Scientific Methodology
SC.912. N.1.1 Define a problem based on a specific body of knowledge, for example: biology, chemistry, physics, and earth/space science, and do the following:
1. Pose questions about the natural world
2. Conduct systematic observations (Write procedures that are clear and replicable. Identify observables and examine relationships between test (independent) variable and outcome (dependent) variable.
3. Examine books and other sources of information to see what is already known
4. Review what is known in light of empirical evidence
5. Plan investigations
6. Use tools to gather, analyze, and interpret data (this includes the use of measurement in metric and other systems, and also the generation and interpretation of graphical representations of data, including data tables and graphs) Collect data or evidence in an organized way. Properly use instruments, equipment, and materials
7. Pose answers, explanations, or descriptions of events
8. Generate explanations that explicate or describe natural phenomena (inferences)
9. Use appropriate evidence and reasoning to justify these explanations to others
10. Communicate results of scientific investigations
11. Evaluate the merits of the explanations produced by others.
Independent Variable(Manipulated/Tested) : Nitrogen added
Dependent Variable (Responding/Outcome): Growth of Marsh Grass
Control: No nitrogen added
Constants/Controlled Variables:
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similar plots of marsh grass
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plots with similar plant density
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same soil type
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same input of freshwater
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same height above average sea level
Why is it important to select similar plots of marsh grass for this experiment?
To truly know if the effect (the growth) is due to the factor being tested (the nitrogen), all other factors must be controlled or as similar as possible. You want to introduce as little variability as possible.
SC.912.N.1.4 Identify sources of information, and assess their reliability according to the strict standards of scientific investigation.
SC.912.N.1.6 Describe how scientific inferences are drawn from scientific observations, and provide examples from the content being studied.
SC.912.L.14.4 Compare and contrast structure and function of various types of microscopes.