Lab1-Introduction_Questions

Name: Simone Lattimore TA: Morgan Kerpics GEOL 1122 Lab 1- Introduction Learning Objectives ● Review lab structure and syllabus ● Examine statements to identify objectives, hypotheses, and theories ● Review simple algebra Before starting on these questions, please introduce yourself on the discussion board, welcoming your classmates, and watch the two videos linked in iCollege. This first lab will introduce the scientific process and terms we frequently use in science that may be confusing, and review simple algebra. As you go, answer the questions below and answer question 2 in the PowerPoint file. For most of the rest of the semester, you will be filling out Word documents and manipulating PowerPoint files to answer questions. Make sure you save your work on your own computer, the upload the completed assignments (Word and PowerPoint) to the correct assignment folder. Remember, throughout the semester, you are encouraged to study and work with your classmates. However, all assignments will be run through TurnItIn and students who are copying from classmates will face repercussions, as outline in the Academic Honesty section of the syllabus. We may ask you to Google the answer to the question or look up information online- once again, you should not directly copy anything from a website, but should instead put the answer into your own words (and include a link to the website you used). 1) Explain the term “science” in your own words. (2 pts) Science is a systematic way of learning about the world. The concept of science involves asking questions, creating a hypothesis, testing out the hypothesis through experimentation, and using evidence to acknowledge how things work. Through this process, we gather data that are useful to solving how science works in our world. 2) Complete PowerPoint matching activity. 3) Make your own observations about something around you. It could be something in your house that is happening, something you see outside your window, something you remember seeing on campus last semester. For each observation, write a hypothesis about WHY the thing you observed happened. Finally, write and explanation of how you would test your hypothesis. Please do this for three observations. (9 pts) Observation Hypothesis (why the thing you observed happened) How would you test the hypothesis flickering lightbulb The lightbulb is flickering due to First, I checked the socket and wiring for any loose connections. If none are

the cord plugged into the outlet loosely found, then I would gently compress the plug into the socket tightly to see if the flickering changes. If it does, this could indicate a loose wire inside the bulb. I could also replace the bulb with a new one to see if the flickering stops. If the new bulb continues to flicker or if the outlet sparks at any point, then the plug is clearly at fault, proving my hypothesis. Raindrops are sliding down my window in irregular patterns The raindrops are sliding down the window due to the force of gravity and the angle of my window First, I could control the angled surface of my window and the presence of raindrops. I can use a similar material to my window and adjust its angle to stimulate different orientations. Then, I can replicate the raindrops by dropping tiny water droplets onto the surface. At this point, I would be able to observe how the droplets behave on different angles of the surface. If the raindrops consistently slide down in the same direction as the angle, it would support my hypothesis. The campus library is significantly more crowded during the afternoon than during the morning or night. The library is more crowded during the afternoon due to the majority of students having a break in between in classes around that time, leading to increased demand. To conduct this hypothesis, I could gather data on student’s class schedules and the library’s population over the past several days. Then, I can record the number of students passing through the library during different time slots. In addition to that, I could survey students to understand their class schedules and why they choose specific times to visit the library. If a clear pattern emerges where more students are available during the afternoon than at any other time, then it would support the hypothesis that class schedules influence folks to study in the library during the afternoon. 4) What is an example of something you have heard at some point in your life that is a hypothesis but was presented to you as a theory? (2 pts) One example that comes to mind is the hypothesis that certain vaccines may cause autism. This idea became a theory by some folks, but I remember this gained widespread attention in media for a long period of time when I was a child. However, it's important to clarify that this hypothesis has been extensively studied. There have been multiple instances debunking this theory since there are numerous studies finding no credible evidence linking vaccines to the development of autism.

9) Now, here is the weather from April 29, 2020. What do you observe was different from this day than May 11 th ? What is a hypothesis that would explain these observations? How would you test that hypothesis? (6 pts) . April had a higher chance of precipitation than in May. temp starts at 64 unlike May 11th Hypothesis: explains the difference between the weather on April 29, 2020, and May 11th is that there is a lower chance of precipitation in May due to the lower humidity and higher temperature in May. I can test the hypothesis by collecting, analyzing, and comparing data on precipitation, temperature, and humidity for both months. To test this hypothesis, these are the steps I would follow: First, collect the necessary data on precipitation, temperature, and humidity for April and May. Next, analyze the data collected to compare the precipitation, temperature, and humidity of April and May. If the data shows that May has a lower humidity than April and that the temperature is higher, then this provides reasoning as to why May has a lower chance of precipitation than April. Therefore, this concludes my hypothesis explaining the difference between the weather on April 29, 2020, and May 11th that there 's a lower chance of precipitation in May due to the low humidity and high temperatures. 10) Use Google to investigate one scientific theory that interests you. It doesn’t have to be related to geology, but it can be! You should write a paragraph (about half a page, double spaced) about the theory in your own words. Make sure to include: (1) a description of the theory, (2) at least one scientist who was part of the discovery of the theory, (3) the

time period this theory was developed, and (4) two hypotheses of your own that would test this theory. Including links to all resources you used at the bottom of your paragraph. Paragraphs that have not been proof-read or contain many grammatical mistakes will lose points. (10 pts) (If you are struggling to come up with a theory, reach out to your TA and they can give you suggestions) One fascinating scientific theory that captivates my interest is the Theory of Evolution by Natural Selection. Developed by Charles Darwin, this theory provides a comprehensive explanation for the diversity of life on Earth. The Theory of Evolution posits that species evolve over time through a process of natural selection, where traits beneficial for survival and reproduction are passed on to successive generations, leading to the gradual adaptation and diversification of organisms. Charles Darwin, along with Alfred Russel Wallace, is credited with the co-discovery of the Theory of Evolution. Darwin's seminal work, "On the Origin of Species," published in 1859, presented the compelling evidence and arguments for the theory. The concept revolutionized biology by proposing a mechanism for the origin and development of species that didn't rely on divine intervention. The development of the Theory of Evolution occurred during the 19th century, a period marked by significant advancements in science and the exploration of the natural world. Darwin's voyage on HMS Beagle and subsequent observations of diverse ecosystems played a crucial role in shaping his revolutionary ideas.