Exploring Thermodynamics & Nutrient Cycles: Understanding Matter, Energy, and Systems, Slides of Environmental Science

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SCIENCE,MATTER,ENERGY,AN

D SYSYTEM

SCIENCE

• (^) is a systematic and organized way of exploring and understanding the natural world through observation, experimentation, and evidence-based reasoning. It encompasses various branches such as biology, chemistry, physics, and more, each focused on different aspects of the universe. Science plays a crucial role in advancing human knowledge and technology, helping us make sense of the world and make informed decisions.

ENERGY

• (^) is the capacity to do work or produce heat. It exists in various forms, including kinetic energy (associated with motion), potential energy (stored energy), thermal energy (related to temperature), and more. Energy is a fundamental concept in physics and plays a crucial role in powering our world.

SYSTEM

• (^) is a collection of matter and energy that

interacts and operates as a whole. Systems

can range from simple, like a single-celled

organism, to complex, like an ecosystem or

even the entire universe.

DEFINE A QUESTION TO

INVESTIGATE

• As scientists conduct their research, they make observations and collect data. The observations and data often lead them to ask why something is the way it is. Scientists pursue answers to these questions in order to continue with their research. Once scientists have a good question to investigate, they begin to think of ways to answer it.

• (^) Based on their research and observations, scientists will often come up with a hypothesis. A hypothesis is a possible answer to a question. It is based on: their own observations, existing theories, and information they gather from other sources. Scientists use their hypothesis to make a prediction, a testable statement that describes what they think the outcome of an investigation will be.

ANALYZE THE DATA

Scientists organize their data in tables, graphs, or diagrams. If possible, they include relevant data from other sources. They look for patterns that show connections between important variables in the hypothesis they are testing.

DRAW CONCLUSIONS

Based on whether or not their prediction came true, scientists can then decide whether the evidence clearly supports or does not support the hypothesis. If the results are not clear, they must rethink their procedure. If the results are clear, scientists write up their findings and results to share with others. The conclusions they draw usually lead to new questions to pursue.