(OAS) Oceanography as Science Module Overview Lesson

Oceanography as Science Module Overview Lesson

Introduction

This unit will focus on research and experimental design and how the scientific method contributes to ocean research and our understanding of marine science.

Essential Questions

Here are some essential questions we will seek to answer:

  • Why is it important for scientists to incorporate curiosity, honesty, openness, and skepticism in their research?
  • Why is it important to conduct research and develop an experimental design when conducting a scientific investigation?
  • How can scientists reasonably develop conclusions based on data collection?
  • What are the components of a clear and coherent laboratory report?

Key Terms

Pay attention to the following key terms as you go through the module:

  • Scientific method -  An organized method for approaching a problem and finding a solution in a logical manner.
  • Hypothesis - A tentative assumption used to test an idea
  • Theory - Scientifically accepted principal based on repeated conclusions
  • Law - A phenomena based on invariable scientific theory
  • Observation - The act of recognizing an occurrence by using one of the five senses
  • Qualitative - Measurement involving a determinate or estimated amount
  • Quantitative - Measurement of or relating to character or attributes that can not be defined in numbers
  • Inference - To guess based on recent observations
  • Experimental design - A procedure carried out under controlled conditions to test an idea
  • Variable - The part of the experiment that changes, either by the experimenter or as a result of the experiment
  • Constant - The part of the experiment that does not change but remains consistent as a basis for comparison
  • Manipulated variable - The variable is selected and controlled by the experimenter.
  • Responding variable - The variable that is observed and recorded as a reaction to the experiment
  • Independent variable - The variable that is selected and controlled by the experimenter
  • Dependent variable - The variable that is observed and recorded as a reaction to the experiment
  • Line graph - The type of graph that is used to show change over time
  • Bar graph - The type of graph that is used to show comparison

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