1. Steps to experimenting while maintaining lab safety
Scientific Method
Steps to experimenting while maintaining lab safety

2. Parts of an Experiment Variables (independent and dependent)
independent variables are changed by the person performing the experiment (X-axis on a graph)
dependent variables are the result/effect of the independent variable, what we measure (Y-axis on the graph)

3. Parts of an Experiment cont.
Experimental Groups and Control Groups
Experimental Groups are the items (plants, animals, people) in the experiment that get experimented on
Control Groups are the items (plants, animals, people) in the experiment that do not get anything done to them, therefore, we can observe the effect of the independent variable (what the experimenter changed on purpose)

4. Parts of an Experiment cont
Constants are items in the experiment that do not change.
Items that are the same for the experimental groups and control groups

5. Independent Variable- what I change (the intervention)
Dependent Variable- what I observe (outcome)
Controlled Variable- what I keep the same

6. PRACTICE: IV vs. DV Your grade is affected by how much you study.
Amount of sunlight has an influence on plant growth.
3. Create your own example…

7. Variables in a Scientific Experiment
Question
Independent Variable (What I change)
**Only change one thing!!!**
Dependent Variables (What I observe)
Controlled Variables (What I keep the same)
How much water flows through a faucet at different openings?
Water faucet opening (closed, half open, fully open)
Amount of water flowing measured in
liters per minute
1. The Faucet
2. Water pressure
or how much
the water is
"pushing"

8. Step 1-Identify Research Question or Problem
Usually given by teacher
Usually developed by making observations and inferences about some circumstance or occurrence
Lab report-write label and write out as stated
Research Question: What is the effective allergy drug for mold?

9. Step 2-Hypothesize
Independent and dependent variable are identifiable in statement
If, then form
Lab report-write label and hypothesis clearly
Hypothesis: If Tony consumes allegro, then he will not show symptoms of allergies to mold such as watery eyes and constant sneezing.

10. Step 3-Perform the Experiment
Follow procedures carefully and accurately
Usually procedures are written out and modeled by the teacher
Filled out data chart is evidence the experiment was performed
Lab report-Data label and data chart

11. Step 4-Analyze and Conclude
Create a graph of your data
Compare your results in your data chart with your hypothesis and make factual comments
Offer reasonable explanations for any out of the ordinary results
Suggest future research
Lab report-Analysis and Conclusions label

12. Step 5-Repeat for Reliability and Validity
Repeat the lab when time allows
Usually repeating the lab 3’x will be adequate

13. Check for Understanding…which part do the statements belong to?
The data do not support my hypothesis.
If I place the plant in the shade it will not grow tall.
The boy missed one day of the exercise routine and could not lift as much as the other students
What route is the fastest route to the lunch room?

14. Check for Understanding…can you identify all the parts in this experiment?
One sunny afternoon, three 14 year old females decided to run the track to test out different sneaker brands and the occurrence of blisters. After a 3 mile run, student 1 who wore nikes had 2 blisters, student 2 who wore adidas had 5 blisters, and student 3 who wore generic brand X had 1 blister.

15. Answers Independent Variable: shoe brand
Dependent Variable: number of blisters
Control Group: student 3 only if generic brand was standard.
Experimental Group: all three girls
Constants: all girls same age, same surface, time of day, distance

16. Lab Safety
Can you guess 2 of the 5 safety rules based on these cartoons?

17. Lab Safety Expectations put in place to protect YOU!!
#1-no food or drink in the lab
#2-dress appropriately
#3-keep area clean and orderly
#4-no horseplay of any kind
#5-always follow teacher directions