Scientific Method Lab Report

Scientific MethodSCIENTIFIC METHOD
into what the hypothesis may imply and
see how we can formulate tests to prove
the hypothesis to be either true or false.
1. Introduce the scientific method
Third, we do a set of experiments to prove
the hypothesis true or false. Fourth, we
2. Explain the importance of
evaluate the results to see what the results
experimentation
imply. Fifth, we look at the hypothesis, in
3. Illustrate how experiments are conducted light of the results, and seek to improve our
original hypothesis now that we have more
information available. In this way science
4. Set the pattern of investigation used in
progresses toward a fuller understanding of
this lab
nature.
As you can see, the experiments are
Materials and Equipment
necessary to validate ideas and hypotheses.
There are many different possibilities in this
Balloons
world that do not actually exist. Simple
Binder clip
examples include pink elephants and pigs
Marker, permanent
that fly. Such animals could exist, but
actually they do not. The same is true in all
Materials Not Included
areas of science, including chemistry. Some
things could exist, and we can see whether
Paper, cut into strips 100 cm x 2 cm
or not they do by doing tests.
Tape measure
The world we live in is highly complex
Introduction
which makes it more difficult for the young
scientist to formulate hypotheses for testing.
The classic model of scientific
Therefore, we (the authors) have carefully
investigation involves a cycle of learning,
prepared experiments that work and which
which is shown in Figure 1.
illustrate key concepts. This means that
First, we formulate an idea called a
the first two steps of the scientific method
hypothesis, which is a tentative answer
are performed by the authors. By working
to a question
this way, we
developed
Figure 1 give a more
Hypothesis
after making
productive
an observation.
time to the
Modified
We usually have
student and
Hypothesis
a reason to do
allow them
Evaluation of
Proposed
this, or some
experimental
Consequences
to progress
background
results
of Hypothesis
rapidly in
information that
the learning
leads us to make
process.
Experiment to
the hypothesis.
However,
verify hypothesis
Second, we look
this means
Goals
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Apex Learning: Biology Labs
that you (the student) need to follow the
directions precisely and not cut corners.
If you do so, you may be changing the
actual hypothesis, and thus changing the
results. As you progress, you will see the
importance of the methods used here.
Procedure
7. Solve for the balloon volume using the
equation below where:
volume = v
circumference = c
v =
Record your answers in Table 1.
Scientific method question: What is the
volume of air that my lungs hold?
1. Prepare the 100 cm x 2 cm strips of
paper for later use.
8. Find the average of the volumes and
record it in the Table.
9. Plot the volume as a function of trial
number in the graph area provided.
2. Take one of the balloons and inflate it
several times so you are sure you can
inflate the balloon with only one breath.
3. Take a deep breath and inflate the
balloon. Use the binder clip to hold the
neck so no air escapes.
4. Make a measurement of the
circumference of the balloon as follows:
While holding the neck, wrap the paper
strip around the balloon at its widest
part and mark where the strip overlaps.
Figure 2
5. Let the air out of the balloon. Measure
the length of the strip, up to where
you made a mark in Step 4. This
measurement is the circumference.
Record it in Table 1.
6. Repeat the process outlined in
Procedures 3-5 two more times.
2
c3
6π2
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Scientific Method
LAB
Questions for Scientific Method
Table 1
Circumference
Volume
Trial #1
Trial #2
Trial #3
Average
Volume, cubic cm
Volume vs. Trial Number
0
1
2
3
4
5
Trial Number
1. Look at the volume values. Are the volume values larger or smaller than you expected?
Explain your answer.
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Apex Learning: Biology Labs
2. Are the volume values similar to each other, or are they quite different? Explain why you
see what you see. If they are similar, explain why. If they are different, also explain why.
3. Does the volume increase with trial number, decrease with trial number, or stay about
the same? Explain why you think the results are the way there are. There are many
possible reasons for the data trend you see. Give some that you think are reasonable.
4. This method of measuring the volume of your lungs is probably not completely
accurate. What changes would you make if you did this type of experiment to make it
more accurate?
5. How would you modify the hypothesis and repeat the experiment for improved or more
complete results?
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