WPCC BIO 111 Lab 1

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Western Piedmont Community College *

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111

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Biology

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Feb 20, 2024

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WPCC BIO 111 Lab 1 Read carefully! Part 1: What is science? Exploring science and scientists How do we find out about the world around us? As a society, we use many methods to find out about the world around us. Art, literature, religion, storytelling, and folklore are just a few of the many ways that we make sense of our surroundings. Many consider Aristotle, in the 4 th century BCE, to be the first scientist. He studied the anatomy of animals and tried to make sense of the function of their parts. He pioneered the techniques of logic, observation, inquiry, and demonstration as essential functions of science. However, there are earlier well- documented roots of science from ancient Egypt and Mesopotamia from 3500 – 3000 BCE. Modern science is often broadly divided into three branches. There are the natural sciences, which include chemistry, biology, and physics; the social sciences, which include sociology, psychology, and economics; and the formal sciences, which include mathematics, logic, and computational sciences. A scientific revolution began in the 16 th century, and continued into the 19 th century, when many of the ideas and forms of science and scientific inquiry began to come together. Scientific inquiry is about asking questions that can be tested (which is why we inquire!), and often uses the scientific method. The Scientific Method Science is a systematic study of the natural world, based upon questions, observations and previous studies. Scientists around the world use two approaches, discovery- based science, which consists of explorations and observations, and hypothesis testing, which tests the validity of a hypothesis . A hypothesis is a suggested solution, a proposed explanation made on the basis of evidence as a starting point for further investigation. Therefore, a hypothesis must be 1) measurable and 2) based on prior information or observation, and it should be thorough. The quality of the hypothesis itself is often determined by an understanding or previous relevant information. It is not a prediction, and would not be proven or disproven, instead, a hypothesis can either be supported or refuted by the results of an experiment. The term "scientific method" is often used to describe how hypothesis testing is done. It is a not a strict set of rules but rather a flexible system with several important properties. Notice that science builds on previous science. The collection of information by continued observation or experimentation that either supports or refutes the hypothesis generates data. A conclusion is reached about whether the hypothesis was confirmed

or rejected based on the simplest interpretation of the data, using statistical methods. Therefore, mathematics and science work hand-in-hand. Consistent conclusions based on many, many studies, both discovery-based and tested by hypotheses, about a particular topic in a field of research can result in the formulation of a scientific theory. A scientific theory is a very well-supported and well- substantiated explanation of an aspect of the natural world. Examples of scientific theories include Cell Theory, Atomic Theory, the Theory of Relativity, and Evolutionary Theory. A scientific law is an observation of the phenomenon that the theory explains. Examples of scientific laws are Newton’s Law of Gravity and Mendel’s Law of Independent Assortment of Traits, which describe observations. Hypothesis testing: 1. Question: What are we asking and trying to answer? Identify the problem; this is often based on an initial observation. 2. Formation of a hypothesis : Statement of what you think the results of your experiment will be. This should be an explanation about the question or problem that can be formally tested…remember, it should be 1) measurable, and 2) based on prior research, information, or observation. 3. Experiment : A carefully planned procedure that tests a hypothesis by the process of collecting information under controlled conditions. The experiment should include replications of the tests performed so that the results are statistically significant. In an experiment, any condition that can change (such as temperature, humidity, pH, nutrient availability, amount of daylight or darkness) is called a variable , and all variables must be controlled, or kept the same, except for the condition that you are testing (called the test variable ). Experiments should also include a control group. A control group keeps ALL conditions, or variables, the same, to see if the test variable makes a difference in or changes the measurable outcome of the experiment. The control group is the standard against which the experimental group is compared. For example, in a drug or vaccine trial, a group of subjects will be given a placebo , or an injection or pill that does not contain the drug or vaccine, to make sure that the effect of the drug is not due to the action of taking the drug or injecting the vaccine. In many cases, with chemistry experiments, the control group will have distilled water instead of the test variable, because it is assumed that this will not react, or have an effect. Sometimes you will also have a positive control, a substance that you know is supposed to react . This tests to make sure that the other reactants used are functioning properly.

Sometimes a null hypothesis is formed. A null hypothesis is a hypothesis that states that there will be NO DIFFERENCE between the test group and the control group . Why do this? You cannot “prove” a hypothesis statistically, you can only reject it or support it, but if you reject a null hypothesis, it does support that a change has occurred if, in fact, it has! Therefore, a null hypothesis allows the researcher to determine statistically that there is a difference between control and test groups. Make sure that you can identify control and experimental groups. 4. Results/Collection of all data and analysis of data : From the experiment, data from the outcome, the dependent variable, or what is measured as a result of the experiment , is collected in a table. The independent variable is often the test variable. It is independent of the condition you are changing , however. The results from the table are often displayed in a graph that clearly depicts the results of the experiment. The independent variable is always on the x-axis of the graph, while the dependent variable is always on the y-axis of the graph. Statistical analyses are conducted on the data to see if the test group(s) and control group(s) are statistically different. 5. Conclusions : Compare the results of the experiment, including the statistical analyses, with the hypothesis, and state if the hypothesis is supported by the experiment’s data or refuted by the data. Use this information to formulate a conclusion about the results, tying this conclusion in to the bigger scientific picture. This often leads to more questions and more avenues of study. Videos on the nature of science… Watch the following videos…you will use these youtube channels a great deal to understand many of the concepts in this course! The Amoeba Sisters: The Nature of Science video – pay close attention to her explanation of independent and dependent variables! Bozeman Science: The Nature of Science video – Paul Anderson has very clear explanations of most of the topics in this course. After the experiment is complete…what next? The experiment may be repeated to see if the same results are obtained. Then the entire experiment is written up as a scientific paper and sent to a scientific journal to see if the journal will publish it, and scientists also go to meetings and present their experiments and the results of their experiments. When the scientific paper gets to the scientific journal, it is reviewed by a team of scientists in that field. These scientists give feedback to the researcher, and the experiment may be repeated or the conclusions may be modified. This is called peer review. Scientific journals

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always have peer review of the papers submitted, which is why they are known as peer-reviewed journals! Peer-reviewed journals are known as primary literature , because they are the source of the original experiments. Secondary literature would be newspapers or magazines that report about and interpret experiments published in the peer-reviewed journal. These always give links or references to the primary literature source. Video on peer review and scientific literature… Watch the following video, How Can You Tell if a Scientific Article is Primary Literature , to understand what primary literature is. Questions Question 1. Matching Match the description or definition below with the correct scientific term a. III - Scientific observations or explorations b. VI - Experiments exploring the validity of a hypothesis. c. II - A statement proposing a suggested solution or outcome for an experiment that is measurable and is based on prior information or observations. d. A well-substantiated explanation of the natural world - I e. A well-substantiated observation of a natural phenomenon - V f. A statement that proposes a suggested solution or outcome for an experiment, states that there will be no difference between the control and test variables, and is measurable and is based on prior information or observations – IV I. Scientific law II. Hypothesis III. Discovery-based science IV. Null hypothesis V. Scientific theory VI. Hypothesis testing

Question 1. What questions do you have that can be answered by science? Think of a question that you can possibly answer by conducting an experiment and measuring results. Write your question. How many participants would take quit smoking if offered a monetary reward. Question 2. What would be a good hypothesis for the experiment generated by the question? Remember, a hypothesis must be 1) based on observations and prior information (so you would want to research what has been studied about your question), and 2) measurable. Write your hypothesis. Participants' attitudes towards smoking cessation were assessed using the questions If you quit smoking within the next 3 months, this would be…for smokers and if you stay abstinent from smoking for the next 3 months, this would be for participants who had quit smoking. Participants may rate this as sensible, foolish, pleasant, or unpleasant on three 5-point measures. Question 3: Matching Match the description or definition below with the correct scientific term. a. VII___Any condition in an experiment that could change and affect the results b. IV___ A grouping in an experiment that has all conditions the same, to use as a comparison c. I___The outcome that is measured in an experiment d. II___ Feedback from other scientists on a paper written describing an experiment and its outcome e. VI___ Journals that publish original scientific research f. III___ Magazines or newspapers that report on the results of original scientific research, with references g. V___ The variable in an experiment that is often the test variable or a condition that is unchanged by anything done in the experiment (such as time) Scientific Terms and Possible Answers: I. Dependent variable II. Peer review III. Secondary literature

IV. Control V. Independent variable VI. Primary literature VII. Variable Question 4. Which of the following hypotheses is a null hypothesis? a) Songbirds sing more when the weather is warm. b) The number of bird songs heard per hour during daylight temperatures above 80oF (27oC) is not significantly different from the number heard per hour at temperatures below 80oF (27oC). c) Songbirds like warm weather better than cold weather. d) Cold weather affects song birds more than hot weather. Why? _____________________________________________________________ Question 5. What are some of the ways that we find out about the world around us that are NOT a part of science (there may be more than one answer)? a) Art b) Observation c) Religion d) Mathematics e) Testing Question 6. Which of the following hypotheses is more useful for further investigation, and why? a) Songbirds sing more when the weather is warm. This is the simplest and most testable. b) The number of bird songs heard per hour during daylight temperatures above 80 degrees F is not significantly different from the number heard per hour at temperatures below 80 degrees F. This hypothesis is more measurable and specific. c) Songbirds are happier when the sun is shining. This is of more interest to the majority of people. d) The number of songs a bird sings is no difference in warm weather or in cold weather. This is measurable and based on a bird outside my window.

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Part 2: Scientist Role Models Introduction Scientists do a wide variety of research to answer many different types of questions. They also come from many different places and backgrounds. This activity gives you a chance to find a scientist you can relate to in some way. Maybe you’ll relate to the work they are doing, some part of their identity, or the environment where they work. The choice is yours! Why are you doing this activity? Biology is a very broad subject, so it can be hard to cover everyone’s interests in class. This activity lets you pick a scientist, and the part of biology they study, to explore on your own. What will you, as a student, get out of it? By doing this activity, you may discover a part of biology that interests you in some way. You may also be inspired by your scientist and become more aware of the natural world. What are you supposed to do? Follow the steps in the procedure below to choose a scientist and learn about their work. At the end, you will need to write two paragraphs about your scientist and upload them to the BIO 111 Lab 1 Assessment. How will you know if you did the activity successfully? To complete this activity successfully, review and revise your paragraphs using the rubric below. When used well, it can give you a sense of how well you completed the activity. It also gives you an opportunity to revise and improve your work, which are important scientific habits. Materials • “Scientist Profiles” document • Internet access for watching videos and doing research Procedure 1. Go through the “Scientist Profiles” document in this folder and on the website " I am a Scientist " (opens in a new window) and choose a scientist to explore. Watch videos of scientists whose work interests you, or read over their work. Pick someone whose work interests you and/or whom you can relate to in some way. 2. Do the following to learn more about your scientist and their work: a. If you picked a scientist from the “Scientist Profiles” document, watch the BioInteractive video listed for that scientist.

b. Find and explore your scientist’s website by searching for their name and occupation online. c. Read a piece of primary literature written by your scientist. Look over the abstract, then note the different sections of the paper. Pay close attention to the conclusions. The rubric in this assignment will be used to grade your paragraphs. Make sure that you research, write, then revise what you write so that you can score the highest possible score on this lab. Questions to Answer in Your Two Paragraphs: a) Explain what research this scientist is doing and how she or he is using the scientific method (or are they?) . Use one of their papers to find this information. Give the authors of the paper, the title of the paper, the journal it was published in, the date it was published, and the page number. b) How is this scientist's research relevant to you, your career interests, and/or society in general? Rubric for grading paragraphs: High Performance Medium Performance Low Performance Purpose and Organization There is a clear purpose to the paragraphs. The organization makes them easy to read. The paragraph’s purpose is not clear and/or the organization is weak. Neither a clear purpose nor clear organization is present. Use of Evidence and Details to Develop the Main Idea Different lines of supporting evidence, including facts and details, are included and explained. Some evidence is included. It mostly supports the main argument. Little or no supporting evidence is included, or the evidence does not relate to the main idea. Sentence Structure and Transitions Varied sentence structure and length demonstrate conscious planning. Transitions between sentences and ideas flow well. The writer shows control over simple sentence structure, but transitions do not flow well. The sentences tend to be choppy, incomplete, or rambling. Transitions between ideas are lacking. Language Wording is clear and precise. The writer is aware and respectful of the audience and the purpose for writing. Some wording is clear; other parts are muddled. The writer seems sincere but not fully engaged or involved. Language is unclear and/or confusing. The writer seems indifferent, uninvolved, or distanced from the topic and/or audience. Mechanics and Grammar The paragraphs have no errors in punctuation, capitalization, or spelling. The paragraphs have a few punctuation, capitalization, or spelling errors. The paragraphs have many punctuation, capitalization, or spelling errors.

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Questions to Answer in Your Two Paragraphs: a) Explain what research this scientist is doing and how she or he is using the scientific method (or are they?) . Use one of their papers to find this information. Give the authors of the paper, the title of the paper, the journal it was published in, the date it was published, and the page number. Raven Reddy, Ph.D., is a pharmaceutical scientist working as a research and development manager at a leading pharmaceutical company. With years of experience in the industry, Dr. Reddy has played a pivotal role in developing innovative drugs and therapies to improve patient outcomes. His expertise in drug formulation, clinical trials, and regulatory compliance makes him an invaluable asset to the company's mission of advancing healthcare through scientific advancements. My study develops more sensitive ways for monitoring cellular changes in response to environmental inputs. We created a unique method that measures the protein network with 10-second precision. This data has uncovered unanticipated systems influencing cellular decision-making, which will help develop future medicines. b) How is this scientist's research relevant to you, your career interests, and/or society in general? Raven Reddy, PhD, and his view towards how the human body works has constantly researched how our body is made up of many cells that work together to make it work. If we learn more about those cells, we can develop ways to keep them healthy. Dr. Reddy investigates how our cells work and interact and what to do when they get sick. My career has taken the direction of helping others who cannot help themselves and into the healthcare field. Utilizing how others have used technology to help those heal, then bioengineering and pharmaceutical research is where my efforts must be best used. Reference: Lemon, Z. (n.d.). Raven Reddy, PhD . UCEM. https://ucem.mit.edu/alumni/raven-reddy/ Raven Reddy, PhD | Pharmaceutical Scientist . (n.d.). I Am a Scientist. https://www.iamascientist.info/raven-reddy

WPCC BIO 111 Lab 1

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