Solving Problems in Science and Experimental

DesignIntroduction to Biology

MHS Biology Department

Make Observations that lead to a question or a problem that needs to be solved.

Propose a hypothesis Design and perform an experiment.

(remember that all experiments are controlled)

Analyze your data and determine whether or not to accept your hypothesis.

If necessary, propose and test a new hypothesis.

What are the steps that scientists take to solve problems or answer questions?

Problem 1: How strong is a Bess Bug? (Hint -determine the strength of a bess bug)

Here is you turn to solve a problem using the Scientific Method

3 – 4 students per bess bug is maximum within a group

READ the entire lab BEFORE designing your lab.

Assess and inventory the materials that you are provided before designing your experiment.

All experiments have controls. You will need to make and record

measurements and have multiple trials. You will be graphing your results.

Guidelines

Do you have a complete materials list? Did you write out and/or provide a labeled

drawing for your procedure? Did you collect data and perform multiple

trials ( you can obtain data from other groups)

Did you graph your data? Did you perform and submit calculations? Did you Answer the Analysis Questions that

are at the end of the lab?

Part 1: Check Your Lab – Is it Complete?

Compare your results with another lab group.◦ Did both groups use same measurement

systems? Why or Why not?◦ How could you design this lab so that it would be

more universal and easier to share results?◦ How strong was your Bess Bug?◦ What units of measurement did you use?◦ Did you design a controlled experiment? Defend

your answer. Remember that controlled experiments have only the dependent and independent variables.

Follow Up Questions

Problem 2: Is a Bess Bug stronger than a human? (Hint – you will need to have a means of comparison)

Follow Up Brain Teaser!

Is a Bess Bug stronger than a human? Explain how you could determine if a bess

bug is stronger than a human. (BRIEFLY) Research the strength of humans and

compare your research data to your bess bug collected data.

BRIEFLY explain how you could obtain the strength of a “human” experimentally.

Part 2: Honors Biology Classes