BIO-PROCESS LAB (B) 2010 KAREN LANCOUR Bio-Process Lab NATIONAL SUPERVISOR karenlancour@charter.net

Bio-Process Lab (B) Event Description - lab-oriented competition involving the fundamental science processes of a middle school biology lab program Event – lab practical in stations Event Parameters – be sure to check the rules for resources allowed, type of goggles needed.

TRAINING MATERIALS Training Handout – content Event Supervisor Guide – sample stations, process skills, methods Internet Resource – links to on-line courses, lab manuals, notes, sites Sample Tournaments – sample stations with key

Basic Science Process Skills Observing Measuring Inferring Classifying Predicting Communicating

Integrated Science Process Skills Formulating Hypothesis Identifying Variables Defining Variables Operationally Describing Relationships Between Variables Designing Investigations Experimenting Acquiring Data Analyzing Investigations and Their Data Understanding Cause and Effect Relationships Formulating Models

Student Preparation Team work skills Time limits Answering questions Measurement and Calculations Reference materials Practice using labs and lab manuels Construct sample stations

Compound Microscope Parts Making wet mount Appearance of objects Movement of objects Magnification Changing objects Estimating size of objects Field diameter & area

Principles of Microscopy

Measuring objects

Stereomicroscope Parts Appearance of objects Magnification Advantages Uses Observing objects

Electronic Balance Capacity Units Tare or Zero Err Using the Balance Advantages & Disadvantages

Triple Beam Balance Capacity – auxillary weights Units – numbered and unnumbered increments Tare Using the Balance Advantages & Disadvantages

Measuring Liquids Estimating Meniscus – read bottom Capacity and Range Graduations – numbered and unnumbered increments Readability Making measurements Estimating

Metric ruler and calipers Capacity and Range Numbered and unnumbered increments cm vs mm Uses of each Making measurements Estimating Vernier Scale

Thermometers Capacity and Range Do not start at zero Numbered and unnumbered increments Uses of each Making measurements Estimating

Probes Graphing calculator Easy link or CBL Probe Collect data onto calculator Transfer data to computer Graph analysis Quick data collection

Data Presentation and Analysis- Data Tables Format Title Units of measurement Numbering Tables Source Leg (thigh) Length (cm) Time of 40 yard dash (sec) 24 9 31 9.2 37 11 38 10 39 8.2 42 8.4 55 9.3 62

Data Presentation and Analysis-Graphs Graph – types X vs Y axis Scaling axis Plotting points Human Error Curve or best fit line Labeling

Human Mistakes vs Experimental Errors Human Mistakes – carelessness Experimental Error – instrument variation or technique Random Error – chance variation Systematic Error – system used for designing or conducting experiment

A Sample Dichotomous Key 1. wings covered by an exoskeleton . . . . . . go to step 2   1. wings not covered by an exoskeleton. . . . go to step 3 2 body has a round shape. . . . . . . . ladybug   2 body has an elongated shape. . . . . .grasshopper   3.wings point out from the side of the body . . dragonfly 3 wings point to the posterior of the body.. . . . Housefly Note: There should be one less step than the total number of organisms to be identified in your dichotomous key.  

Sample Stations – Population Density Measure sample area Determine population density for symbols Assign an organism to symbols Form a food chain Evaluate sample – predict techniques, etc.

Sample Station – Dichotomous Key Have specimens of leaves Formulate a key or use a key to identify specimens

Sample Station - Measurement Identify range, capacity, incrementation Do measurement – estimate last digit

Sample Station – Experiment Analysis Analyze the design of the experiment Identify variables Explain results – form conclusions

Sample Station – Microscopy Determine the diameter of the field and the length of one cell in mm and convert to mcm.

Sample Station – Data Analysis Making hypotheses Food web analysis Eating habit analysis Predictions and conclusions Inferences

Sample Station – pH Determine the pH of various solutions using either pH probe or pH test papers.