Ch 1: Scientific Research & Analysis for Earth and Space Science
About This Chapter
Scientific Research and Analysis for Earth and Space Science
Lessons in this chapter begin with the methods involved in experimental design. You'll learn how to read scientific graphs and be introduced to science vocabulary and scientific concepts. This chapter provides you with examples of the scientific method and instructs you on the roles of communication used in the development of scientific ideas. Once you've watched all the video lessons in this chapter, you should be able understand questions in these areas:
- Explaining experimental design and the steps in the scientific method
- Utilizing scientific vocabulary
- Designing a scientific experiment
- Describing earth science
- Interpreting tables, graphs and charts
- Evaluating data in terms of accuracy, precision, systematic error and random error
- Explaining qualitative and quantitative data
- Discussing collaboration, peer review and scientific debate
Our online lessons about scientific research and analysis in the field of earth and space science come in the form of video presentations by experienced and knowledgeable instructors. After you watch the video lessons, you can gauge your understanding of the subject matter with the self-assessment quiz that accompanies each lesson. If you want to refer back to a major point in one of the lessons, you can use the video tags that are provided in each lesson.

1. What is Earth Science?
Earth science is a field that includes geology, astronomy, meteorology, and oceanography. Scientists do research in these fields to discover past and future events. Learn about the dynamic field of earth science and how it affects our lives in this lesson.

2. Experimental Design in Science: Definition & Method
What are the requirements of a scientific experiment? How do scientists turn hypotheses into theories and laws? Learn the answers to these questions and more in this lesson on the design of scientific experiments.

3. Science Vocabulary & Concepts: Study Skills & Word Parts
Learning science presents a unique set of challenges for students. In this lesson, learn the tricks of the trade as we discuss scientific vocabulary and other science study skills.

4. The Scientific Method: Steps, Terms & Examples
The scientific method is more than just hypotheses and experiments. In this lesson, we'll explore the themes and variations that make up the world of science.

5. Design a Scientific Experiment: Example of Avery and Griffith's Experiments
What are the requirements of a scientific experiment? How do scientists design their investigations? In this lesson, we'll use the work of Avery and Griffith to explore the process of experimental design.

6. What is Qualitative Data? - Definition & Examples
Qualitative data is a completely different way to look at how to collect and analyze information. Learn about what qualitative data is, as well as some examples of qualitative data in the real world, and then test your knowledge with a quiz!

7. What is Quantitative Data? - Definition & Examples
Watch this video lesson to find out the difference between saying you have seven apples and saying that those apples are delicious. You will learn about quantitative data and why it is useful.

8. How to Read Scientific Graphs & Charts
How do scientists summarize their findings with visual aids? In this lesson, explore the different types of tables, charts and graphs that scientists use. Learn to read these effectively as a preview to your science studies.

9. Interpreting Tables of Scientific Data: Practice Problems
Complex table problems getting you down? Multi-question, situational problems don't have to be a drag on your testing performance. Learn how to apply three simple rules as we walk through two table problems together.

10. Interpreting Graphs and Charts of Scientific Data: Practice Problems
Do charts and graphs make problem-solving difficult? Complex problems with visual representations can drain your brain during a test. In this lesson, learn three simple rules for solving problems with charts and graphs. We'll try them out as we walk through two sample problems.

11. Accuracy, Precision & Types of Errors in Data Evaluation
The data you present as a scientist needs to be as accurate, precise and error-free as possible. In this lesson, we'll discuss what each of these terms means, as well as how error is introduced into measurements and other data collection.

12. Significant Figures and Scientific Notation
Are 7.5 grams and 7.50 grams the same? How do scientists represent very large and very small quantities? Find out the answers to these questions in this video.

13. What is Peer Review in Science? - Definition, Process & Examples
Interested in learning how scientific literature is fact-checked and accepted? In this lesson, you'll learn about the peer review process that happens in science. Examples of the peer review process are included to further your understanding of the lesson.
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Other Chapters
Other chapters within the FTCE Earth & Space Science 6-12 (008): Test Practice & Study Guide course
- Scientific Models & Tools for Earth and Space Science
- Earth Science Research & Society
- Science Laboratory Safety
- Understanding Earth's Spheres & Internal Structure
- Rocks & Minerals
- The Lithosphere
- Processes of Earth's Surface
- Geological Time
- Overview of Energy Resources
- Effects of Humans on the Environment
- Ocean & Coastal Processes
- The Atmosphere
- Weather and Storms
- Climate Phenomena
- Astronomical Objects & Processes
- Space Exploration
- FTCE Earth & Space Science 6-12 Flashcards