Guide to Experiments!

Using the Scientific Method Guide to Experiments!

Ask a question!! • Make sure that your questions is “testable” • Ex: What will happen if I put an organic potato and a potato treated with “budnip” into a glass of water? • Ex: Will mixing vinegar and baking soda give the same result as mixing vinegar and baking powder? Step 1

EX: Chlorpropham(commercial names: Bud Nip, Taterpex) is a plant growth regulator. It is used to slow or stop budding and sprouting in many food plants including potatoes. • http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chlorpropham • http://pmep.cce.cornell.edu/profiles/extoxnet/carbaryl-dicrotophos/chlorpropham-ext.html • http://www.trademarkia.com/bud-nip-73383747.html 2A - Research

Make a hypothesis • A possible answer to your question • If… Then… because… format • Ex: If I put an organic potato and a potato treated with “budnip” into a glass of water, then the organic potato will sprout buds and roots while the other potato will not because it has been treated to prevent this from happening. Step 2

Test your hypothesis! - Design an experiment • List materials needed • Ex: • Two glasses of water • Sunny windowsill • Organic potato • Potato treated with “budnip”. • Knife • Toothpicks Step 3 A

List procedure • Step by step • Someone else must be able to copy it the same way and get the same result. • Ex: • 1 Fill two glasses 3/4 with water. • Cut both potatoes in half. • Place Toothpicks in potatoes so that they can rest on top of glass with part of the potato submerged. • Place each in sunny windowsill. • Observe daily and record any changes in data table. STEP 3B

Record and Analyze Data • Write down your observations • Organize into charts and graphs Step 4

DATA TABLE

Come to a conclusion • Look at your data • Was your hypothesis correct • Explain why or why not Step 5

Communicate • Make a backboard • Contains all steps • Contains pictures • Is attractive • Make a final report • Type all information and conclusion Step 6

Guide to Experiments!