Lab 1 The Scientific Method and Termite Trails

Lab 1 The Scientific Method and Termite Trails

Welcome to NSBWhy do you need to know about Biology?

Stem cells, cloning, DNA, genetic testing, vaccines, evolution, bioethics, animal and plant diversity, mutations, antibiotic resistance, viruses, diseases, global warming, energy, fossil fuels, genetically engineered foods.

These things affect you EVERY DAY. You want to be informed, so you can make smart choices.

Why do I need to take a lab?We know you arent looking to be a scientistBut you will have experiences that involve science EVERY DAY.Labs provide a hands-on, active approach to learning.Labs demonstrate The Scientific Method.Labs show how simple research can affect the way you approach problems.Natural Science SyllabusGradingQuizzesAttendanceParticipationPaper/PresentationCode of ConductElectronic Communications4Lab ManualMust be purchased for lab. Available in Bookstore.Needed every week to turn in your questions. This is how you get your participation points.

5In the lab - Lab EquipmentAlways check to make sure you have all the needed equipment before you begin your lab.

Lab equipment must always be stored properly and cleaned to avoid contamination. Never put away equipment that is dirty.

Safety Procedures1. Never conduct any laboratory experiments until proper instructions have been given and a instructor is present.2. If something goes wrong while performing a laboratory experiment, immediately get the attention of the instructor.3. Always read the instructions and safety precautions before beginning an experiment.

Designing an ExperimentEach of the NSB Labs has been designed to give you a big picture view of Biology. Each lab has the same format a short lecture, background information, materials, the procedure, collecting data, and questions designed to assess your understanding.Each lab follows the messy cycle called The Scientific MethodThe Scientific Method starts, stops, moves forward, moves backward, and rarely just follows the circle.

Much of what we do in science DOES NOT involve experimentsMuch of science is making observations and descriptions.Different sizesDifferent colorsDifferent structuresDifferent functions

Then, we make predictions about WHY things might be different

Forming a HypothesisForming a hypothesis first involves observation. Then, ask a question about something you observe. Your hypothesis will be a possible answer to that question. Remember a hypothesis does not have to be correct; it simply has to be testable. In fact, often hypotheses are wrong. However, even a wrong hypothesis is useful because it helps you rule out ideas.

Testing a HypothesisYou must design a controlled experiment to test a hypothesis. A controlled experiment tests only one factor at a time.

Dependent v. Independent VariableIndependent Variable ChangedThe one factor that YOU alter between experimental groupsDependent Variable MeasuredYour result (data), (depends on what is changed)

Data Collection TechniquesAll of the information collected during a scientific investigation is known as data. Data can be collected through the following techniques:Quantitative measurement numbers such as weight, volume, or how many legs

Qualitative observation colors, size, shape, feeling

Analyzing DataData can be analyzed by making inferences from and recognizing patterns in the data. You might use the following methods to analyze your data:

statistical analysis

creating graphs

organizing data into tables and charts

Data Collection and Sample SizeThe larger the amount of data collected, The larger the sample size, The more times the experiment is repeated, The more valid the results.

Collect and Interpret DataPrecision in Data CollectionWhen you collect data you need to be concerned about precision and accuracy. Precision refers to how consistent and reproducible a measurement is. A good rule of thumb is to take measurements two or three times (called replicates) in order to ensure precision Accuracy in Data CollectionAccuracy refers to the correctness of a measurement. Data will be useless unless it is collected accurately.

Precision vs. Accuracy

Which piece of equipment would be best for accurately measuring 76 ml?

Do I have a theory, or do I have a hypothesis?Scientists use the word theory differently than the general public.Ascientific theoryis a set ofprinciplesthat explain and predictphenomena. Scientists create scientific theories with thescientific method, when they are originally proposed ashypothesesand tested for accuracy through observationsandexperiments.Once a hypothesis is verified, it becomes a theory.Whats YOUR hypothesis?The termites used in this experiment are a group of social insects usually classified at the taxonomic rank of order Isoptera. As truly social animals, they are termed eusocial .Eusocial animals display several characteristics they have a queen, workers or laborers, defenders, colonies, castes but WHY????

How to do the labRead the background informationLook at your materials and procedure what are you going to do, and WHY?Follow directions, and fill in your data sheet for Lab 1.Make sure your full, real name, section, and TA are on the handout, and turn it in.You arent finished until your lab station is clean and ready for the next class.22