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BIO 101 Lab 01: Scientific Method
Notification: If you have a disability that makes it difficult to complete this lab, please contact
your instructor. Please provide your instructor a copy of the Memorandum of Accommodation
(MOA) from NVCC Disability Support Services.
Objectives:
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Discuss the utilization of the Scientific Method
Design an experimental procedure
Identify the control group in the experiment
Identify the independent, dependent, and control variables in the experiment
Collect and analyze data using tables and graphs
Background:
Science is the process used to solve problems and to gain a better understanding of the natural
world. Scientists are constantly looking for better and clearer answers to a wide range of
questions. The basic method used to find the answers is called the Scientific Method. This
method is based on a set of core assumptions:
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There are specific causes for observed events in the natural world
The causes of these events can be identified
There are patterns and rules that can be used to describe observations
The patterns and fundamental rules of nature are universal
Science is an ongoing process that results in an evolution of our understanding of
the patterns and fundamental rules of nature
The Scientific Method is a stepwise process used to develop answers.
1.
2.
3.
4.
Observation: Something that is seen or felt with the senses
Question: How or why did an event occur?
Hypothesis: A tentative and testable answer to the question
Experiment: The recreation of a controlled event that allows the researcher to
support or reject the hypothesis
The question formulated from the observation must be logical and answerable. Hypotheses
developed from questions must be based on relevant information, testable, and falsifiable.
Experiments should be designed to minimize variability, meaning only small
details/variables (preferably only one) should be altered to test the hypothesis. These
controlled experiments are best when only one variable is changed. Lastly experiments must
be repeatable to help ensure there is no bias in the results.
BIO 101 Lab 01: Scientific Method
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While experiments are conducted, the variables are measured and monitored closely.
Controlled variables are the aspects of the experiments that remain the same through every
variation of the experiment. For example, a researcher testing the effect of nutrient conditions
on plant growth will give each plant the same amount of water, sunlight, air conditions,
temperature etc. The independent variables are the aspects of the experiment that the
researcher changes in order to test the hypothesis. In the plant growth example, the differing
nutrient conditions are the independent variable. Ideally, only one variable is changed when
testing a hypothesis. The dependent variables are the aspects of the experiment that are
measured, and the data obtained are carefully recorded. For example, the researcher
measuring the effect of nutrient conditions on plant growth will grow identical plants in the
various nutrient compositions. The researcher will give each plant (experiment) the same
amount of water, sunlight, amount of soil, and conduct the experiment over the same time
period. The researcher can then measure the dependent variables such as: plant height, plant
color, flower production, fruit production, etc. This data can be recorded in tables or charted
on graphs. When graphing data from an experiment the independent variable is on the
horizontal (X-axis) and the dependent variable is on the vertical (Y-axis).
Cornell, B. 2016. Soil Content. [ONLINE] Available at: https://ib.bioninja.com.au/options/option-c-ecology-andconser/c6-nitrogen-and-phosphorus/soil-content.html. [Accessed 24 April 2020].
BIO 101 Lab 01: Scientific Method
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Experiments are often submitted for peer review and are repeated by other scientists. The
results might result in additional hypotheses that will be tested and the data reported to the
scientific community. Over time, hypotheses that address an observable phenomenon and
result in continually consistent results, develop a consensus view that explains an observation.
When this occurs a theory is formed. In some branches of science a theory develops into a
law, which is generally expressed by a mathematical formula used to explain and predict
actions. In physics and chemistry there are several examples of laws.
In this experiment, you will use the internet to research resting heart rate and recovery, use
your lecture textbook and the internet to learn more about the scientific method, and collect
data on your own heart rate to complete the data set.
Materials:
● Calculator
● Internet
● Stop watch or timer
● BIO 101 lecture textbook
Safety:
When running in place keep a safe distance from others and objects around you.
Procedure:
Set-up
1. Use the internet to research how exercise affects heart rate and heart rate recovery.
2. Complete the first steps of the scientific method in the “Data Analysis and Synthesis”
section below. You should complete the “Observation”, “Question”, “Hypothesis”, and
“Prediction” sections based on your research of heart rate and recovery.
3. Heart rate data from other students are provided for you. The data are organized into
the following groups:
•
•
A control group (those who did NOT exercise)
Three experimental groups (those who did exercise to raise their heart rates).
The groups were randomly selected (mix of male and female), but your heart rate
data are missing.
4. Each student was given an identifying number in order to keep track of the data. The
Students in the Control group are be labeled C1, C2, C3, C4 and so on. Students in
the first Experimental group are labeled Ea1, Ea2, Ea3, Ea4 and so on. Students in
the second Experimental group are labeled Eb1, Eb1, Eb3, Eb4 and so on. Students
in the third Experimental group are labeled Ec1, Ec2, Ec3, Ec4 and so on. You will
BIO 101 Lab 01: Scientific Method
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notice that data for C6, Ea6, Eb6, and Ec6 are missing. You will choose whether to
be part of the control group (C6) or part of one of the experimental groups (Ea6, Eb6,
or Ec6). Conduct the experiment as described below and add your data into the data
table in the appropriate boxes that correspond to the group you chose.
5. Practice finding your pulse points on either your wrist or neck. This will be essential
when measuring your heart rate from either the wrist or neck pulse points.
Data Collection
1. Gather your resting heart rate. Use one of the pulse points at either your wrist or neck
to count your heart beats during a 15 second time frame (use a clock or timer). Multiply
by 4 to obtain your resting heart rate in beats per minute. Record this data for yourself
in the “Rest” column of the row for C6, Ea6, Eb6, or Ec6, depending on which group
you chose to be part of.
2. The Experimental groups ran in place for two minutes. If you chose to be in one of the Ea,
Eb, or Ec groups, you should also run in place for two minutes. For your safety move to a place
that will allow you to exercise without impacting another person or any large objects.
If you chose to be part of the Control group, you will instead sit in place for 2 minutes.
3. Immediately after either running in place (for the Ea, Eb, and Ec groups) or sitting in place (for the C
group), measure your heart rate as described in step 1. Use one of the pulse points at
either your wrist or neck to count your heart beats during a 15 second time frame.
Multiply by 4 to obtain your heart rate in beats per minute. Record this data in the Time
0 (T – 0) column of the Data Table below.
4. Every two minutes for the next ten minutes measure your heart rate as described in
step 1. Use one of the pulse points at either your wrist or neck to count your heart beats
during a 15 second time frame. Multiply by 4 to obtain your heart rate in beats per
minute. Record these data points in the Data Table below. All groups, Control and
Experimental, measured their heart rates over the ten minute time frame.
5. After you have recorded your data in the row for C6, Ea6, Eb6, or Ec6, depending on
which group you chose to be part of, complete the Data table by calculating the
average heart rates for each group (C, Ea, Eb, and Ec) measured.
6. Graph the average heart rate data over time on the chart provided and answer the
remaining questions. Your graph should have four lines (one for each group of average
data).
BIO 101 Lab 01: Scientific Method
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BIO 101 Lab 01: Scientific Method Worksheet
Name:Emily Laufer
Section: 040M Summer 2020
Data Analysis and Synthesis Questions
1. Observations (from in class discussion of heart rate and recovery):
The average resting heart rate for adults 18 and older is between 60 and 100 bpm.
The heart rate will recover quicker if the person is more fit.
2. Question (identification of the factor to examine experimentally):
Will the heart rate decrease after periods of time since stooping the exercise?
3. Hypothesis (testable proposition derived from the question):
The heart rates will decrease over time after the excise stops due to the lack of
activity.
4. Prediction (if...then statement relating hypothesis to the experiment to be performed):
If we measure the heart rate throughout 2 minute intervals after the exercise stops, then the
heart rate will decrease.
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Data Table
ID #
C1
C2
C3
C4
C5
C6
Resting
Heart Rate
0
84
69
69
90
71
85
71
68
89
71
67
Average 75
Control
Ea1
Ea2
Ea3
Ea4
Ea5
Ea6
Eb1
Eb2
Eb3
Eb4
Eb5
Eb6
Average 77.8
Eb
Ec1
Ec2
Ec3
Ec4
Ec5
Ec6
Average 75.8
Ec
86
71
67
89
68
85
69
67
89
69
84
70
68
89
68
71
69
70
68
75.33
75
75
75
74.83
74.5
160
170
200
190
100
120
122
138
141
80
120.2
92
100
176
100
103
114.2
61
91
81
71
75
85
69
67
89
69
71
164
62
87
88
92
60
84
71
67
89
68
10
68
60
70
82
89
74
Average 75
Ea
Time since exercise stopped (minutes)
2
4
6
8
89
118
132
121
94
110.8
BIO 101 Lab 01: Scientific Method
65
79
89
90
74
79.4
61
90
122
95
94
92.4
76.2
62
87
93
92
84
83.6
79
198
113
97
84
114.2
62
70
86
90
73
75.8
62
86
93
91
66
79.6
66
91
99
69
79
80.8
61
70
85
90
73
75.8
61
87
93
91
64
79.2
59
90
82
69
75
75
61
70
85
90
73
62
87
93
91
64
79.4
61
90
82
69
74
75.2
60
90
82
69
74
75
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Control
Ea
Key:
Eb
Ec
Construct a line graph showing the heart rate averages over time.
The graph illustrates the results of the experiment.
Average heart rate over time
180
160
140
Average heart rate
120
100
80
60
0
2
4
6
8
10
Time since exercise stopped (minutes)
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5. What is the dependent variable? Average heart rate
6. What are the two independent variables? Time since exercise stopped
___The exercise being done
7. What conclusions can be drawn from the heart rate experiment? This is where the
researcher determines, backed up by the data whether the experiment supported or
refuted the hypothesis.
The heart rate will decrease within time after stopping exercise, supporting the
hypothesis.
8. What is the purpose of the Control group in this experiment?
To observer the resting heart rate of someone not exercising and to compare the results
to the groups that are exercising.
9. What are the controlled variables in this experiment?
The amount of time after exercising being measured and the time spent collecting
the heart rate.
10. Are there any aspects to this methodology that could lead to inaccurate results? How
can you modify the experiment to fix these issues?
Since I decided to put my data in the control group, the controlled group had one
extra set of data than the other groups. I could have not included my results to
see the results if each group only had 5 sets of data.
BIO 101 Lab 01: Scientific Method
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BIO 101 Lab 01: Scientific Method
9