Scientific Method Thumb Lab
Lab Report
Introduction: 2 paragraphs
6pts
1st paragraph-Include importance of a thumb
2nd paragraph-Define the purpose of a meaningful & controlled experiment
(Experimental Design)
Experimental Question: Included
2pts
Hypothesis: If (IV)…then (DV)…because
2pts
Procedures: Copied exactly from the lab, your changes included
2pts
Results & Data: To include
-Data Table (Quantitative observations)
3pts
Discussion: To include At least 4 Paragraphs
12pts
st
1 paragraph-Time and Date lab was performed, Experimental Question, Initial
Hypothesis
2nd Paragraph-Include the difference in time between performing the experiment
with your thumbs and without, explain those differences, for example, did it take longer to
tie your shoe without your thumb, why?
3rd Paragraph-Was your hypothesis correct why or why not, include inferences based
on your results, include experimental error (how could the experiment have errors?)
4th Paragraph-Describe how this was a controlled experiment
Typed, proper grammar, headings, & spelling
3pts
30 Total Points
The Scientific Method: The Thumb Lab
Name:
Partner’s Name:
Introduction:
The scientific method is important for setting up meaningful experiments for all
branches of science. There are several steps to the method:
1. Determine the problem (Experimental Question)
2. Develop a hypothesis
3. Design a controlled procedure
4. Collect and organize data
5. Draw a conclusion
Today you will be running a controlled experiment; you will be asked to: Formulate a
hypothesis, run the experiment, collect and organize the data, and draw a conclusion. You
will need to fill out the form on this page and follow with a formal laboratory report format.
Experimental Question: Will everyday tasks take longer or happen faster without the use of
your thumbs?
Hypothesis (If…then…because):
Procedure:
1. Using a second hand timer, determine how long it takes you to complete four of the
following tasks (your choice).
a. Write your full name (First, Middle, Last) in cursive.
b. Take the top off a soda bottle and put it back on.
c. Turn to page 56 in your textbook.
d. Unite your shoe, take it off, put it back on, and tie it.
e. Unbutton and button a button.
f. Look up the word “ecology” in the index of the textbook.
2. Write your times in the table below.
3. Now complete the same four tasks, with the same partner, with your thumbs taped
up.
4. Write your times in the table below.
Data Table
Activity Time to complete with thumbs Time to complete without thumbs
Questions:
1. What is the experimental question?
2. What is your hypothesis?
3. Explain how you came up with your hypothesis.
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4. What is the control in this experiment?
5. What is the Independent Variable in this experiment?
6. What is the Dependent Variable in this experiment?
7. Describe at least two of your results, explain why you got the results that you did.
__________________
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8. Give at least 3 errors that occurred during your experiment & explain how that
impacted your results.
1.
2.
3.