Scientific Method and Dependent Variables
S1 Beginning with Science 02: Scientific Investigation
Scenario 1.
2. Describe why the investigation above is not adequate to explain what types of rocks will dissolve in water.
They need to use the same rocks from the backyard. You can’t compare different types of rocks. Just because it appears to shrink doesn’t mean it actually did. You need real data of what the mass of the rocks were before the rainstorm.
2. Using what Christopher and Kate have already observed, suggest a possible hypothesis regarding how the mass of a rock changes when placed in water. Identify the independent and dependent variables.
If the rock is placed in water, then it’s mass will be added to the original mass. The independent variable has to do with the amount of water put onto the rock, the dependent variable is the mass of the rock after it has been in the water.
3. Describe, in detail, a procedure to test your hypothesis. Identify the controlled variables.
The controlled variables is the mass of the rock before it has gone into the water. It’s constant.
Part 2 : Problem 2
Purpose : I want to find out the cause of the water level in the pond dropping.
Observation : Observing the pond at my own pace; looking at how much the water drops, making observations of the phenomenon. Watch the animals, and see how much their drinking. Observe and make notes.
Research : Do some research on the local temperatures and see if high temperatures can cause a drop in the water level of a pond. Know how many animals are on the property and research the species and how much water they drink per day and see if it could drop the water level in the pond.
Hypothesis : From my research and observations, I think animals are the reason why the pond water is dropping.
Experiment: Remove the animals from the water source for a week or so and measure how much the water level goes down in the pond.
Data:
Analysis:
Conclusion: Animals drinking is the reason why the water in the pond is going down.
Scenario 1.
2. Describe why the investigation above is not adequate to explain what types of rocks will dissolve in water.
They need to use the same rocks from the backyard. You can’t compare different types of rocks. Just because it appears to shrink doesn’t mean it actually did. You need real data of what the mass of the rocks were before the rainstorm.
2. Using what Christopher and Kate have already observed, suggest a possible hypothesis regarding how the mass of a rock changes when placed in water. Identify the independent and dependent variables.
If the rock is placed in water, then it’s mass will be added to the original mass. The independent variable has to do with the amount of water put onto the rock, the dependent variable is the mass of the rock after it has been in the water.
3. Describe, in detail, a procedure to test your hypothesis. Identify the controlled variables.
The controlled variables is the mass of the rock before it has gone into the water. It’s constant.
Part 2 : Problem 2
Purpose : I want to find out the cause of the water level in the pond dropping.
Observation : Observing the pond at my own pace; looking at how much the water drops, making observations of the phenomenon. Watch the animals, and see how much their drinking. Observe and make notes.
Research : Do some research on the local temperatures and see if high temperatures can cause a drop in the water level of a pond. Know how many animals are on the property and research the species and how much water they drink per day and see if it could drop the water level in the pond.
Hypothesis : From my research and observations, I think animals are the reason why the pond water is dropping.
Experiment: Remove the animals from the water source for a week or so and measure how much the water level goes down in the pond.
Data:
Analysis:
Conclusion: Animals drinking is the reason why the water in the pond is going down.