SCIENTIFIC INVESTIGATION AND PROCESS Open up to “Scientific Process” NOTE BLANKS 1)Read the introduction 2)Fill in the Scientific Process Skills using the reading 3)Complete the flow chart on page 2 using the reading and your background knowledge.

Use the following format for all your lab write ups! 1) Start with a problem statement: – Question based on observation that will be answered in the experiment. You write it in the form of a question “What is the effect of MV on RV?”

2) Formulate a Hypothesis: – If (manipulated variable)… then (responding variable)… because (relevant explanation). – The hypothesis answers the question in the problem statement. – The Hypothesis is a prediction that explains the relationship between the manipulated variable and the responding variable. – This prediction is based on prior knowledge, observations or research.

3) Identify the variables : Manipulated Variable (mv): The variable that is intentionally changed by the investigator. Responding Variable (rv): The variable that is measured due to the change  the outcome. Control (fixed/constant) variables: Variables that do not change (in other words: They stay the same.) between the experimental and control groups. – The controlled variables you list must be relevant to your investigation. You need to control for all variables that may reasonably affect the outcome of the investigation.

4) Identify the Groups: Experimental group- The lab set-up that has the MV. Control group- The lab set-up that does not have the MV. – The purpose of the control group is to compare it with the experimental group to determine if the mv is really causing changes in the responding variable. **Both set ups must be included in the procedure. NEW step to you!

5) Materials and Apparatus list: Bulleted list that includes all of the necessary supplies. Includes quantities and size (even if the quantity is 1). – Be as specific as possible (example: ‘50 mL beaker’ instead of ‘beaker’); – Include the volumes of tubes and cylinders, the concentrations of solutions, the model and manufacturer of any complex apparatus.

6) Procedure: Include a DIAGRAM OR PHOTOGRAPH of how you set up the experiment. Diagram includes all materials with labels and should be 1/3 to half a page in size. Numbered steps.

6) Procedure: Logical steps that allows anybody to repeat the experiment and achieve similar results. – Explains how to set-up control and experimental groups. It identifies the manipulated and responding variables. It identifies how all other variables will be kept the same. – Your procedure must CLEARLY STATE HOW YOU COLLECTED DATA. – Include what and when to record data. – Your procedure must include a few VALIDITY MEASURES (i.e. cleaning test tubes prior to use, cleaning the microscope lenses, using the same ruler…). Validity measures are things kept constant to make sure experimental measurements are valid and consistent. Indicate trials (even if we do not do them)

7) Data Collection: Record data accurately and neatly. Includes both qualitative and quantitative Data table must include DESCRIPTIVE title It must include appropriate units and headings. It must include Averages when trials are indicated. See following sample data table:

Descriptive title Manipulated Variable (+ unit of measurement): Responding Variable (+ unit of measurement): Trials Levels of MV#1#2#3 Average of Trials This table can be made using MS Word, MS Excel or by hand. Data Tables drawn by hand:  Use a ruler.  Neat and legible.  Make it big enough that I can read it!

8) Data Analysis: Process data in a meaningful way. Look for patterns and trends. Graph and/or mathematical calculations Graph: See example…..  Manipulated Variable labeled on X-axis with units of measurement.  Responding Variable labeled on Y-axis with units of measurement.  Even increments on both X and Y axis.  Ruler used whenever hand drawn for all straight lines.

TITLE Describes what you are studying Y-AXIS Responding Variable & Unit of Measurement X-AXIS Manipulated Variable & Unit of Measurement KEY Identifies different sets of data found in your graph (should be color- coded) NEATNESS Ruler is used for lines on the graph Ruler is used for the X and Y axis lines Legible handwriting

Temperature of Material (  C) Time (seconds) Heating and Cooling of Different Materials KEY light dry sand dark dry sand wet sand water Time (seconds) Sample Graph :

9) Develop Conclusions: 4 parts 1.State whether your hypothesis is “supported” or “not supported.” 2.Evidence that your hypothesis is supported or not supported…. Use concrete data. Use range of data when available(low and high values for the manipulated variable with accompanying responding variable values. 3.Errors or improvements (realistic). 4.Modifications to the procedure for these errors or improvements.