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The Scientific Method

Follow the scientific method to investigate why trout in a lake are declining while catfish are not. Hypothesis: Acid leaks from the Midnight Chemicals Plant are killing the trout. Collect and analyze data to prove or disprove the hypothesis. Conclude that acid leaking from drums on the plant property is responsible for the decline. Communicate results and take action.

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The Scientific Method

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  1. The Scientific Method

  2. Scientific Method An orderly, step by step procedure used by scientists to find the answer to a specific problem or question

  3. Step 1: Define the problem or question • Why are trout in the lake are declining, but not the catfish?

  4. Step 2: Obtain background information and form a HYPOTHESIS Two chemical plants border the lake. The Toxins R Us plant produces PCB’s.

  5. The Midnight Chemicals Plant is no longer in operation.

  6. HYPOTHESIS: PCB’s are being discharged into the lake from the Toxins R Us plant, killing the trout.

  7. Step 3: Design and carry out a procedure to collect and analyze data to prove or disprove the hypothesis • Monitor PCB’s in water near the Plant • Test for PCB’s in lake sediments • Test for PCB’s in different kinds of fish Record observations in words Record data in data tables

  8. Step 4. Collect and analyze dataResults: • No PCB’s Detected!

  9. Revise Hypothesis: Drums possibly leaking acid were found at abandoned Midnight Chemicals Plant. Acid is leaking into the lake and killing the trout

  10. Collect and analyze more data • Collect samples of fluid in the drums • Test acidity (pH) of water coming into lake • In tanks, test the affect of acidic water on different kinds of fish • Repeat tests • Record observations in words • Record Data in a data table

  11. Results: • Drums contain strong acid • Water entering the lake is acidic • Trout in acidic water died in tank tests • Catfish in acidic water lived in tank tests

  12. Step 5: Conclusion: an interpretation of data based on repeatable experimental results THE CONCLUSION MUST ANSWER YOUR PROBLEM QUESTION AND EXPLAIN IT USING YOUR DATA TO JUSTIFY YOUR EXPLANATION • Trout are being killed by acid leaking into the lake from drums on the Midnight Chemicals Plant property. • Less sensitive fish, like catfish, are not adversely affected. The End!

  13. Or is it? STEP 6:Communicating results is important! Call the EPA and get Midnight Chemicals to clean up the lake! (or in your case, write a lab report…..)

  14. Summary of Scientific Method 1.Define the problem or question 2. Form a hypothesis based on background information • Design a procedure and collect and analyze data and observations • Graph data and perform calculations • Interpret results (conclusion) 6. Communicate results

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