A Student-Directed Inquiry Weathering Chalk Inquiry Lab A Student-Directed Inquiry

Essential Question What variables affect the rate of chemical weathering? Surface Area Heat/Temperature Acidity

Step 1—Develop your Question Develop a research question: these will vary, depending on your variable being tested. How does (manipulated variable) affect (responding variable) ?

Step 2—Hypothesis Develop your hypothesis—what do you think is going to happen? Be sure to include an “If… then…” statement.

Step 3—Identify Variables One Manipulated Variable (What are you changing?) Responding/Dependent Variable (What are you measuring?) Controlled Variables (What are you keeping the same every time?) Number of Trials/Replicates How many times would you like to perform the experiment?

Step 4—Materials Decide on the materials you will use and circle these on your paper Chalk Water Graduated cylinders Beakers (Size: _________) Vinegar Safety goggles Mortar and pestal Hot plate Stop watch Other: _______________________

Step 5—Diagram Diagram your lab set up Be sure to label the parts Remember…making clear, labeled diagrams helps everyone visualize your experiment

Step 6—Procedures Write out the steps for doing your lab Do not include “gather materials”…this is assumed Be specific, and precise…particularly with measurements Refer back to your statement of variables to be sure everything is included

Then What? Get your lab design checked off by me This is required BEFORE performing the lab (tomorrow) If it is not complete or thorough, you will be asked to go back and make changes You must be able to complete the data collection tomorrow

Collecting Data Be prepared to have a place to collect your data in an organized way Make a chart to record your rates/times for your trial Record your qualitative observations, too---what you notice along the way

Setting Up Your Experiment Collect materials from the cart Go to your lab station Be Safe …use goggles and beaker tongs when appropriate; be careful of hot plates When you are done, clean up and return materials to the cart

Analyzing your Data How does your data match up to your hypothesis? What trends do you see?

Write a Conclusion ANSWER your investigative question and restate what you thought would happen (hypothesis) Use your data to support your findings. Cite at least 2 pieces of data Use good explanatory language