Designing an Experiment using the Scientific Method Possible

Designing an Experiment using the Scientific Method Possible scenarios. . .

EXAMPLE: � You hear a friend say that aspirin will make plants grow better. You wish to do a controlled experiment to find out if this is true. � Write. . . ◦ An investigative question ◦ A hypothesis ◦ Describe the experiment/procedure (include what materials you would need) ◦ The different variables that would appear in your process

Will aspirin make plants grow better (ie. faster, stronger) � Hypothesis: I did not think that aspirin will help them grow faster. � Experiment: ◦ ◦ ◦ Plant 2 bean seeds in clear, plastic cups Add crushed aspirin to 1 of the cups Place the cups in a windowsill Water the cups every 2 days Record plant’s growth and observations

List of Variables � Independent Variable: the aspirin � Dependent Variable: the plant’s growth rate and overall appearance � Control Variable: the seeds, the cups, the soil, the water, the location of the cup

SCENARIO #1: You overhear a classmate say that their goldfish has grown MASSIVE. They claim that it’s size is the result of the large fish tank it lives in.

SCENARIO #2: You cut yourself during soccer practice. Your coach tells you to go get a Bandaid because it will help the wound heal faster.

SCENARIO #3: While watching TV you see a commercial for Rogaine (a hair growth product). The man on the commercial claims that Rogaine helped him go from NO HAIR (bald) to a head full of hair.