Biology - HOT Science Lab

Teacher
During
activity:
After
activity:
5. Explain the tests conducted, identify both the experimental and control
test.
Experimental Test: Example: measurements of at least ten people in the
class
Control Test: Example: Known ratios of athletes
6. List the number of trials per test. Example: 3 trials
b. Students‘ misconceptions should be addressed. Some common
misconceptions are: There is no universal scientific method. If a hypothesis
proven to be false the experiment has failed. Quantitative data and
qualitative data are the same. If two events occur repeatedly, one event
causes the other. Scientific-sounding studies in tabloid magazines are true.
What the teacher will do:
a. Monitor students to make sure they are remaining on task and are following
proper lab protocol.
b. Review the experimental design diagram by asking individual students in
groups to explain the different parts of the experiment.
c. Follow laboratory procedural plan; making sure to model proper laboratory
safety and use of equipment.
d. Create class data table on board.
e. Emphasize importance of data collection by groups.
f. Ask the following questions:
1. Do you think the independent variable (Ex; body shape) affected the
hypothesis Why do you think Explain your answer.
2. What factors caused differences in your data What other variables
should be tested from the results you obtained
3. Does the number of trials affect the results you collected Explain why
or why not
4. What other hypotheses could you have made from this problem
statement List possible ones.
5. Would you change the problem statement you came up with Why or
why not What would have been an example of a better problem
statement
What the teacher will do:
a. Have the students record their group data and hypothesis on class data
table, if the problem statements are the same across the groups.
b. Analyze the different class data; making sure to note the importance of
multiple trials, and repeatability in scientific investigations.
c. Have students graph the data of their experiment; allow time to work with
individual groups on what way is best to represent their data. (Example:
the Dependent variable is the Responding variable that in a graph is
recorded on the Y-axis; the Manipulated variable is the Independent
variable and is graphed on the X-axis.
Extension:
Interactive Scientific Method Investigation:
http://sunshine.chpc.utah.edu/labs/scientific_method/sci_method_main.html
GIZMO: Growing Plants
Biology HSL Page 25
Curriculum and Instruction