Highlight: Scientists use many methods in their research, such as descriptive investigation, simple mathematical and engineering modeling and design, and controlled experiments. Students should learn a variety of methods to solve problems and make sense of the world.

(6.2, 7.2, 8.2) Scientific processes. The student uses scientific inquiry methods during field and laboratory investigations. The student is expected to (A)plan and implement investigative procedures including asking questions, formulating testable hypotheses, and selecting and using equipment and technology; (B) collect data by observing and measuring; (C) organize, analyze, evaluate, make inferences, and predict trends from direct and indirect evidence (7.2, 8.2); (D) communicate valid conclusions; and (E) construct graphs, tables, maps, and charts using tools [including computers] to organize, examine, and evaluate data.

Experimental Design using Scientific Method : When scientists begin an experiment they use the steps of the Scientific Method. You will be asked to understand many of these steps on the TAKS Test.

Problem: Will the amount of water given effect plant growth? The Problem (in the form of a question) that the scientists will try to answer, must be logical and based on data or observations.

A prediction called a Hypothesis is next. It must be a testable statement that you could gather data to prove. (You can’t measure which is the “prettiest”, “strongest”, or “best”.) Hypothesis: Less than 500ml per week will slow growth of ivy plants.

You must control an experiment. You can test only one variable at a time. (How does the amount of water effect plant growth? Keep the light, containers, soil and plants the same.) Controls: Light, type of plant, amount of soil, pot, temperature.

A Control Group is the set-up that isn’t changed. (One plant gets the normal amount of water!). Which group above is the control group? 500ml 400ml 300ml

The independent variable is the thing you change (amount of water). The dependent variable is the result of the change you made(height of plant in cm.). Independent variable: Amount of water given in mm. Dependent variable: Plant growth in cm.

When reporting the results, the Independent Variable is graphed on the X-axis. The Dependent variable is on the Y-axis. DRY MIX = Dependent Responding Variable on Y-axis Manipulated Independent Variable on X-axis Amount of Water Growth in mm

The Conclusion must be supported by the data and results you gather. To be valid, each experiment needs a large sample size (grow 2000 plants in each experiment) and must be repeated many times in order to prove the Hypothesis (grow 2000 plants 100 times). If you are collecting samples, in an experiment, do it randomly. Don’t take them all from one place. Yes!No!

Check for understanding Check for understanding by answering the following questions. Remember that you are using the scientific method in investigations.

Which of these is a hypothesis that can be tested through experimentation? F Bacterial growth increases as temperature increases. G A fish’s ability to taste food is affected by The pH of aquarium water. H Tadpoles’ fear of large insects increases as the tadpoles age. J The number of times a dog wags its tail indicates how happy the dog is.

The correct answer is A. Bacterial growth can be measured. Dog happiness, fish fear, and tadpole taste cannot be measured scientifically.

The table shows times required for water to evaporate from identical containers. Which of these is the best question to ask before developing a reasonable hypothesis to explain the data? A Does a lower temperature slow the rate of evaporation? B What is the boiling point of the water after both samples are heated? C Why does water exist as a solid at -15°C and as a liquid at 25°C? D How does the rate of evaporation change when a different container is used?

The correct answer is A. The table shows data taken to investigate temperature and the evaporation of water.