Name :____________________
Hour: _______________
Lab Exercise 3 Unit 1
Scientific Process
The scientific process is a systematic way that scientists use to solve problems in a
logical fashion. In this lab, you will use the scientific process to determine whether or
not cold temperatures affect your ability to write accurately.
Background Information: Background information for this lab comes from your previous
experiences in cold weather. Think about how your muscles and joints feel after you
have been out in the cold for a while. Use this knowledge to help make a hypothesis for
the experiment today.
BEFORE making a hypothesis, read through the experimental procedure so you know
exactly what we will be testing for.
HYPOTHESIS:
Once you have made a hypothesis, you should predict the results of the experiment based
on that hypothesis.
PREDICTIONS:
Times touched normal
Times touched cold
EXPERIMENT:
1. Pick up the circular diagram labeled CONTROL. Place the tip of your pen or pencil
in the center of the diagram. NOW, as quickly as possible stay within the black lines
and draw in your own line spiraling from the center of the diagram toward the edges.
2. Count the number of times you touched the black lines. REPEAT this 2 more times
with clean diagrams and record the number of times you touched the black lines on
the data table.
3. Next, soak your hand in ice water for 2 minutes and then immediately repeat the
procedure with the circular diagram labeled EXPERIMENTAL. It is essential that
you do NOT let your hand warm up before starting the diagrams. You do NOT have
to soak your hand 3 times in a row as long as you complete the 3 experimental
diagrams immediately after your initial ice soak. Record your results on the data
table.
DATA TABLE:
Activity
Normal
Temperature
Trial 1
Trial 2
Trial 3
Average
Cold
Temperature
ANALYZING YOUR RESULTS:
Make a bar graph of your results. A graph is a quick way to visualize your results.
# of times
line touched
Temperature
For the experiment done today, identify each of the following:
a. Independent variable (for this experiment) ______________________________
b. Dependent variable (for this experiment) _______________________________
CONCLUSIONS:
Write a conclusion in the space below: A conclusion is an explanation of the results.
This should be in paragraph form. To write a conclusion, you should
1. Restate the problem
2. Restate your hypothesis
3. Summarize the results.
4. Identify whether your results support your hypothesis.
5. Mention any possible sources of error.
6. If your hypothesis needs to be revised, then include that.
Conclusion:
EXPERIMENTAL
CONTROL