Tools of Environmental Science

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Tools of Environmental Science
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2-1Scientific Methods

• Objectives
• 1. List and describe the steps of the
  experimental method.
• 2. Describe why a good hypothesis is not simply
  a guess.
• 3. Describe the two essential parts of a good
  experiment.
• 4. Describe how scientists study subjects in
  which experiments are not possible.
• 5. Explain the importance of curiosity and
  imagination in science.

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Scientists make most discoveries using the
scientific method.
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Steps in the experimental method

• 1. Observations

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• Hypothesis and prediction
• Hypothesis a testable explanation for an
  observation
• Prediction a logical
• statement about an
• hypothesis explains
• what will happen in a
• specific situation

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• Experiment procedure designed to test a
  hypothesis

• Two groups
• Experimental test group
• Control conditions are kept the same for
  comparison to experimental group

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• variables cause changes you observe
• Types of variables
• Independent variable- what is being manipulated
• Dependent variable- results from change in the
  independent variable what you measure

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• Collect and analyze data
• -using tables and graphs

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• 5. Conclusion
• analyze data, hypothesis correct?, sources of
  error, etc.
• Revise as necessary

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• Repeat it!
• makes it more reliable

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• 7. Communicate
• Publish

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• Correlation Method
• - Used when questions cant be studied
  experimentally or ethically
• Uses associations between events to answer
  questions
• i.e. tree rings and droughts

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How to practice good science

• Be curious
• Be skeptical
• Be open minded
• Be honest about results good or bad
• Use your imagination
• Be creative

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2-2 Statistics and Models

• Objectives
• 1. Explain how scientists use statistics.
• 2. Explain why the size of a statistical sample
  is important.
• 3. Describe three types of models commonly used
  by scientists.
• 4. Explain the relationship between probability
  and risk.
• 5. Explain the importance of conceptual and
  mathematical models.

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• How scientists use Statistics
• Collections of data that are in the form of
  numbers Used to summarize, characterize,
  analyze, and compare data
• Used to look at statistical populations

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• Mean - of individuals/total average
• Distribution relative arrangement of numbers
• i.e. bell shaped curve

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• Probability the chance something will happen
• Sample - Group of individuals/events selected to
  represent the populations
• - shouldnt be too small

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• How do we use statistics??
• Understanding the news
• Weather predictions
• Floods, hurricanes
• Earthquakes
• Sporting events
• Graduations rates

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• Thinking about risk
• Risk probability of unwanted outcome

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• Models
• Represent objects or systems
• Types
• Physical
• Graphical (maps, charts)
• Conceptual (graphical representation of how
  system works flow charts)
• Mathematical- equations

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2-3 Making Informed Decisions

• Objectives
• 1. Describe three values that people consider
  when making decisions about the environment.
• 2. Describe the four steps in a simple
  environmental decision-making model.
• 3. Compare the short-term and long-term
  consequences of two decisions regarding a
  hypothetical environmental issue.

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• Decision Making Model
• Research
• Consider values (principals we consider to be
  important)
• Consider consequences
• Make your decision!