1. Lesson 4: Introduction to Experimental Design
9/1 (A Day) and 9/2 (B Day)

2. DO Now:
Write two inferences to explain why the person is lying on the ground.
For each inference site evidence
from the picture.
Essential Question:
What makes the study of biology different from all other disciplines?
Objective: SWBAT conduct a mealworm experiment in order to identify and describe the elements of a controlled experiment. .

3. Lesson Overview HOMEWORK AGENDA 1.2 Methods of Biology
Biology Notebook
Due 9/3 (A) & 9/4 (B)
*Next Class
AGENDA
Discussion/ Notes -Experimental Design
Misbehaving Mealworms Lab
Setting the Stage
Some Like it Dark

4. Housekeeping Lab Safety Edmodo Biology Notebook (9/3, 9/4)
You will not be able to participate in lab until you turn in a signed copy of your lab safety contract
Edmodo
Class Name: Biology
Group Code: 57beyu
Biology Notebook (9/3, 9/4)
Exam Grade
Parent
Extra Credit

5. Scientific Method Question Research Hypothesis Experiment Data/Results
Conclusion

6. Experimental Design
Plan an experiment in which you can test your hypothesis.
Experiment must be a controlled experiment.
Test one variable at a time (experimental variable)
Controlled experiments include two groups:
Experimental group – receives treatment
Control group – no treatment
Variables
Independent Variable: The factor that is deliberately manipulated in an experiment (also experimental variable)
Dependent variable: The variable that is changed or effected by manipulation of the independent variable. It is what is measure in the experiment

7. Repeatable and Reliable
Constants
Factors that must remain the same so they do not influence the outcome of the experiment
Accounting for constants ensures you are testing only one variable
Sample Size
The number of subjects involved in experimentation
Replications
Decreases impact of chance events and error
Increase reliability of results

8. Let’s Practice! Problem:
Which operating system, iPhones or Droids have a longer battery life?
Hypothesis:
Independent Variable:
Dependent Variable:
Control Group:
Experimental Group:

9. Let’s Practice! Problem:
Does the temperature of a lake effect a fish's ability to produce viable offspring?
Hypothesis:
Independent Variable:
Dependent Variable:
Control Group:
Experimental Group:

10. Misbehaving Mealworms Lab

11. Setting the Stage
create a circular area to observe mealworms’ behavior
use scissors to cut paper to fit the bottom of dissecting pan
Be sure to tape the sheet into the pan so mealworms can’t crawl under paper
trace a circle around bottom of 150 mL beaker in center of paper

12. Some Like it Dark Do mealworms prefer light or dark environments?
fit piece of aluminum foil tightly across top of one half of dissecting pan
arrange pan so uncovered side is well-lit but covered side is dark
fold index card to use as a scoop
use paintbrush to carefully brush 10 mealworms onto card and transfer to 150mL beaker
pour into circle
observe 5-10 minutes
record your observations