Lab 1 The Scientific Method Jonathan Montgomery jmont030@ucr.edu Section 43929: Tuesday 2:00-5:10 Section 42244: Wednesday 2:00-5:10 Scientific Method Overview Observation → Question → Hypothesis → Experiment → Analysis of Results ↓ Specific ↓ ↓ Testable and Independent falsifiable variable and control The strength of the scientific method for answering questions is due to its methodical and repeatable nature Laboratory Safety • Close-toed shoes & long pants • Carry microscopes with two hands • Evacuate in case of fire alarm • Alert instructor to broken glass • Read lab manual prior to lab • Important safety equipment: Fire extinguisher Chemical shower • Clean up (Take picture at beginning of lab) Designing Questions and Hypotheses • For questions to work in the scientific method, they should be specific and answerable using empirical data • Hypotheses represent possible answers to our questions, or possible explanations for an observation Dependent and Independent Variables • Independent- Changed by investigator • Dependent- Measured by investigator to determine effect of independent variable • Constant variables must be consistent between treatments Controls are identical to experimental treatment except for the variable being tested for effect Scientific Method Overview Observation → Question → Hypothesis → Experiment → Analysis of Results ↓ Specific ↓ ↓ Testable and Independent falsifiable variable and control Some consider publishing findings as the final step of the scientific method Activity #4 • Thumb wrestling • Think of measurements as variables normally manipulated in research Microscopy Microscopy • Focus microscope using objective lens with lowest magnification • At higher magnifications more light will be needed Learn the following terms and how changing magnification affects them: • Field of view • Brightness of field • Resolution Scientific Notation 0.000000475 ↓ 4.75 X 10-7 Exponent represents the number of digits you must move decimal 103=1 X 103 ↓ 1000