Lab#1 - How is a controlled experiment formed?

Have you ever wondered whether light or dark clothing would be more comfortable on a hot, sunny day?  Scientists conduct scientific experiments to solve problems like this.  They use a process called the scientific method.

Problem

How does color affect heat absorption?

Hypothesis

Materials

Virtual Lab CD-Rom

Procedure

Follow the procedure found on the Virtual Lab CD-Rom.

  

Results

Jacket Color	Denim 'C
Black
Blue
Green
Yellow
White

  

Analysis

1. What was the problem you were trying to solve?

2.  What was the independent variable? 

3. What was the dependent variable? 

  

4. What were your constants?

5. What else could you have tested in this experiment?  Explain.

6. How does the color of the jacket affect heat absorption?

7. Describe the strengths and weaknesses of the computer model you used in the experiment.  How could you go about conducting this experiment with your jackets?

Conclusion

The Scientific Method

1.       Recognize the problem: State what you want to find out.

2.       Form a hypothesis: A prediction that you want to test.

3.       Test the hypothesis: State the steps you will take to your hypothesis.  Then design and conduct your experiment.  Make observations.  Record your results.

4.       Analyze the data: Explain any patterns you see.  Organize your observations and data into a usable table.

5.       Draw conclusions: Is your hypothesis correct?  Describe what your observations and data indicate about your hypothesis.  Did your data support your hypothesis?  Decide whether your hypothesis was supported.  If not, take another look at the problem and propose a new hypothesis.  

Independent Variable – Which variable did “I” change?  This is the variable that we manipulated and changed.

Dependent Variable – This variable changes because “I” changed the Independent Variable.  This is what we measured.

Constants – These are the variables that DO NOT change.  They remain the same or constant.