AP Scientific Method Objective Sheet
Name ______
AP Environmental ScienceDate ______Period ______
Chapter 3
Following are the ideas and objectives for you to master during this unit. This objective sheet will give you an idea of what will be covered, what you are responsible for understanding and what you should study for the test. Keep all objective sheets until the end of the year – you will use them to study for the semester exam and for the AP test in May.
- Explain the difference between observation and inference and how each is used in the scientific process.
- Describe two limits to the study of environmental science.
- What is the goal of the scientific process?
- What is the difference between accuracy and precision? Give two examples of each. Why is reproducibility important in science?
- Compare and contrast the terms hypothesis, theory and natural law.
- Describe the tradeoffs between experimental design systems: Lab research, animal research, epidemiological studies; case studies, field studies.
- Analyze the description of a scientific experiment to identify the key parts: independent v. dependent variables, control v. experimental groups, and controlled variables.
- Describe the steps and cycle of the scientific method that will be used in this course.
- Explain the significance and effect of the 12 characteristics of bad science. Describe the contrasting good characteristics of each.
Essential Questions to ponder:
How do we live sustainably on our planet?
What tradeoffs must be considered if our society gets serious about making the transition from a consumptive society to a sustainable society?
Intro to course
Get syllabus and objective sheet
HW – Sign signature pages; Analyze syllabus / Turn in signature pages
Notes – Scientific Methods
Activity – Observation vs. inference (Obj #1)
HW –Complete Prelab – Effects of Soil Salinization on Mung Bean Germination / Stamp Prelab
Set up Salinization Seed Lab
Notes: Types of Experimental Systems (Obj #6)
HW – Readings on Scientific Method: Section 3-1 in textbook (p 44-50); and “Scientific Practice” handout (Obj #2-5) / Seed check – data collection
Notes: review of experimental design (Obj #7)
HW – complete Experimental Design Practice Handout; prepare for quiz Obj #7
Monday Sept 1
No school – Labor Day! / Tuesday Sept 2
Quiz – Obj #7
Seed check – data collection
Notes: Bad Science
HW – Create “Rough guide to spotting Good Science” list / Wednesday Sept 3/Thursday Sept 4
Last Seed Check; Lab conclusion
How to write an APES lab report
HW – study for double quiz tomorrow – Obj #1-9; Lab notebook needed for class Friday / Friday Sept 5
Double Quiz – Obj #1-9
Set up Lab Notebook
HW – Complete Lab write up
Monday Sept 8
LAB REPORT DUE – MAJOR GRADE!!!