Bell Ringers Learning Target: I can analyze my experimental data and draw a conclusion. Bell Ringer: John wanted to learn about how light affects plants. He cut a hole in the end of four boxes and placed one seedling in each of the boxes. He arranged them as shown in the diagram, placing a fifth plant in the center of the boxes. John place a light source over the entire arrangement. Identify the following: Independent Variable Dependent Variable Standardized Variables

Experiment Conclusion Completing Your Experiment

Reflecting on What You’ve Learned What did you learn from your experiment? What would you do different? What else would you like to learn? What other experiments would you like to do?

Interpreting Your Data Use the information recorded in your journal to reach a conclusion The interpretation of your data should be done directly in your journal.

Specific Ways to Interpret Your Data Average the numbers Compare beginning numbers to each other. Compare beginning numbers to final numbers. Compare final numbers to each other.

Communicating Your Data Graph A diagram that exhibits a relationship, often functional,  between two sets of numbers  Independent and dependent variable A pictorial device used to illustrate quantitative relationships.

Kinds of Graphs Bar Graphs – compare results of several experiments or experimental groups at a single point in time. Line Graphs – show the progression of an individual experiment or experimental group over a period of time. Circle Graphs – express data as percentages of a whole.

Characteristics of a Good Graph They should be neat and colorful They are large enough to be clearly seen. They clearly show the differences among the variables. They are easily and quickly understood. They should be designed on a computer Create a Graph

Characteristics of a Good Graph They include a key to explain the colors or symbols used. They have a title that tells their purpose. They have labels for each axis to indicate what it represents and what measuring units it uses. They use equal intervals on each axis.

Forming a Conclusion Study your data Does the data support my hypothesis? If the data supports your hypothesis, your conclusion should be a restatement of your hypothesis.

Forming a Conclusion If the data does not support your hypothesis, study the information in your journal to find the reason. Incorrect or incomplete data Unplanned events – contaminated materials, accidents, additional variables Incorrect hypothesis Form a new conclusion based on your data.

Writing the Experiment Evaluation Procedure Results/Data Conclusion

Procedure In one paragraph, briefly review your experiment. Include your hypothesis. Independent variable Dependent variable

Results/Data State the outcome of your experiment. Include mathematical statistics. Results should be supported by charts and graphs. All measurements should be expressed in metric units.

Conclusion State whether your results support or contradict your hypothesis. State the relationship between the independent and dependent variable If your results did not support your hypothesis discuss possible reasons.

Conclusion Summarize and evaluate your experimental procedure, making comments about its success and effectiveness. State the practical benefits of this experiment. Suggest changes in the experimental procedure and ideas for further research and experimentation on this topic.