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Have you ever wondered why one cleaning product
will completely remove ink from your jeans or why pizza makes you so
thirsty? We all question everyday happenings. Scientists ask themselves
similar questions. They then design and conduct experiments and
investigations to find answers. For the next few days, you will work as a
scientist. You will design and perform an experiment. You will analyze the
results of your experiment to answer a question. In real laboratory
settings, several trials are necessary to insure accuracy. For this task,
only one trial will be required. Your experiment will be conducted in four
phases. Each phase will most likely require one day's work. If more than
one day is required for one of the phases, speak with your teacher to
negotiate a solution. The contents of each phase follows.
Phase 1: Think about a question or problem that you would like to
investigate. State the problem that you are going to investigate. Formulate
and state a measurable hypothesis using the "if..., then" format.
Plan an experiment. You may use any of the equipment present in the
laboratory. Write the procedure that you will follow, step by step, in
enough detail so that another person could duplicate your experiment by
using your plan. Develop experimental procedures that will provide adequate
data points (usually 15 data points are considered adequate). Identify any
variables and/or controls. Submit a request for materials to the teacher.
Give your plan to the teacher for approval. Be complete, precise and neat!
Phase 2: After receiving approval of your plan from your teacher, design a
data table to be used to organize the data you will collect in your
experiment. Conduct the experiment, gathering the data according to your
plan. Enter the data in your data table. Evaluate the accuracy of your
data.
Phase 3: Make a graphic display of your data. If available, use a graphics
software program. If three or more data points are inconsistent with the
pattern, the data are inconclusive. You should review all aspects of your
investigation for accuracy. Make necessary corrections before analyzing
your graphic display for conclusions. Redo your experiment if necessary.
When you are satisfied with your graphic display, perform an analysis in
preparation to confirm or refute your hypothesis. Complete a laboratory
write up and write an analysis of your data.
Phase 4: Determine whether results support or refute your hypothesis.
Identify any possible sources of error. Accept or reject your hypothesis.
Write a conclusion supported by results of your investigation. Note to the
teacher: For phase 3, have the students use whatever write-up you require
in your science program. You may want to list components that must be
included. You might also require that the lab report be word processed.
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