Graphing and Experimental Design

Introduction

By E. Pippens

This WebQuest is intended to teach students and allow them to practice the proper way to design and implement experimental investigations. Upon completion of this WebQuest, students will be able to design and implement comparative and experimental investigations by making observations, asking well-defined questions, formulating testable hypotheses, and using appropriate equipment and technology.

Task

You and your team (3 people max) will design and implement an experiment.

Your team will:

1. Learn about the steps of the scientific method http://www.sciencebuddies.org/science-fair-projects/project_scientific_method.shtml#overviewofthescientificmethod

2. Complete a quiz http://www.biology4kids.com/extras/quiz_studyscimeth/index.html

3. Complete the online Science Interest Survey http://www.sciencebuddies.org/science-fair-projects/project_ideas.shtml

4. Create a poster that represents your experimental data and/or graph https://nces.ed.gov/nceskids/createagraph/

Process

Step 1: Identify the purpose of your investigation and state the problem as a question.

What got you interested in this project?
What are you trying to find out?

Step 2: Research your topic online.

What is the problem?
What is the purpose of your experiment?

Step 3: Brainstorm a hypothesis, then write a statement expressing your opinion about the question.

What is a hypothesis? http://www.sciencebuddies.org/science-fair-projects/project_hypothesis.shtml

Step 4: Plan an experiment that will test your hypothesis.

You will now create your experiment.
Describe how you will do the experiment (your procedures or method).
List your needed materials.
The experiment does not have to be very complex but it must include an experimental group and a control group.

Step 5: Do the experiment.

Record all your information in a notebook.
Display your data as graphs, histograms, or charts on a poster.

Step 6: State your conclusion.

What happened? Did your results match your hypothesis?
Did your experiment suggest that you try a different experiment?

Step 7: Next step:

Is there other data, a different approach, or other related topics you would like to explore in the future?

Evaluation

CATEGORY	4	3	2	1
Question/Purpose	The purpose of the lab or the question to be answered during the lab is clearly identified and stated.	The purpose of the lab or the question to be answered during the lab is identified, but is stated in a somewhat unclear manner.	The purpose of the lab or the question to be answered during the lab is partially identified, and is stated in a somewhat unclear manner.	The purpose of the lab or the question to be answered during the lab is erroneous or irrelevant.
Observation	Several reputable background sources were used and cited correctly. Material is translated into student's own words.	A few reputable background sources are used and cited correctly. Material is translated into student's own words.	A few background sources are used and cited correctly, but some are not reputable sources. Material is translated into student's own words.	Material is directly copied rather than put into students own words and/or background sources are cited incorrectly.
Hypothesis	Hypothesized relationship between the variables and the predicted results is clear and reasonable based on what has been studied.	Hypothesized relationship between the variables and the predicted results is reasonable based on general knowledge and observations.	Hypothesized relationship between the variables and the predicted results has been stated, but appears to be based on flawed logic.	No hypothesis has been stated.
Experimental Design	Experimental design is a well-constructed test of the stated hypothesis.	Experimental design is adequate to test the hypothesis, but leaves some unanswered questions.	Experimental design is relevant to the hypothesis, but is not a complete test.	Experimental design is not relevant to the hypothesis.
Materials	All materials and setup used in the experiment are clearly and accurately described.	Almost all materials and the setupu used in the experiment are clearly and accurately described.	Most of the materials and the setup used in the experiment are accurately described.	Many materials are described inaccurately OR are not described at all.
Procedures	Procedures are listed in clear steps. Each step is numbered and is a complete sentence.	Procedures are listed in a logical order, but steps are not numbered and/or are not in complete sentences.	Procedures are listed but are not in a logical order or are difficult to follow.	Procedures do not accurately list the steps of the experiment.
Data	Professional looking and accurate representation of the data in tables and/or graphs. Graphs and tables are labeled and titled.	Accurate representation of the data in tables and/or graphs. Graphs and tables are labeled and titled.	Accurate representation of the data in written form, but no graphs or tables are presented.	Data are not shown OR are inaccurate.
Analysis	The relationship between the variables is discussed and trends/patterns logically analyzed. Predictions are made about what might happen if part of the lab were changed or how the experimental design could be changed.	The relationship between the variables is discussed and trends/patterns logically analyzed.	The relationship between the variables is discussed but no patterns, trends or predictions are made based on the data.	The relationship between the variables is not discussed.
Conclusion	Conclusion includes whether the findings supported the hypothesis, possible sources of error, and what was learned from the experiment.	Conclusion includes whether the findings supported the hypothesis and what was learned from the experiment.	Conclusion includes what was learned from the experiment.	No conclusion was included in the report OR shows little effort and reflection.
Participation	Used time well in lab and focused attention on the experiment.	Used time pretty well. Stayed focused on the experiment most of the time.	Did the lab but did not appear very interested. Focus was lost on several occasions.	Participation was minimal OR student was hostile about participating.

Conclusion

Explain if your data prove or disprove your hypothesis? Did it meet your expectations? Was your experiments successful? What did you learn from this experiment?