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EXPERIMENT

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The Scientific Method

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Hands-On Labs, Inc.

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Version 42-0313-00-01
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Read the entire exercise before you begin. Take time
to organize the materials you will need and set aside
a safe work space in which to complete the exercise.
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Experiment Summary:
In this experiment, you will identify the importance
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of science and how it is a part of our daily lives.

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You will list and describe the steps of the scientific

method, and define control groups, independent
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and dependent variables, and quantitative and

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qualitative data. You will also conduct research on

topics associated with global climate change, develop
hypotheses, and conduct experiments to test those
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hypotheses. Finally, you will use all of the knowledge

gained throughout the lab to design your own
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experiment that demonstrates the importance of sea

ice in regards to global temperatures.
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 Experiment The Scientific Method

Learning Objectives
Upon completion of this laboratory, you will be able to:
●● Relate science to your daily life.
●● List and describe the steps of the scientific method.

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●● Describe controlled experiments and define conditions, independent and dependent
variables, and controls.

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●● Differentiate between qualitative and quantitative data.

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●● Demonstrate the weight difference between dry air and carbon dioxide (CO2).
●● Model the effects on temperature of normal and excess levels of greenhouse gases.

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●● Design your own experiment to model the effects of sea ice on water temperatures.

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Time Allocation: 5 hours
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 Experiment The Scientific Method

Materials
Student Supplied Materials
Quantity Item Description
1 Baking soda

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1 Bottle of vinegar
1 Box of matches or lighter
1 Candle

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1 Clear plastic wrap
1 Coffee cup

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2 Containers of equal size; Suggestions:
- Plastic containers

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- Milk cartons
- Cardboard boxes

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- Glass dishes

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1 Digital camera or smartphone
1 Dish soap
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2 Large jars or glasses (with no bottleneck)
1 Measuring cup, 1 cup
1 Metal kitchen spoon
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1 Pair of scissors
1 Pen or pencil
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1 Reflective surface; Suggestions:

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- Aluminum Foil
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- Mirror
- Slab of metal
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1 Roll of paper towels

1 Rubber band
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1 Set of measuring spoons, 1 tablespoon and 1 teaspoon

2 Sheets of white paper
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1 Source of heat; Suggestions:

- Direct sunlight
- Heat lamp
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- Incandescent light (non-LED/energy saving light bulb)

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1 Source of tap water

1 Stopwatch or timer
1 Tape, clear

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 Experiment The Scientific Method

2 Thermometers, analog mercury filled*

1 White paper product:
- Construction paper
- Card stock
- Foam board
- Poster board

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*The recommended thermometers for performing this experiment are standard oral or anal analog
thermometers that can be found at pet stores or drug stores. If you do not have access to two analog

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thermometers, one digital thermometer may replace one of the analog thermometers for Exercise
2. If you choose to do this, be certain to include this information in your Lab Report Assistant to

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account for variability in using two different materials. For Exercise 3, digital thermometers may
be used if necessary.

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To fully and accurately complete all lab exercises, you will need access to:

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1. A computer to upload digital camera or smartphone images.

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2. Basic photo editing software such as Microsoft® Word or PowerPoint®, to add labels, leader
lines, or text to digital photos.  Sm
3. Subject-specific textbook or appropriate reference resources from lecture content or other
suggested resources. 
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 Experiment The Scientific Method

Background
What Has Science Done for You Lately?
The modern world would not be so advanced if it were not for technology, courtesy of science.
Science is responsible for most modern conveniences such as electricity, raw material production,
communication resources, and agricultural practices that supply food worldwide. Health care would

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not be what it is today without science. We would not have X-ray or MRI machines, prosthetics,
medications or vaccinations, or knowledge that hand-washing reduces the spread of disease-
causing microbes. Science is the foundation for most innovations. Science promoted the invention

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of cars in the 1800’s, and science continues to contribute to current transportation innovations such
as improved gas mileage, reduced carbon emissions, and new discoveries regarding alternative

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fuels. Science also promotes the conservation of our planet through the preservation of millions
of living species. See Figure 1.

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Figure 1. A few developments made possible by science. ©Robert Adrian, Noyan Yimaz, jaroslavaV,
Goran Bogicevic, Ekaterina Minaeva, Everett Historical, STUDIOMAX, Spotmatik Ltd, Andre w Mayovskyy, pixinoo,
Harvepino, aastock, Triff
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Because of the role science plays in our everyday life, it shapes not only our personal decisions,
but also policies and regulatory decisions made by the government. The creation of nutrition and
warning labels, and the illegal dumping of hazardous waste are just a few protections developed
because of science.

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 Experiment The Scientific Method

The Scientific Method

Science is important in our daily lives, but how is science conducted? Scientists investigate and
learn about the world either by an open-ended discovery process or by application of the scientific
method.
The scientific method is a process used by scientists to acquire new knowledge or correct previous

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knowledge, solve a problem, or develop theories or explanations of natural phenomena. Scientists
use the scientific method to collect and report information that is free of bias or opinion. The
general process and the typical order of the steps are shown in Figure 2.

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Figure 2. The scientific method. ©schab and janoon028

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 Experiment The Scientific Method

The scientific method has seven steps:

1. Make an observation.
2. Ask a question and conduct background research on what is already known.
3. Formulate a hypothesis.

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4. Test the hypothesis through experimentation.
5. Analyze data and draw conclusions.

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6. Verify the conclusions through peer review.

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7. Communicate the results.
The steps may vary, based on the scientist’s needs. For example, background information may be

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researched before conducting observations and asking questions. The steps of the scientific method
are continuous and often lead to greater advancements in science through new observations

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and questions, all of which result in continued investigation. Often the results of discovery-based
science are then used as the observations for a hypothesis-driven investigation.

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Observations, Questions, and Research
Many research projects begin with simple observations. Observations should be objective and
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verifiable by other scientists. Clear observations lead to research questions. For example, an
ecologist who observes a unique stand of trees in one area of the forest might ask, “Why is this
unique tree species growing in this area?” The ecologist would then conduct research and collect
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background information about the tree species’ needs, such as how much nitrogen must be in the
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soil or how much water is needed for the tree to grow in an area. The ecologist might also look into
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how the tree reproduces and disperses seeds. Once information is collected, the scientist could
begin to theorize about why the unique tree is growing in that particular location.
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Formulating and Testing a Hypothesis

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A hypothesis is a proposed explanation for a phenomenon and is a starting point for further
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investigation. A good hypothesis has the following characteristics:

●● Is best stated as “if, then” to imply cause and effect
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●● Holds across space and time

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●● Is a tentative idea
●● Agrees with available observations
●● Is simple
●● Most importantly, a good hypothesis is testable and potentially falsifiable. In fact, some of
the most important scientific discoveries resulted from experiments in which the original
hypothesis was NOT supported.

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 Experiment The Scientific Method

Hypotheses can begin broad and after research is conducted new hypotheses can be formulated
for a more detailed explanation or discovery. For example, a scientist might hypothesize that
“if nitrogen is the primary nutrient for plants, then they will grow more rapidly with nitrogen
fertilization than with phosphorus or potassium fertilization.” Once a hypothesis is formulated,
the scientist designs a study to test the hypothesis.
Controlled experiments are commonly used to test hypotheses. A controlled experiment is a

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scientific investigation in which both the control group and experimental groups are kept under
similar conditions apart from the variable being tested so that the effect or influence of the variable
can be identified. A variable is one or more condition that is subject to change. There are two types

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of variables, independent and dependent. Independent variables are the variable being studied
and manipulated during the experiment. As the scientist changes the independent variable, he/she

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makes observations. Dependent variables are the outcomes that are observed from the effect of
the variable(s) on the study. The value of the dependent variable depends on how the independent

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variable is manipulated. A control group is not exposed to the variable(s) being tested. For many
experiments, a control group is necessary to compare the results of the experiment.

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Figure 3 shows an example of a controlled experiment regarding plant growth in relation to specific

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nutrients typically found in fertilizers. The independent variable, the factor being manipulated, is
the type of nutrient (nitrogen, phosphorous, or potassium) in the fertilizer. The dependent variable,
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the outcome being observed, is the amount of plant growth, which could be the measurement
of height in millimeters or centimeters. The plant that is not given any fertilizer is considered the
control because it is not being exposed to any added nutrients. Conditions not differing between
experimental and control groups include sunlight exposure, soil type, and water availability.
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 Experiment The Scientific Method

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Figure 3. Controlled experiment of plant growth versus the type of nutrient given to the plant.
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©kak2s, DeiMosz, llibra

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Experimental Design Example

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Consider another example of an experiment; a scientist wants to determine if Drug X is effective

for reducing blurred vision in patients with multiple sclerosis. The experimental design follows:
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●● Observation: The chemistry of Drug X is designed to target and improve vision in patients
with multiple sclerosis.
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●● Question: What percent of patients that use Drug X experience reduced blurred vision?
Hypothesis: If Drug X is effective, then it will reduce blurred vision in at least 30% of patients
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●●
with multiple sclerosis.
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●● Independent variable: Drug dosage: amount (mg) of the drug consumed by each patient
each day.
●● Dependent variable: Percentage of patients with reduced blurred vision.
●● Control group: Given a placebo (a sugar pill that does not contain the drug) in place of
Drug X.

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 Experiment The Scientific Method

Let’s assume that the drug is effective at reducing blurred vision in 30% of patients. In this case,
it would be said that, “The hypothesis is supported.” One key aspect of all hypotheses is that
they cannot be proven true. In this example, not all patients on earth with multiple sclerosis
were included in the experiment. Therefore, science cannot prove that the drug is effective for
all patients.
However, a hypothesis can be rejected or refuted based on the results. Let’s assume that the

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drug was only effective at reducing blurred vision in 20% of patients or that the control group also
experienced a 30% reduction in blurred vision. In this case, it would be said that, “The hypothesis
is rejected.” The scientist would ask new questions and refine the experimental design. Regardless

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if a hypothesis is supported or rejected the purpose of the experiment is fulfilled, in that we learn
something new.

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Analyzing the Data

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Data collected from the experimental process must be analyzed before conclusions are made
regarding the hypothesis. There are two types of data: quantitative data are numerical, and

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qualitative data are non-numerical. Recall the example with Drug X. An example of quantitative
data would be the numeric scores that patients receive during formal vision tests. An example of
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qualitative data would be the patient’s opinion of whether their vision has improved. Analyzed
data is typically illustrated as graphs, tables, and charts.
Independent variables are usually plotted on the horizontal axis (x-axis) and the dependent variable
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is plotted on the vertical axis (y-axis). Figure 4 shows a bar graph that describes data associated
with Drug X from the earlier example. Notice that dosage amount (the independent, manipulated
variable) is on the x-axis, and the percentage of reduced blurred vision (the dependent, outcome
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variable) is on the y-axis. Scientists would use this graph to show that vision test scores increased
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for more than 30% of patients at a 20 mg dose of Drug X.

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 Experiment The Scientific Method

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Figure 4. Example of a scientific figure for the effects that dosage of Drug X has on the
percentage of patients with reduced blurred vision.
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Statistical analysis is used to evaluate scientific data to determine if there is a significant difference
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between the control group and the experimental group. For example, if analysis of Drug X shows
that 30% or more patients had a reduction in their blurred vision compared to patients in the
control group that were given the placebo, then the hypothesis can be supported. For the purposes
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of this experimentation, you will not be asked to carry out a statistical analysis for the data you
collect.
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After a scientist analyzes the data they begin to draw conclusions based on the data and write
a report on the findings of the experiment. This report includes the background research that
was conducted, the experimental design, data results, and conclusions. The conclusions typically
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include an explanation about why the hypothesis was supported or refuted, a comparison of the
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investigation to other similar research, and ideas for future experimentation.

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 Experiment The Scientific Method

Peer Reviewed Verification

For research to be reliable, it must be validated by a group of qualified peers. Most scientists send
their findings to respected peer-reviewed journals for validation and publication, such as Nature,
the journal pictured in Figure 5. The validation process is stringent and the report is reviewed by
multiple topic area experts that provide recommendations for revisions. Then, the report may
be accepted for publication in the journal. In addition to published papers, research findings are

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also shared via posters and live presentations. Presenting findings allows other scientists to verify
results, develop new tests for existing hypotheses, and develop entirely new hypotheses of their
own. Sharing the knowledge gained leads to solving other problems and facilitates the cycle of

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the scientific method.

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Figure 5. A cover of “Nature - The International Weekly Journal of Science.” ©www.nature.com

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 Experiment The Scientific Method

Large-Scale Investigations
The scientific method is used for many types of investigations beyond controlled experiments.
Scientists often conduct large scale analyses, or meta analyses, that include data from multiple
published investigations. Meta analyses can answer questions on a broader scale using validated
data from other scientific experiments. Scientists regularly use complex computer models and
extensive datasets to describe large-scale phenomena that cannot be captured with simple

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experimental designs. One example of using the scientific method for a large-scale analysis is
monitoring climate change. Climatologists, ecologists, geologists, chemists, biologists, and other
scientists are working together to compile data and protocols that can be used by other experts

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to continue cutting-edge research.

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Climate change studies are difficult to reproduce since independent variables, such as the weather,
cannot be controlled. For example, a scientist studying methane concentrations at a natural gas

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site in Colorado would have different results than a scientist conducting the same study at a site
in Italy. However, the aggregation of data from multiple sites provides insight into climate change
on an expansive, global scale rather than a smaller, regional scale. Climatologists have aggregated

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temperature data since the late 1800’s because climate must be measured over the course of

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decades and not yearly like the weather. See Figure 6.
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Figure 6. Global temperature data (1880 to current) showing an increasing trend in the annual
mean. ©Data and graph courtesy of NASA

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 Experiment The Scientific Method

The Scientific Method Is Used Whenever There Is a Question!

The scientific method is used across all science disciplines. For our example of Drug X, a chemist
may look at the molecular structure of the drug and determine how those molecules are affected
by acidity in the stomach. A biochemist may conduct experiments to determine the ideal dosage
for Drug X. A microbiologist may examine interactions between Drug X and naturally occurring
bacteria present in the intestines. A biologist may investigate how the drug affects the environment

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when expelled from the human body as waste.

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Is Science Reliable and Valid?

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So why should we believe that science is reliable or valid? The definition of reliable is “yielding
the same or compatible results in different clinical experiments or statistical trials.” The scientific

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method allows for replication and consistency of results when performing the same experiment
under similar conditions. Validity is a description of the strength of the final results and whether

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those results can be regarded as accurate in describing the real world. Science is valid based on
the strength of experimental design following the principles of cause and effect.

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We have confidence in using the scientific method because it provides the most accurate answer
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to a question, as well as an estimate of how much confidence we can put into the accuracy of that
answer. Science is always changing as research continues on new and historical questions with the
use of advanced technology and variability in circumstances at the time of the research.
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Using the scientific method has resulted in many of the greatest achievements, such as predicting
eclipses, sending astronauts and space crafts into space, developing vaccinations to eradicate
diseases, and developing medical treatments for illnesses and injuries. The scientific method has
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also been the basis for much of technology.

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For thousands of years people believed

that the Earth was flat. It is thought that
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the first scientific evidence of a round Earth was

found around 200 BC by a Greek thinker, Ptolemy,
who demonstrated that ships approaching the horizon
appeared to be rising from under the water indicating
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a curve to the land. Over many centuries, numerous

astronomers and others recording the movement of
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the stars also theorized that the Earth was round. It

wasn’t until 1519 (35 centuries later), when Magellan,
the famous Portuguese explorer, found direct proof of
the theory of a spherical planet when he sailed with
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five other ships that circled the world without “falling

off the edge.” Over time, more scientific evidence
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supported that the Earth was round. New studies

and inventions, such as the telescope invented by
which Galileo, provided evidence that the moon
and other planets were also spherical.

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 Experiment The Scientific Method

Exercise 1: Investigating the Weight of Carbon Dioxide

In this exercise, you will apply the scientific method and conduct a simple experiment that tests
the mass of air and carbon dioxide (CO2) gas.

Note: Read all instructions for this procedure before you begin.

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Procedure
Step 1: Make an Observation

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1. Prepare your work area. Make sure you have a stable, flat work surface that is out of reach of
pets and children. Gather all of the materials and equipment listed in the materials list before

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beginning. Perform the experiments near a source of running water and have paper towels
on hand in case of spills.

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2. Making observations is central to science. Observe the baking soda and vinegar, and record

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the appearance of each in Data Table 1 of your Lab Report Assistant. Be specific in describing
the color and state of matter.

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3. In the next step, you will mix baking soda and vinegar together. This is similar to the classic
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“volcano” experiment performed in grade school. Gather a coffee cup or drinking glass and
the measuring spoons.
4. Closely observe what happens and record observations:
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a. Add 1 teaspoon of baking soda to the cup.

b. Pour 1 tablespoon of vinegar into the cup.
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c. Observe and record observations in Data Table 1. Rinse the cup with tap water and
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repeat the test as needed.

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Note: Foaming is an indication that a chemical reaction has taken place and a gas has been created.
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The gas produced in the chemical reaction of vinegar and baking soda is carbon dioxide (CO2).
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Step 2: Ask a Question and Conduct Background Research

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5. Mixing vinegar and baking soda produces carbon dioxide gas. But where does the gas go? Does
it remain in the cup or does it rise into the air? If carbon dioxide gas is heavier than air, then
the carbon dioxide will remain in the bottom of the cup. If carbon dioxide gas is lighter than
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air, then it will rise into the air.

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6. Create a question about the mass of carbon dioxide gas compared to the mass of air. Record
the question in Data Table 1.

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 Experiment The Scientific Method

7. We have conducted background research for you using the Periodic Table of Elements and
reliable online resources. For simplicity, let’s assume the following:
a. A particle of carbon (C) has a mass of 12.01 amu (amu = atomic mass unit).
b. A particle of nitrogen gas (N2) has a mass of 28.02 amu; but a single particle of nitrogen
(N) weighs roughly 14.00 amu.

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c. A particle of oxygen gas (O2) has a mass of 31.99 amu; but a single particle of oxygen
(O) weighs 15.99 amu.

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d. Dry air is composed of predominantly nitrogen gas and oxygen gas.

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Note: Dry air is made of 78.09% nitrogen gas, 20.95% oxygen gas, and the remaining 1% is made of
argon, carbon dioxide, and other trace gases.

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8. The mass of CO2 is recorded in Data Table 1. For the equation used to determine the mass of
CO2 see below:

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Note: An element is a substance that cannot be broken down into simpler substances (i.e. carbon (C)

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or nitrogen (N)). A compound is a substance composed of two or more separate elements (i.e. water
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is a compound consisting of two hydrogen atoms and one oxygen atom per molecule).
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9. Since the chemical formula changes for dry air at different altitudes, the percent composition of
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gases in dry air will need to be used to calculate the mass. For simplicity, we calculated the mass
of a particle of dry air that is composed of 80% nitrogen gas (N2=28.02 amu) and 20% oxygen
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gas (O2=31.98 amu) and recorded it in Data Table 1. For the calculation used to determine the
mass of a particle of dry air based on percent composition see the equation below:

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 Experiment The Scientific Method

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10. Based on the background research, consider which gas (CO2 or air) weighs more and add your
thoughts in the row titled “Notes about Gases” in Data Table 1.
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11. Gases have unique behaviors in the presence of fire. For example, hydrogen gas causes an
explosion. CO2 will extinguish a flame, whereas oxygen in the air will promote the burning of a
flame. In fact, many fire extinguishers contain pressurized CO2. Add any pertinent information
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regarding the effects of gases on fire to the “Notes about Gases” row of Data Table 1.
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Step 3: Formulate a Hypothesis

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12. We have designed an experiment to test whether CO2 or air weighs more. First, you will create
CO2 gas by mixing baking soda and vinegar in a drinking glass. Then, you will transfer the gas
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from the glass onto a burning flame. Read through Step 23 to visualize how this experiment
will be carried out. Take a moment to predict what will happen. Refer to your notes in Data
Table 1 as needed.
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13. Formulate a hypothesis of what will happen to the flame based on the weight of CO2 versus
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air. Record the hypothesis in Data Table 1. For example: If CO2 weighs _____ than air, then the
_____ will _____ and the flame will _____.
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Note: Remember, it does NOT matter if your hypothesis is supported or rejected. The point is to learn
about the relative weights of air and carbon dioxide by carrying out an experiment.
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 Experiment The Scientific Method

Step 4: Test the Hypothesis

14. Gather 2 glasses, 2 measuring spoons (teaspoon and tablespoon), baking soda, vinegar, candle,
and matches or a lighter. See Figure 7.

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Figure 7. Materials for investigating the relative weight of carbon dioxide gas.
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15. Use the teaspoon to measure 1 tsp. of baking soda. Add the baking soda to the first glass. See
Figure 8A.
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Figure 8. A. Adding 1 tsp. of baking soda to a glass. B. Adding 1 tbsp. of vinegar to the glass
containing the baking soda.

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 Experiment The Scientific Method

16. Use the tablespoon to measure 1 tbsp. of vinegar. Add the vinegar to the glass. See Figure 8B.
17. Allow the reaction to take place. Once most of the foaming has occurred, proceed to the next
step.
18. Use the matches or lighter to light the candle. Place the candle next to the second glass.

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19. Pick up the glass containing the reaction from the baking soda and vinegar and carefully tilt
this glass over the empty second glass “pouring” the gaseous contents into the glass. DO NOT
transfer any of the solution into the empty glass. See Figure 9A.

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Note: To “pour” the gas, you will tip the glass slowly into the other glass as if you were going to pour

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the liquid, except you will stop “pouring” before the liquid nears the edge of the glass so as to not
transfer any of the liquid into the other glass.

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Figure 9. A. Pouring the reaction into an empty glass. B. Pouring the reaction onto the flame of
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a candle.
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20. Observe the second glass. Both air and CO2 are invisible gases.
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21. Pick up the second glass and carefully pour the gaseous contents onto the candle. See Figure 9B.
22. Record detailed observations regarding the entire experimental procedure in Data Table 1.
Include observations of the chemical reaction, the transfer of gas from each glass, and the
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transfer of gas to the candle.

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23. If you wish to repeat the experiment, thoroughly wash and dry the glasses and begin at step
16. Before moving on to the next section, ensure that the candle is extinguished and is located
in a safe area where it can cool completely.

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 Experiment The Scientific Method

Step 5: Analyze the Data and Draw Conclusions

24. Analyze the data: The “Experimental Observations” recorded in Data Table 1 are the data to
be analyzed in this experiment. Consider the following:
a. What gas is formed from the reaction between baking soda and vinegar?

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b. According to the background research, does dry air or carbon dioxide weigh more?
c. Which gas, dry air or carbon dioxide, would sink to the bottom of the second glass
due to its heavier weight?

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d. What happens to a flame in the presence of air versus carbon dioxide?

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e. When “pouring” the gas from the second glass onto the candle, did the flame continue
to burn or was it doused?

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25. Draw conclusions: Determine whether the hypothesis was supported or rejected and explain

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why in Data Table 1.

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Step 6: Peer Review Verification
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26. Typically the analyzed data and results would be written into a scientific report including the
following sections:
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a. Abstract – a short synopsis of the experiment: the purpose, hypothesis, and general
procedural approach, the data that was collected and analyzed, and the outcome.
b. Introduction – background information citing similar experiments conducted by others.
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c. Materials and Methods – the materials used to conduct the experiment and the
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methodology followed.
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d. Results – the outcome of the experiment including the calculations and analyzed data
represented in descriptive paragraphs, tables, graphs, and figures.
e. Conclusions – the determination if the hypothesis was supported or rejected, a
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description of what the results indicate, a comparison of the results to similar

experiments, and possible questions and experimentation that can be conducted to
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further evaluate the topic of interest.

27. Once the scientific report is written, a scientist sends the report to recognized and respectable
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journals for validation. Since this experiment has already been validated by peers, it was
conducted solely to guide you through the steps of the scientific method. There is no need to
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write a formal report, unless your instructor directs you to do so.

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 Experiment The Scientific Method

Step 7: Communicate Results

28. After the report is accepted by the journal, it is published for other scientists and the public
to read. Oral presentations may be given at conferences or outreach events. You may wish to
communicate your results by sharing this experiment with your peers or your instructor may
provide a means of communicating your results, such as through discussion forums.

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Cleanup:

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29. Clean the glasses and measuring spoons with soap and water, and allow them to dry.

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30. Make sure the candle flame is completely extinguished and that the wax has cooled and
hardened before storing the candle.

nb
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Questions

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A. Why is a hypothesis supported or rejected, rather than being proven true or false?
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B. Is an experiment considered to be a failure if the hypothesis is not supported? Explain your
answer.
C. What gas did you find to be in the glass after mixing the baking soda and vinegar? Explain how
via

you are certain.

D. Did you collect quantitative or qualitative data during this experiment? Explain your answer.
d

E. Describe your conclusions, including the observations that led to your conclusions.
e
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file
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 Experiment The Scientific Method

Exercise 2: The Effect of Greenhouse Gases on Global

Warming
In this exercise, you will research the effects of excess greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. You
will apply the scientific method and model how greenhouse gases warm the planet by covering
a jar with plastic wrap. You will then relate the findings of your experiment to global warming.

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Procedure

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Part 1: Greenhouse Gases and Global Warming
1. In Exercise 1, we observed that gases have different properties. In this section, we will further

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investigate gases and ask the question, “How are greenhouse gases related to global warming?”

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2. Conduct background research on global warming from reliable Internet sources such as NASA,
USGS, IPCC, and major universities with current research on the topic such as U.C. Berkley,
Yale, Stanford, etc.

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Note: The most acceptable websites to use for Internet sources end in “.gov” or “.edu.” Websites ending

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in “.com” or “.org” should be avoided since recognizing biased information may be difficult. Political,
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blogs, and news websites often have information that is biased and not based solely on scientific
support. For this reason, these sites should also be avoided in investigating scientific topics.
3. Write a short synopsis of your findings in Data Table 2 of your Lab Report Assistant. Use full
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sentences and proper grammar and spelling. Write the synopsis in your own words – DO NOT
copy text directly from websites. The synopsis should be 1 to 2 pages in length, unless otherwise
indicated by your instructor. Include a paragraph for each of the following:
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a. Define greenhouse gas, global warming, and climate change.

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b. Explain the difference between global warming and climate change.

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c. Describe the relationship between greenhouse gases and global warming (i.e. normal
versus excess amounts of greenhouse gases).
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d. List 3-4 types of evidence that support human influenced climate change.
e. Describe 2-3 negative ecological and/or economical outcomes of global warming.
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4. Record each website source you used to conduct your research in Data Table 2.
is
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 Experiment The Scientific Method

Part 2: Modeling the Relationship between Temperature and Greenhouse Gases

5. In the next steps, you will model temperature changes in the Earth’s atmosphere by creating
two models from large jars or glasses, each containing a thermometer. One jar will remain
uncovered while the other jar will be covered with plastic wrap. Consider the following as you
create each model:

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a. Plastic wrap is used in this experiment to model greenhouse gases in Earth’s
atmosphere; however, it should be noted that greenhouse gases not only trap heat
but also reflect heat into space, whereas the plastic wrap only traps heat.

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b. The two models will be placed in the same environment and exposed to direct sunlight.
Since the models will be placed in the same environment, factors such as air pressure,

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ambient temperature, and light exposure will be consistent for the two models.

nb
6. Gather 2 thermometers, a clock or timer, measuring cup, spoon, clear plastic wrap, dish soap,
1 rubber band, and a sheet of white paper. Gather 2 large glasses (or jars) of the same size.

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The glasses should be large enough to fit the thermometers inside.

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Note: Jars or glasses with bottlenecks are NOT recommended for this experiment.
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7. Prepare a diluted dish soap solution as an anti-fog agent. When moisture is trapped in a
container, by a lid or other covering, condensation can form on the inside of the container
walls. If condensation forms on the inside of the jars or glasses used in this experiment, then
it will be difficult to see the markings on the thermometer placed inside.
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a. Fill the measuring cup to the 1-cup mark with lukewarm tap water.
b. Add 1 drop of dish soap to the water and gently stir with a spoon.
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Note: The solution should not form bubbles when stirred. If it does, then too much dish soap has
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been added and the solution needs to be re-made following step 7.

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8. Dip a paper towel into the solution and wipe the inside of the glasses (or jars). The glass should
have a thin layer of solution, and there should be no pooling or beading of moisture.
9. If the thermometers do not have a solid back, create backs from thick, white paper products,
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such as foam board, poster board, cardboard, or card stock. The backing will block direct
sunlight, and prevent exaggerated temperature readings.
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a. Use scissors to cut a strip of paper for each thermometer. The strips should be slightly
longer and wider than the thermometers.
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b. Attach each strip to the back of the thermometers with clear tape. Ensure that the
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numbers of the thermometer are still visible.

Note: Do not use dark paper or brown cardboard as those materials absorb heat and will influence
the temperature readings.

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 Experiment The Scientific Method

10. Place a thermometer inside the first glass. See Figure 10. Tape the thermometer to the front of
the glass ensuring that the markings are legible. This is Model #1, which represents the Earth
if it had no greenhouse gases in the atmosphere.

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Figure 10. Placing the thermometer with a white foam backing into Model #1.
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11. Place the other thermometer inside the second glass, and tape the thermometer to the front
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of the glass.
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12. Use scissors to cut a square piece of plastic wrap that is large enough to cover the opening of
the glass. Fit the plastic wrap over the opening of the second glass and secure it with a rubber
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band. This is Model #2, which represents the Earth plus its greenhouse gases.
13. Set the two models on a sheet of white paper. This is how the experiment will be conducted
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when you are ready to begin.

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14. Remove the plastic wrap and rubber band from Model #2, and set them next to the glass.
Model #2 will not be covered until the experiment begins.
15. Consider what each model represents. Define the term “independent variable” and record
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the independent variable for this experiment in Data Table 3 of your Lab Report Assistant.
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16. Define the term “dependent variable” and record the dependent variable for this experiment
in Data Table 3.
17. Define the term “control group” and record which model acts as the control in Data Table 3.
18. Formulate a hypothesis and record it in Data Table 3.

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 Experiment The Scientific Method

Note: When formulating your hypothesis, think about how temperature will be affected in the two
models (one covered and one uncovered). There is no “correct” answer for the hypothesis; however, it
should be well-thought-out.
19. Once the hypothesis has been recorded, the experiment may begin.
a. You will record temperature data in Data Table 4 of your Lab Report Assistant every

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5 minutes during the experiment. Print or draw a copy of Data Table 4 if necessary.
b. Transport the experimental setup to a sunny location, leaving Model #2 uncovered.

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c. Working quickly, place the two models on the sheet of white paper in direct sunlight.
Turn the glasses so that the thermometers face the same direction, away from the

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sunlight.

nb
Note: Be sure to turn the jars so that the faces of the thermometers are not facing the sun.
20. Place the plastic wrap and rubber band over the opening of Model #2, and immediately record

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the temperature of each model in Data Table 4. See Figure 11.

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Figure 11. Model #1 with no covering and Model #2 covered with clear plastic wrap secured by
a rubber band.
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21. Continue to record the temperature every 5 minutes for an hour in Data Table 4.
22. Record notes and observations as the experiment progresses. Describe in detail any changes
inside of the models. Make note of changes in cloud coverage and light exposure in the
comments section of Data Table 4 next to the time of the observation.

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 Experiment The Scientific Method

23. Calculate the change in temperature for each model by subtracting the final temperature from
the initial temperature. Record the change in temperature in Data Table 4.

Note: If the thermometers measure in Fahrenheit, be sure to convert each reading to Celsius after the
experiment is complete using the following equation:

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24. Create a line graph of temperature versus time, similar to Figure 12. Place time on the horizontal
axis (x-axis) and temperature on the vertical axis (y-axis). The graph should have two lines total,

nb
representing Model #1 and Model #2.

tu
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Figure 12. Example line graph of temperature versus time for three different models.
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25. Resize and insert an image of the graph into Data Table 5 of your Lab Report Assistant. Refer
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to the appendix entitled, “Resizing an Image” for guidance.

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26. Describe the trends in the graph. Indicate which model held more heat and which model had
the greatest increase in temperature. Relate patterns in the graph to the observations recorded
in Data Table 5.
27. Indicate whether or not the hypothesis was supported or rejected, and explain why in Data
Table 5.

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 Experiment The Scientific Method

Cleanup:
28. Remove the thermometers from the glasses.
29. Dispose of the plastic wrap.
30. Clean and dry the glasses.

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Questions

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A. Compare temperature measurements between the two models. Which model showed the

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greatest increase in temperature? Which model showed the least increase? Answer these
questions by writing a short, descriptive paragraph comparing the models.

nb
B. Describe the role of the plastic wrap in the experiment including both the similarities and
dissimilarities to greenhouse gases.

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C. If a third model (Model #3) was created by adding greenhouse gases, such as water vapor or

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carbon dioxide, and covered with plastic wrap and put into direct sunlight with Model #2, how
would the temperatures vary? Explain your answer.Sm
D. Relate the findings of this experiment to global warming. Include the benefits of greenhouse
gases, but also describe the impact that excessive amounts of greenhouse gases have on global
temperatures.
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E. List each step of the scientific method. Describe how the experimental procedures applied
to each step. Note: Since you are not expected to perform a peer review verification or
communicate results to the science community, the description for those steps can be indicated
d

as “Not applicable.”
e
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file
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 Experiment The Scientific Method

Exercise 3: Design and Perform your own Experiment

In this exercise, you will use the scientific method to research and design an experiment that
models ocean temperatures and sea ice. You will then conduct the experiment and relate your
findings to the impact that rising ocean temperatures have on global climate change.
Procedure

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1. Use the scientific method to investigate the effects of melting sea ice on ocean temperatures.
Using the Scientific Method Template in your Lab Report Assistant, you will record background

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information, describe the experiment in detail, and analyze your results.

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2. Conduct background research on melting sea ice, specifically the effects it has on ocean
temperatures. Be sure to cite your sources. Here are a few points to get you started:

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a. Where does sea ice occur on Earth?
b. How does sea ice influence global climate?

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c. How are areas covered by sea ice different from areas without sea ice in terms of solar

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energy absorption and reflection? Sm
d. What impacts will melting sea ice have specifically on climate change?
e. List 2-3 negative ecological and/or economical impacts of melting sea ice.
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3. Consider your research and think about a potential question and an experimental design to
test the question. A common experimental setup for modeling ocean ice is shown in Figure 13:
water-filled containers represent the ocean and aluminum foil represents ice. If you choose a
d

similar experiment, consider what conditions you will apply in the experimental design. Here
e

are some questions to ask yourself:

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a. What types of containers should be used (juice or milk cartons, glass containers, or
plastic bins)? Should the containers be equal sizes? How much water will be added?
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b. What material will model ice? (Aluminum foil, a mirror, or a different piece of metal?)
c. What will represent the Sun? (Actual sunlight, a heat lamp, or an incandescent bulb?)
is
file
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 Experiment The Scientific Method

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nb
tu
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Sm
Figure 13. Example of an experimental setup for determining the relationship between water
temperature and sea ice.
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4. The “Experimental Design” should include:

d

a. A list of materials.
e

b. A description of the experiment or a list of procedural steps. (This should be specific

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enough that another scientist could replicate the experiment.)

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c. A list of the independent variable(s), dependent variable(s), and control group.

d. A photo of the experimental setup, like the one shown in Figure 13.
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e. A well-articulated hypothesis.
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5. The “Results and Observations” should include:

a. All pertinent observations and experimental notes.
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b. At least one data table.

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c. At least one visual representation of data, such as a bar or line graph.

6. The “Conclusions” should include a summary of your results and indicate whether or not the
hypothesis was supported and why. The conclusions should also relate the experiment you
designed to the broader phenomenon of sea ice and global temperature.

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 Experiment The Scientific Method

7. When you are finished uploading photos and data into your Lab Report Assistant, save and
zip your file to send to your instructor. Refer to the appendix entitled “Saving Correctly,” and
the appendix entitled “Zipping Files,” for guidance with saving the Lab Report Assistant in the
correct format.

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Questions
A. List the possible flaws with your experimental design, and describe how they could be corrected.

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B. Use the findings from your research to develop a new question for future research that could
be conducted to add to your experiment.

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C. Relate the findings of your experiment to the impact rising ocean temperatures has on global

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climate change.

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e d
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file
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