Name ______________________________________
Scientific Method: The Cricket Lab
Purpose:
 To practice the steps of the Scientific Method
 To learn how to use an OnLine Lab simulation
 To determine which environmental variables influence how fast a
cricket chirps
 To practice constructing data charts and graphs.
Instructions:
1. Copy and Paste the following link:
https://www.gc.maricopa.edu/biology/glacier/scientific_method/index.swf
2. Click “Continue” to begin. Place your initials in boxes and click “continue”.
3. Click “Tutorial” and navigate through and answer the following questions
Tutorial
Introduction:
1.: How many scientific methods do you think there are?
__________Why?______________________________________________
____________________________________________________________
2. Why do they compare the scientific method to a puzzle?_____________
____________________________________________________________
Define the problem:
3. What are the three important points to remember when stating or defining
a problem?
1.
2.
3.
Collect Information:
4. What is benefit of collecting information?
5. What’s another way to define hypothesis aside from “educated
guess”______________________________________________________
6. List two sources of information that can help you develop a hypothesis.
1.
2.
7. Why is important to carefully read and collect information when solving
problems? __________________________________________________
After completing the “Collect Information” click on “Test the
Hypothesis” on the left hand side. ( Skipping formulate a hypothesis)
Test a Hypothesis
8. What was the problem with Michael’s Experiment? __________________
____________________________________________________________
9. Why is it important to only have one independent variable? __________
____________________________________________________________
10. Which of the conditions do we know varied in Michael’s experiment?
____________________________________________________________
11. Why is impossible to determine is the effect of music on the flower
growth? _____________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________
12. What are controlled factors? __________________________________
____________________________________________________________
*Michael’s Plant growth experiment concludes our tutorial.
Move to the “Cricket Experiment” and complete the following:
Procedure:
1. Define the problem:
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
2. Follow the instructions for investigating the role of environmental variables on
cricket chirps.
3. Each group will be assigned a variable by your teacher.
Hypothesis:
Cricket chirps are affected by _____________________________________
4. Write your results in the data charts below
5. For your investigation, choose values that are higher and lower than those
indicated below. You may add rows to the data chart as needed.
You need to record as you go because this Online site does not work well
if you use the back button!
6. Graph your results using white paper and a ruler.
a. The independent variable
______________________________________
b. The dependent variable
_______________________________________
7. Make a conclusion about YOUR experiment.
8. When everyone is finished you will share your data with the class.
9. As a class you will come up with one conclusion.
Results: (Data Charts and Graphs):
Note: You will need to construct more rows for these data charts!
Data Chart A: Effect of Temperature on Crick Chirps
Temperature
Cricket Chirp Rate
(oC)
(chirps/minute)
25
148
Data Chart B: Effect of Atmospheric Pressure on
Crick Chirps
Atmospheric Pressure
Cricket Chirp Rate
(mm Hg)
(chirps/minute)
760
148
Data Chart C: Effect of Humidity on Crick Chirps
Humidity
Cricket Chirp Rate
(%)
(chirps/minute)
15
148
Data Chart D: Effect of Wind Speed on Crick Chirps
Wind Speed
Cricket Chirp Rate
(m/sec)
(chirps/minute)
2
148
Please make your graph on a separate piece of white paper and attach
AFTER Printing Assignment:
Conclusions and Analysis
(Answer in FULL sentences—typed you may type the answer directly under the
question—then print entire activity, attach graph and hand in).
1. What is the importance of sharing information between scientists?
2. After reviewing the classes data on different variables make a conclusion
using the CLASS data.
3. How did the other group’s information effect your overall conclusion about
crickets?
4. Why was it important to that you “tested” the cricket 10 times? How does
getting an AVERAGE benefit the way you evaluated the information?