Lab Topic 1: The Process of Science
Introduction
1. Which of the following questions would you consider appropriate scientific questions that can be tested using the scientific method? For the statements that can be tested using the scientific method, explain how your experiment would be set up. Explain the different steps in the scientific method as they relate to this statement.
a. Does the pH of the soil affect the color of hydrangea flowers?
b. What properties of the soil influence the color of hydrangea flowers?
c. Do hydrangeas look more beautiful when grown in the right soil?
d. Was The Day After Tomorrow a better movie than Terminator?
e. Does grass require fertilizer in order to grow?
2. Read this hypothesis and answer the questions below:
Plants kept closer to windows grow larger than plants kept several feet away from windows.
a. Indicate the dependent variable:
b. Indicate the independent variable:
c. List 3 other variables that must be kept constant in this experiment (the control variables).
d. Write a prediction based on the above hypothesis.
Exercise 1.1
Take a Deep Breath
Students will need to take a picture of themselves or their group walking up and down on the step or doing other exercise. Include a note with your name and date on an index card in the picture. Insert picture here:
1. Identify the following in the experimental design. You will need to refer to the protocol to answer this question.
a. Independent variable:
b. Dependent variable:
c. Experimental dataset:
d. Control dataset:
e. Hypothesis:
2. Fill in the data for each individual in your group for the Breath experiment.
3. Look at the averages for all individuals in your group. Was the hypothesis you stated in the previous question supported by the âaverage dataâ? Explain your answer!!!
4. Now look at the data for each individual separately. Was there data for anyone in your group that did not support the hypothesis? If yes, explain whythis could be.
5. How many replicates did your group have?________________ Why is it good to have more than one replicate?
In this exercise, you will be graphing the data that you collected in exercise 1.1.
1. In exercise 1.1, you identified the independent and dependent variables. Which one goes on the X axis of the graph and which goes on the Y axis?
2. Will you make a line or a bar graph of your data? Explain why you chose this type of graph.
3. You will need to use excel to generate a graph of your data. On this graph, you will need to label the title, independent variable, dependent variable and possibly the legend. You will need to select an appropriate scale so the data is spread out on the graph.
*Consult with your instructor to see how he/she would like for you to submit your graph. You might work on it in class and submit it through D2L or you might submit it at a different time. If you are taking the online version of the class, you will need to use Excel or word to make the graph.
You will need to get the data under exercise 1.3 in the protocol sheet to complete these sections.
1. What is the dependent variable?
2. What is the independent variable?
3. Which, if any, of these individuals has diabetes? ___A or B ___?
4. What data do you have to support your hypothesis?
5. Construct a graph showing the time after eating each group had the greatest blood glucose levels.
