Environmental Science
Answer: (A) relationships
A conceptual model represents a way of thing about (A) relationships (B) variables (C) data (D) positions
variable
is the factor of interest.
(D) scientific
If you consider what will add to our understanding of the natural world in making an environmental decision, you are examining a(n) ---- value. (A) ethical/moral (B) aesthetic (C) environmental (D) scientific
models
representations of objects or systems.
A risk is the chance that an unwanted event will occur. A probability is the likelihood that something will happen.
risk and probability
A population is a group of similar things that is being studied while a sample is a smaller group settled to represent that population.
sample and population
probability
the chance that somethings will happen.
statistics
the collection and classification of data that are in the form of numbers.
drawing conclusions
the fifth step in the experimental method.
observation
the first step in the experimental method and is a piece of information we gather using our senses-sight, hearing, smell, and touch.
organizing and analyzing data
the fourth step in the experimental method.
control group
the group that does not receive the experimental treatment.
experimental group
the group that receives the experimental treatment.
data
the information that a scientist gathers during an an experiment, which is often in numeric form.
communicating results
the last step in the experimental method.
correlations
the linear dependence between two variables. A mutual relationship or connection between two or more things. A positive correlation indicates the extent to which the variables increases or decreases. A negative correlation indicates the extent to which one variable increases as the other decreases.
mean
the number obtained by adding the data for a characteristic and dividing this sum by the number of individuals.
risk
the probability of an unwanted outcome.
hypothesis
the second step in the experimental method and is a testable idea or explanation that leads to a scientific investigation.
repeating experiments
the sixth step in the experimental method.
physical models
3-D models that you can touch.
(A) graphical model
A road map is an example of a (A) graphical model (B) mathematical (C) conceptual model (D) physical model
A hypothesis considers information gathered by observations, while a guess might not. A hypothesis is also a testable explanation, while a guess might not be testable.
Explain why a hypothesis is not a guess.
Environmental scientists use mathematical models to express quantifiable relationships in the most precise form possible.
Explain why environmental scientists use mathematical models.
Sample size is important in determining probability because the number of objects is too small to yield inaccurate results.
Explain why sample size is important in determining probability.
graphical models
maps and charts are examples of graphical models.
bar graph
one common type of graph and are useful for comparing data for several things in one graph.
mathematical model
one or more equations that represent that way a system or process works.
values
principals or standards we consider important.
experimental method
a method that consists of a series of steps that scientists worldwide use to identify and answer questions.
conceptual model
a verbal or graphical explanation of how a system work or is organized.
sample
a group of individuals or events selected to represent the population.
statistical population
a group of similar things that a scientist is interested in learning about.
prediction
a logical statement about what will happen if the hypothesis is correct.
A hypothesis is a testable explanation for an observation, while a prediction is an educated guess of what will happen when the hypothesis is tested.
hypothesis and prediction
mathematical model
is one or more equations that represents the way a system or process works.
distribution
is the relative arrangement of the members of a statistical population.
(D) both (a) and (b)
An essential feature of very good experiment is that it should (A) use a control (B) test a single variable (C) graph data (D) both (a) and (b)
An example would be cutting down trees which will have environmental values and economic values. Another one would be having big companies may want to maximize their profits and might not dispose of waste responsibly in doing so which will have environmental and social/ethical values.
Describe in a short paragraph examples of two situations in which environmental values come into conflict with other values. (NOT SURE IF MY ANSWER IS CORRECT)
When an observation warrants further examination, a good scientist knows what questions to investigate to fully understand the observation.
Explain the statement, "A good scientist is one who asks the right questions"
The first step is making an observation to gather information. Second, use these observations to form a hypothesis and make a prediction based on the hypothesis. Next, conduct an experiment to test the hypothesis. Conduct the experiment under controlled conditions. Use the data to form conclusion about the original hypothesis. Repeat and share results.
Describe the steps of the experimental method.
The two essential parts of a good experiment are testing only one variable and using a control. By testing only one variable, you can be sure that this variable is the cause of any changes that occur. By using a control, you have something to compare with the experimental treatment.
Describe the two essential parts of a good experiment, and explain their importance.
3 types of models used by scientists are physical, 3-D models that you can touch. Graphical, maps and charts that illustrate data. Lastly, conceptual, a verbal or graphical explanation of how a system works or is organized.
Describe three types of models used by scientists.
""the mean number of weeds in three plots of land" means that the results from three different plots were averaged together.
Explain what "the mean number of weeds in three plots of land" mean?
Scientists study correlations, or reliable associations between two events to answer questions that can't e investigated with experiments. The more correlations that exist between variables, the surer scientists can be of their conclusions.
Explain how scientists try to answer questions that can't be trusted will experiments.
Gather info: important to fully understand the problem. Consider values: decision should be based on what is important to decision maker. Explore consequences: important to consider long term consequences. Make decision: so an action can be taken and the decision makers vales implemented.
Explain the importance of each of the four steps in a simple decision-making model.
Probability is the chance that an event will happen. Its based on observations, data. Risk is the probability of a negative outcome.
Explain the relationship between probability and risk.
In an experiments the control group provides a standard to compare with the experimental treatment. The control group produces a set of data unaffected by the variable or with the variable at a baseline.
Explain the role of a control group in a scientific experiment?
Statistics help people quantify and analyze different kinds of information, including information about the environment.
How are statistics helpful for evaluating information about the environment?
A skeptical scientist doesn't believe everything he or she is told. By being skeptical about established ideas, a scientists is open to new ones.
How can a scientist be both skeptical and open to new ideas at the same time? Write a one page story that describes such a situation.
Making a table can help in a decision making situation by organizing all the positive and negative consequences of a decision for comparison.
How does making a table help you evaluate the values and concerns you have when making a decision.
Answer: (A) publish your results anyway
If the results of your experiment do not support your hypothesis, you should (A) publish your results anyway (B) consider the results abnormal and continue working (C) find a way to rationalize your results (D) try another method
Answer: (B) mean
In a population, characteristics such as size will often be clustered around the (A) sample (B) mean (C) distribution (D) collection
(C) closely resemble the system they represent
In a scientific investigation, the size of the sample population should be large enough to (A) reflect the probability of an unwanted outcome (B) give an accurate estimate of the whole population (C) closely resemble the system they represent (D) all of the above
Answer: (B) variable
In an experiment, the experimental treatment differs from the control treatment only in the ---- being studied. (A) experiment (B) variable (C) hypothesis (D) data
aesthetic: what is pleasing or beautiful. economic: gain or loss of money or jobs environmental: protection of natural resources. educational: accumulation and sharing of knowledge. ethical/moral: what is right and wrong. health: maintenance of human life. recreational: human leisure activities. scientific: understanding natural world. social/culture: maintenance of human communities, values, traditions.
List and define three possible values to consider when making environmental decisions.
Answer: (D) both a and c
Models used by scientists include (A) conceptual models (B) variable models (C) physical models (D) both (a) and (c)
Curiosity leads scientists to ask new questions. Skepticism leads scientists to question explanations they doubt. Openness to new ideas prevents scientists from limiting their thinking. Intellectual honestly helps ensure accurate conclusions. Imagination and creativity help scientists to come up with new ideas and explanations.
Name three scientific habits of mind and explain their importance.
(B) imagination
One of the keys habits of mind of scientists is ----, which allows scientists to expand the boundaries of what we know. (A) intellectual honesty (B) imagination (C) replication (D) correlation
Answer: (C) gathering information
Reading scientific reports is an example of (A) assessing risk (B) considering values (C) gathering information (D) exploring consequences
Answer: (C) probability
Risk is the ---- of a negative outcome. (A) sample (B) statistic (C) probability (D) testable
Answer: (B) repeat
Scientists ---- experiments to make sure the results are meaningful. (A) preform (B) repeat (C) conclude (D) communicate
Answer: (D) testable
Scientists form ---- hypotheses to answer questions. (A) accurate (B) short (C) mathematical (D) testable
(C) gather data
Statistics are not used by scientists to (A) compare data (B) analyze data (C) gather data (D) all of above
Statistics to analyze, quantify data, cost-benefit study of outcomes, and move input from different groups.
Suggest how to make the decision-making model presented here more powerful.
(A) cause and effect
The differences observed between control groups and experimental groups can help identify ---- relationships. (A) cause and effect (B) inverse and converse (C) conditional (D) unconventional
(C) observing, hypothesizing, predicting, experimenting, and communicating results
The experimental method includes which of the following steps? (A) remaining skeptical; organizing data, and analyzing data (B) drawing conclusions, being open to new ideas, and communicating results (C) observing, hypothesizing, predicting, experimenting, and communicating results (D) being curious, imagining, being able to see patterns, observing, and predicting.
decision-making model
a conceptual model that provides a systematic process for making decisions.
Answer: (D) all of above
To fully understand a complex environmental issue, you may need to consider (A) economics (B) values (C) scientific notation (D) all of above
(C) using a decision making model
What is a good system of analyzing issues? (A) using a cause and effect chart (B) determining the mean for a population (C) using a decision making model (D) performing experiments
(D) it is a guess based on previous experiments
What is not a description of a good hypothesis? (A) it makes logical sense (B) it is a testable explanation of an observation (C) it follows from what you already know about a situation (D) it is a guess based on previous experiments
(D) gather information
What is the first step in an environmental decision-making model? (A) explore the consequences of each option (B) consider which values apply to the issue (C) make a decision (D) gather information
(A) examining correlations
When it is not possible to conduct an experiment, scientists test their predictions by (A) examining correlations (B) using a control (C) testing for one variable (D) remaining skeptical
(C) use your understanding of the natural world
When you examine a scientific value in making an environmental decision, you (A) consider what is right or wrong (B) consider what will maintain human health (C) use your understanding of the natural world (D) think about what will promote learning.
(B) listening to the opinion of all the adults around you
Which of the following can help you when you want to form an opinion or make a decision? (A) having many friends so they can tell you what they think (B) listening to the opinion of all the adults around you (C) finding one source of information that can tell you all you need to know (D) having a systematic way of analyzing issues
B) an increase in property values near the preserve
Which of the following is a possible short term consequence of creating a nature preserve? (A) decrease in habitat destruction (B) an increase in property values near the preserve (C) a restriction of recreational activities on private land within the preserve by state officials (D) all of the above(
(D) all of the above
Which of the following sources should you use when gathering information to help you make a decision about environmental issues. (A) the TV news (B) local newspapers (C) books and magazines (D) all of the above
(C) well informed people's on all sides of the issue
Whose opinions should you seek when you are trying to make a decision? (A) your relatives' and teachers' (B) your friends' (C) well informed people's on all sides of the issue (D) well informed people's on the side of the issue that best matches your values
Conceptual and mathematical models are especially powerful because they are more precise models. They help explain an idea or relationship in a way that is easy to understand.
Why are conceptual and mathematical models especially powerful?
Scientists use statistics to summarize, characterize, analyze, and compare data. Statistics are a branch of mathematics that provides tools for analyzing and understanding data to scientists. There is also statistical population that helps scientists describe statistical populations. It also allows them to develop hypotheses about the population.
Write a paragraph that uses examples to how scientists we statistics.
A distribution is the arrangement of the members of a population in relation to a characteristic. A population is a group of similar things that is being studied.
distribution and population
experiment
the third step in the experimental group and is a procedure designed to test a hypothesis under controlled characteristics.
