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

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

4. 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) ?

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

6. 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?

7. 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: _______________________

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

9. 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

10. 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

11. 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

12. 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

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

14. 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