Science 8
Unit 1, Part 1 Inquiry & Scientific Process
Investigating Mass, Volume, & Density
Name:
Period:
Learning Goals:
I can create a testable investigative question and a hypothesis that
attempts to answer that question.
I can design and conduct a scientific investigation that tests a scientific
question (requires proper use of CT vs. ET, CV, MV, and/or RV).
I can design an appropriate method for recording data during a scientific
investigation.
I can use experimental data to interpret the results and use these as
evidence to support my conclusive statement.
Background:
When scientists conduct experiments, the purpose of the experiment might be to solve a problem or
find out more about a particular phenomenon. Once a problem or topic is identified, scientists must
then create an investigative question. Sometimes, these questions cannot be investigated very
easily. For example, the investigative question, “Does cheese taste different on Venus?” might be
something a scientist is curious about, but the question itself is not testable. Being testable means
that the question can be answered through designing and conducting an experiment.
For this lab, you will be designing and conducting an experiment related to the concept of density.
Density is a property of matter that relates mass (how much matter is in a substance) to volume
(space occupied by a substance).
Vocabulary (Complete the following definitions from our class discussion)
Manipulated Variable (MV)
Responding Variable (RV)
Study Subject (SS)
Controlled Variable (CV)
Control Trial (CT)
Experimental Trial (ET)
Mass (M)
Measured by:
Volume (V)
Measured by:
Density (D)
OR
Calculated by:
Part 1: Practice with Mass and Volume (Use your class notes to assist you with Part 1)
Before conducting your own experiment, it is important to practice how to accurately and reliably
measure mass and volume. (*Note: 1 cm3 = 1 mL)
Station
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
Name of Material
Water
Aluminum rectangle
3 white marbles
Soda
Wood block
Isopropyl Alcohol
Popcorn kernels
Rubber stopper- 00
Mass (g)
30.0
Volume (cm3)
Density (g/cm3)
25.0
20.0
15.0
Summary:
1. Are the densities of the 8 materials the same? Explain why or why not.
2. Using the data above, make a prediction about how you think the Cartesian’s diver’s density
compares to the water’s density when the diver is floating, and again when it sinks.
Part 2: Designing a testable investigative question and making predictions
1. What is your scientific question? (“How does/What is… SS + MV affect RV?”)
**Write your question in your comp book under the heading: ”Density Investigation Part 2”
2. What do you predict will happen? Write your hypothesis in your comp book using the following
format:
IF (SS + MV)
THEN (ET if needed + Prediction)
COMPARED TO (CT, if needed)
BECAUSE (reason why)
Part 3: Designing your experiment (procedure)
Now that you have your question, hypothesis, and some practice with mass and volume, it’s time to
design how you will conduct your experiment. You may use words and diagrams to describe how to
conduct the experiment. Write your plans/procedure in your comp book.
STOP!!! You must have teacher initial to proceed. _________
Part 4: Results
Create a data table for recording the data you collect during the lab. Review the standard formats
for data tables when creating your data table. Make your data table in your comp book.
Part
5:
Run
your
investigation and collect data.
STOP!!! Ask your teacher for permission to run the investigation
investigation _________
Part 6: Analysis
If appropriate, create a graph summarizing the data you collected in your experiment. Review
standard formats for graphs when creating your graph. Add graph paper to your comp book if
needed. If not appropriate to graph, explain with words what your data shows or demonstrates.
Part 7: Conclusion
STOP!!! You must have teacher initial to proceed. _________
Review standard formats for conclusions when creating your conclusion. Write your conclusion in
your comp book.
Part 8: Summary Questions
1. Explain how your experimental data supports how the Cartesian Diver works or doesn’t work.
Be specific and use data in your answer.
Part 9: Advanced Learning Goals (Challenge/HC)
*I can compare and contrast experimental design solutions and provide suggestions for improving
those designs, such as limitations/errors in my own or another investigation.
1. Please review your own investigation and discuss any errors that may have occurred in
either the design or the actual running of the investigation. Provide specific errors,
and include any suggestions for redesigning the investigation.
*I can analyze whether my data is both valid and reliable, citing experimental evidence to
support my claim.
2. Discuss the reliability of your investigation, using data to support your answer.