Sc-Using the Scientific Method: Writing Assignment

Design an example experiment that follows the scientific method. You do not need to actually conduct the experiment at this point. Instead, you will imagine conducting it and what results might happen. The purpose of this assignment is to practice thinking scientifically.

First, think of a straightforward question or observation in your own life that you could explore scientifically. Do you have a pet, family member, or friend with a strange behavior, eating, or sleeping habit? (Example: My cat refuses to eat at night.) This is the observation or question for your experiment.

Next, write the six steps of the scientific method and in 1 to 3 sentences each, briefly describe the part of your experiment that relates to that step. (For the research step, you can describe what you would read about if you were really researching this topic.)

Look at the following example before you begin this assignment. Visit this link for help in how to correctly write a hypothesis

1. Observation/Question: My cat refuses to eat at night.2. Research: I would read about the behavior and physiology of cats, and specifically what they do at

night.3. Hypothesis: If the cat doesn't eat at night then her eyesight is going bad and she can't find the food.4. Experiment: I will set up an experiment where I will put food under a lamp on one side of the room for

her to find easily. I will also still have food in its regular place, in the dark (this is the control).5. Results: My cat still isn't eating any of the food.6. Conclusion: My hypothesis has been proven false. Finding the food in the dark is not the cat's

problem. Further experiments could test her levels of hunger throughout the day and night, temperature changes in the house compared with eating levels, types of food offered, whether she only eats in the presence of other people.....(come up with several other experiments that you could conduct to continue your research, whether or not your hypothesis was proved true.)

Each step and its explanation is worth 5 points. The entire assignment with all 6 steps identified correctly and an accurate explanation of your experiment for each step is worth 30 points.

For more information visit the Science Resources website

1. Observation/Question

2. Research

3. Hypothesis

4. Experiment

5. Results

6. Conclusion