Scientific Investigation in Biology
Name _________________________
Total points = 75 Grade = your score/75
Questions:
1. The definition of Science includes the phrase natural world. Why is it important to include this term in the definition of Science? What does the phrase natural world mean? 6 points
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2. What kinds of things is the study of Science limited to? What kinds of things are beyond the limits of scientific study? 6 points
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IV. Use of the Scientific Method in Everyday Life
Although we may not realize it, the Scientific Method is utilized to answer questions that arise in everyday life activities. Some examples of everyday life activities that incorporate the use of the Scientific Method are given below. Using the example below, identify the steps of the scientific method that are used to answer the question.
A person purchases a new plant and places it in a location inside her home. After several days, she notices that the leaves are yellow and that the plant does not seem to be growing well. A friend who is a gardener suggests several reasons why the leaves are turning yellow. The person who bought the plant guesses that the plant is not receiving enough light. She relocates the plant next to a window with more light. After two weeks the leaves are dark green.
Use the example above to identify each of the steps of the scientific method by completing the following: 18 Points (3 Points each)
1. Problem (Remember to state as a question): ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
2. Gather Information about the Problem:
______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
3. Form the Hypothesis: ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
4. Test the Hypothesis:
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5. Collect Data:
______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
6. Form Conclusions:
______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Exercise
Using the criteria from Forming the Hypothesis in the Scientific Investigation in Biology Handout, evaluate the following hypotheses: 12 Points (3 Points each)
1. Pollution is harmful to lakes.
Is this a good hypothesis? Why or why not?
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2. A person who is thinking of taking a new job consults an astrologer to determine if this is a wise decision and whether he will be successful. The astrologer tells the person that the stars are not in a favorable position for taking this job and that he should not do it.
Is the astrologers prediction a scientific hypothesis? Why or why not?
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3. Increased carbon dioxide levels will increase the rate of photosynthesis, as measured by the rate of oxygen production, in Coleus leaves.
Is this a good hypothesis? Why or why not?
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4. A poor diet will affect a persons health.
Is this a good hypothesis? Why or why not?
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Groups in the Experiment
1. What is the purpose of the control group? (3 points)
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2. During an experiment that was conducted to test the effect of a new medicine to treat cancer, the temperature in the experimental group of rats was mistakenly set at a higher level than in the controls. The experiment is no longer valid. Why?
(3 points)
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Identify the Independent (Experimental) Variable, Dependent Variable, Controlled Variables, and Control Group for the following experiments: 12 Points (1 Point each)
For the control group, specify the way that it is set up. Remember that the control group is one of the two groups of organisms in an experiment, not the thing being tested.
1. A group of plants is treated with Miracle Grow fertilizer. A solution of Miracle Grow fertilizer is applied using a watering can. The plants height is measured every 48 hours.
Independent Variable ______________________________________________________
Dependent Variable ______________________________________________________
Controlled Variables ________________________________________________________
Control Group ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
2. A group of geranium plants is treated with blue light. The rate of photosynthesis is
measured.
Independent Variable ______________________________________________________
Dependent Variable ______________________________________________________
Controlled Variables ______________________________________________________
Control Group ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
3. A group of mice is treated using injections of thyroid hormone. Their metabolic rate is measured.
Independent Variable _________________________________________________________
Dependent Variable _________________________________________________________
Controlled Variables _________________________________________________________
Control Group ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Observation: The stem and leaves of the plant are facing in the direction of the sun.
Inference: (3 points) ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Define the term conclusion as it is used in an experiment. Can a hypothesis be proven to be true? Explain. 6 points
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Define the term theory. Define the term Law. What is the difference between a theory and a Law? 6 points
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Scientific Investigation in Biology Worksheet fall 2021
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