2.1: Overview and Purpose
The purpose of this laboratory exercise is to familiarize students with the scientific method and to demonstrate how to apply it to real-world problems. Through this exercise, students will gain an understanding of the components of the scientific method and how to use it to develop hypotheses, design experiments, and interpret data. Additionally, there may be a discussion about an environmental issue, environmental law, and policy stemming from these laws.
Learning Outcomes
- The student will be able to use steps of the scientific method and devise, carry out, and report an experiment using the scientific method
- The student will be able to clearly present and communicate data and results
- The student will be able to write a lab report for a simple experiment that follows the scientific method
- (optional) The student will be able to analyze an environmental policy from the perspective of different stakeholders
- Students will be able to explain the components of the scientific method.
- Students will be able to formulate hypotheses based on research.
- Students will be able to design experiments that test their hypotheses.
- Students will be able to analyze and interpret data from their experiments.
- Students will be able to draw conclusions from their experiments.
Vocab
Hypothesis
Experiment
Data
Analysis
Conclusion
Scientific Method
Variables
dependent variable
Independent variable
Control
Controlled variables
Pheromones
Policy
Environmental law