandras

some think things are much worse; predict doom and disaster

Independent Variable

variable that is manipulated

The Triple Bottom Line

sustainable solutions that meet: Environmental protection, Economic goals, & Social equity

Science

A systematic process for learning about the world and testing our understanding of it; The accumulated body of knowledge arising from the dynamic process of observation, testing, and discovery

Observational (descriptive) Science

Information is gathered (observed) about organisms, systems, processes, etc; Cannot be manipulated by experiments; Phenomena are observed and measured; Used in astronomy, paleontology, taxonomy, genomics, epidemiology

Hypothesis-driven Science

Targeted research- Asks a particular question and predicts an answer; Experiments test hypotheses using the scientific method; Results of experiment shape the course of the research

Sustainable Development

The use of resources to satisfy current needs, without compromising future availability of resources

Variable

a condition that can change or be manipulated

Paradigm Shift

a dramatic upheaval in thought; changes the dominant viewpoint

Control

a non-manipulated point of comparison

Experiments

better at producing a strong body of evidence to support causation; important to all fields of science, though not always possible (or ethical)

Dependent Variable

depends on the independent variable

Qualitative Data

focuses on subjective, quality related variables

Correlations

important for establishing relationships between events; relies on statistical relationships to typically establish attribution rather than causation.

Scientific Method

makes an observation; asks questions; hypothesis; predictions; results

Cornucopians

many people think environmental conditions are better; human ingenuity will solve any problem

Manipulative Experiments

yield the strongest evidence; can reveal causal relationships; lots of things can't be manipulated