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The Scientific Method Hands-On Labs, Inc. Version 42-0313-00-01

Read the entire exercise before you begin. Take time to organize the materials you will need and set aside a safe work space in which to complete the exercise.

Experiment Summary:

In this experiment, you will identify the importance of science and how it is a part of our daily lives. You will list and describe the steps of the scientific method, and define control groups, independent and dependent variables, and quantitative and qualitative data. You will also conduct research on topics associated with global climate change, develop hypotheses, and conduct experiments to test those hypotheses. Finally, you will use all of the knowledge gained throughout the lab to design your own experiment that demonstrates the importance of sea ice in regards to global temperatures.

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EXPERIMENT

Learning Objectives Upon completion of this laboratory, you will be able to:

● Relate science to your daily life.

● List and describe the steps of the scientific method.

● Describe controlled experiments and define conditions, independent and dependent variables, and controls.

● Differentiate between qualitative and quantitative data.

● Demonstrate the weight difference between dry air and carbon dioxide (CO2).

● Model the effects on temperature of normal and excess levels of greenhouse gases.

● Design your own experiment to model the effects of sea ice on water temperatures.

Time Allocation: 5 hours

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Experiment The Scientific Method

Materials Student Supplied Materials

Quantity Item Description 1 Baking soda 1 Bottle of vinegar 1 Box of matches or lighter 1 Candle 1 Clear plastic wrap 1 Coffee cup 2 Containers of equal size; Suggestions:

- Plastic containers - Milk cartons - Cardboard boxes - Glass dishes

1 Digital camera or smartphone 1 Dish soap 2 Large jars or glasses (with no bottleneck) 1 Measuring cup, 1 cup 1 Metal kitchen spoon 1 Pair of scissors 1 Pen or pencil 1 Reflective surface; Suggestions:

- Aluminum Foil - Mirror - Slab of metal

1 Roll of paper towels 1 Rubber band 1 Set of measuring spoons, 1 tablespoon and 1 teaspoon 2 Sheets of white paper 1 Source of heat; Suggestions:

- Direct sunlight - Heat lamp - Incandescent light (non-LED/energy saving light bulb)

1 Source of tap water 1 Stopwatch or timer 1 Tape, clear

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Experiment The Scientific Method

2 Thermometers, analog mercury filled* 1 White paper product:

- Construction paper - Card stock - Foam board - Poster board

*The recommended thermometers for performing this experiment are standard oral or anal analog thermometers that can be found at pet stores or drug stores. If you do not have access to two analog thermometers, one digital thermometer may replace one of the analog thermometers for Exercise 2. If you choose to do this, be certain to include this information in your Lab Report Assistant to account for variability in using two different materials. For Exercise 3, digital thermometers may be used if necessary.

To fully and accurately complete all lab exercises, you will need access to:

1. A computer to upload digital camera or smartphone images.

2. Basic photo editing software such as Microsoft® Word or PowerPoint®, to add labels, leader lines, or text to digital photos.

3. Subject-specific textbook or appropriate reference resources from lecture content or other suggested resources.

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Experiment The Scientific Method

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Experiment The Scientific Method

Background What Has Science Done for You Lately?

The modern world would not be so advanced if it were not for technology, courtesy of science. Science is responsible for most modern conveniences such as electricity, raw material production, communication resources, and agricultural practices that supply food worldwide. Health care would not be what it is today without science. We would not have X-ray or MRI machines, prosthetics, medications or vaccinations, or knowledge that hand-washing reduces the spread of disease- causing microbes. Science is the foundation for most innovations. Science promoted the invention of cars in the 1800’s, and science continues to contribute to current transportation innovations such as improved gas mileage, reduced carbon emissions, and new discoveries regarding alternative fuels. Science also promotes the conservation of our planet through the preservation of millions of living species. See Figure 1.