The Inquiry Process Manipulating Variables

Observations – Day #1 Making Qualitative and Quantitative observations Qualitative = characteristics or quality Ex. Color, shape, texture… Quantitative = numerical Ex. Measurement

Your Paper Day #1 Name Class Period Questions (Day #1): 1.Observations with original recipe? Qualitative (at least 3): Quantitative (at least 3): 2.Measurement and units? 3.Observations with modified recipe? Qualitative (at least 3): Quantitative (at least 3): 4.What do you want to investigate further? End of Day #1 Changes to Recipe 1.Added 1 scoop sugar water 2.Added 1 scoop salt water 3.Added 1 scoop mineral oil Etc… Bubbles Lab

Variables – Day #2 Manipulated: Variations of MV (at least 4) Responding: Controlled:

Testable Question – Day #2 How does an increase in the ___MV___ affect the ___ RV ___?

Hypothesis – Day #2 If the ____MV____ increases or decreases then the ____ RV ____ will increase / decrease / stay the same because ___give your reasoning here___.

Your Paper Day #2 Questions (Day #2): 5.Testable Question How does increasing the _____ affect the ______? 6.Variables Manipulated Variable (MV): Responding Variable (RV): 3 - Controlled Variables (CV): 7.Hypothesis If the ____ increases, then the ____ will increase/decrease/stay same because_____.

An Issue with Control Same word, two different concepts… Controlled variables: variables that stay constant through the experiment Experimental control: the variation of the experiment that DOESN’T get the MV. The EC acts as a baseline so that you can compare all of your other results to it.

Designing YOUR Experiment – Day #2 (materials + procedure + data) Materials Give a detailed list of the items used Include how much / many and sizes used Procedure Explain each step of the process thoroughly and clearly Establish which MV variation will act as your experimental control / baseline Describe how you will keep all of the CV’s constant throughout the experiment Identify the experimental control group

Data RV (measurement & units) MV variations Trial 1Trial 2Trial 3Average 1 tsp. of soap 2 tsp. of soap 3 tsp. of soap 4 tsp. of soap

Your Paper Day #2 8.Experimental Design Materials: 1-50 mL beaker, 6 scoops Dawn dish soap, 120 mL tap water, etc… Assume that there are 5 mL per scoop Procedure: Step by step instruction which includes controlled variables and how/when to measure data Includes experimental control (what serves as your baseline?) Describe how you will keep all of the c.v.s constant throughout the experiment Data Table (include MV & RV) Instructor Initials of Approval: ____________

Conduct Experiment – Day #3 With your group, conduct your experiment and collect your data.

Analysis – Day #3 Calculate the average diameter for each test. Create a graph, showing the results from your experiment Put the MV on the x-axis, label & include units Put the RV on the y-axis, label & include units Title the graph “The effect of different ___MV___ on the ___ RV ___” Plot your data

Your Paper Day #3 Graph: MV on x-axis, RV on y-axis (include units and labels) Title graph “The affect of _MV on RV.” RV MV Title

Conclusion – Day #3 Write the following in paragraph form: Restate problem (direct or paraphrase) Support or reject hypothesis (restate hypothesis) Support Statement with Evidence Make a relationship statement between the MV and the RV… This is where you ANSWER THE testable QUESTION!!! Refer to key data (use at least two items for comparison) Discuss errors (at least 2… they DO exist!!!) How did each error impact the results? How could those errors be minimized in the future? Next steps & application How can these findings be applied to real life? What question would you present to be answered in a future experiment, based on what you learned or what sparked your interest from this investigation?

Your Paper Day #3 Questions (Day #3): 9.Conclusion Support or Reject Hypothesis (restate the hypothesis) Support Statement with Evidence Make a relationship statement between the MV and the RV… This is where you ANSWER THE testable QUESTION!!! Refer to key data (use at least two items for comparison) Discuss Errors (they DO happen!) Must have AT LEAST 2 How did they impact the results? Next Steps & Application How does your experiment apply to real life? What is something new you could test with relationship to your recipe? What sparked your interest for future investigation? End of Day #3