Essential Question #1

BIOLOGY Mr. Mann

What is Biology?

Bio- = life -ology = study The study of living organisms and how they interact in nature

What is the scientific process?

1. Observe and state a problem 2. Form Hypothesis 3. Test Hypothesis a. independent variable: the variable that is specifically changed by the scientist b. dependent variable: the variable that is being measured c. control: comparison group d. constants: aspects that remain the same in all groups e. repeated trials: 3 minimum

What is the scientific process?

4. Record and analyze data a. quantitative data: numerical b. qualitative data: descriptive observations 5. Form a conclusion Theory: when a hypothesis is tested often enough it is termed a theory

EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN

Description: John’s biology class was studying various ways to recycle materials, including the use of compost as fertilizer. Members of John’s class investigated the effectiveness of various recycled materials in promoting plant growth. John and three members of his lab group decided to compare the effect of compost and commercial fertilizer on plant growth. Three flats of beans(25 plants per flat) were grown for five days. The plants were then fertilized as follows: Flat A received 10g of commercial fertilizer, Flat B received 10g of aged compost, and Flat C received no fertilizer. The plants received the same amount of sunlight and water each day. At the end of 20 days, the students recorded the height of the plant in cm(centimeters).

EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN

Independent Variable(s)(IV): The variable that is purposely changed by the experimenter, for example, the type of fertilizer in scenario 1.

Dependent Variable(s)(DV): The variable that responds to the IV. What was measured? Example: height of beans(cm) for scenario 1.

EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN

Constant(s): All factors which are kept the same during the experiment. For example, the amount of light, water, and the number of days tested in scenario 1.

Control(s): The standard for comparing experimental effects. For example, the plants in Flat C that received 0g of fertilizer during scenario 1.

EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN

Repeated Trials: The number of objects/organisms undergoing treatment for each value of the IV. The number of times the experiment is repeated. For example, 25 plants in each Flat represent 25 trials for scenario 1.