Name
Date
Challenge
Class
LESSON 2
Tools for Scientific Studies
Scientists use many different tools and instruments to make observations and gather
data. Often, just one or two tools are needed and then some investigations require a whole
array of sophisticated instruments.
In the table below are three different observation scenarios. Think about how you would
form and test a hypothesis for each of them. The first row contains a statement of an
observation. In the second row, write a possible hypothesis. Remember, a hypothesis must
be testable. In the third row, briefly describe a procedure you might use to test the hypothesis.
For each investigation, organize a list of materials and scientific equipment you would
need. List those in the last row. One of the elements is given for you in each scenario.
Observation
Copyright © Glencoe/McGraw-Hill, a division of The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.
Hypothesis
1. Plants that are
spaced apart in a
pot grow larger
than plants that are
close together.
2. Bread kept in a
warm, moist
environment grows
a green-black mold
in spots on the
surface of the loaf.
3. Cats are more
popular pets than
dogs/Dogs are
more popular pets
than cats.
Plants that are spaced
apart in a pot grow
larger than plants that
are close together
because they have
more space or less
competition for space
and other resources.
Procedure
photo source (Internet
or cutouts); computer
with statistical graphing
software; calculator to
tally results and find
mean, median, and
mode (or pencil);
calculator; graph paper
Materials and
Equipment
Mode of
Communication
of Results
Scientific Explanations
labeled drawing of
hyphae, mycelium, and
reproductive structures
of mold; written report
of findings
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