Notes

=__**Notes 1 8/22/2008**__=

B. Setting up an experiment

 * 1) ===== Divide you subjects (plants, people, ect) into two groups    =====
 * 2) ===== Make sure the groups are identical in all respects except for the one variable you are interested in testing. This one variable is called the __independent variable__. =====
 * 3) ===== Measure how your subjects respond to the experiment. The response variable called the __dependent variable.__ =====
 * 4) ===== If, at the end of the experiment, you see a difference in the dependent variable between the two groups, it must have been caused by the independent variable. =====

III. Data Analysis and concluding

 * 1) ===== During an experiment, data should be organized into a table. =====

B. Next, data should be graphed.
=Notes 2= =Characteristics of LIFE!!!!!= __Key Questions__
 * 1) 1. What is biology and what are the branches of biology?
 * 2) What are some characteristics of living things?
 * 3) How can life be studied at different levels?

I. Biology is the study of life.

A. A biologist is someone who uses the scientific method to study living things.

B. Biology has many branches because living things are complex and varied and therefore can be studied at many levels.

C. Match the branches

II. Characteristics of Living Things

a. made of cells

b. reproduce

c. are based on a genetic code (DNA)

d. grow and develop

e. require an energy source (metabolism)

f. respond to their environment

g. maintain an internal balance

Levels of study

I. Atomic II. Molecular III. Cellular IV. Tissue, Organ, Organ system V. Organism VI. Population VII. Community VIII. Ecosystem IX. Biosphere

=Notes 3 Molecules of LIFE!!!!!=

__Key Questions__
 * 1) What is the structure of an atom?
 * 2) What elements and molecules make up living things?
 * 3) What are the unique properties of water?

I. All matter is made of __atoms__ II. All atoms are made of three subatomic particles.


 * Particle || Mass || Charge || Location ||

III. __Elements__ are atoms with different __atomic numbers__ || ||

__Element Atomic #__ Hydrogen Sodium Carbon

IV. Atoms bond together to form __molecules__ or __compounds__.

V. There are 4 types of bonds that can form between atoms VI. Living things are made of two main types of molecules. A. Water B. __Organic__ molecules VI. The unique properties of water are
 * Covalent
 * Ionic
 * Van der Waals
 * Hydrogen