Name _______________________________________ Date _____________ Block ____
Scientific Method – Tutorial
(https://www.gc.maricopa.edu/biology/glacier/scientific_method/)
Part I – Introduction
1. Is there more than one scientific method? Why or why not?
2. Is the scientific method a rigid procedure? Why or why not?
3. The Flower Puzzle. Each of the boxes below contains two flowers. One box has one
red and one white flower. A second box contains two red flowers and a third box
contains two white flowers. The labels indicate the flower combinations in the boxes.
However, all of the labels are incorrect.
Using logic, you should be able to determine the arrangement of all the flowers by
looking at only one flower. Which box should you open to solve the puzzle? Explain
your reasoning.
Part II – Define the Problem
4. What is the answer to the following problem? Explain your reasoning.
4
10
21
7
__3__
?
Cannot be determined
Explanation: ___________________________________________________________
Mr. Hammer, Biology, 2010-2011
Page 1 of 4
5. What are three important points to remember when defining or stating a problem?
Part III – Collect Information
6. What is a hypothesis?
7. Answer the following questions below. Read the questions carefully.
a. Divide 80 by 1/4 and subtract 10.
b. Do they have a 4th of July in Mexico?
c. If a doctor gave you 3 pills and told you to take one every 30 minutes, how
long would it take you to take all 3 pills?
d. A farmer had 20 sheep. All but nine of the sheep died. How many sheep are
still alive?
Part IV - Formulate a Hypothesis
8. Why did Spock relived the Ensign (a junior officer) of duty? Explain the reasons for
your hypothesis.
Mr. Hammer, Biology, 2010-2011
Page 2 of 4
9. Explain your strategy for determining the identity of the random number between 100
and 999.
Part V – Test the Hypothesis
10. What was the problem with Michael’s experiment?
11. For each experiment, how many independent variables should there be?
12. List all the factors that varied in Michael’s experiment.
13. What are controlled factors?
14. What is the independent variable in the second experiment?
15. What are the controlled factors in the second experiment?
Mr. Hammer, Biology, 2010-2011
Page 3 of 4
16. Why do kerosene lanterns cause fruit to ripen? Explain your answer using the data
from your simulated experiment.
Part VI – Draw a Conclusion
17. Why was the scientists’ conclusion about what killed the rats wrong?
18. What is the simplest explanation for why the truck driver was able to avoid hitting the
boy even though he did not have his headlights on?
19. Why is a hypothesis never certain, even if it has been supported by multiple
experiments?
Turn in your completed Tutorial Packet and go on to the cricket experiment!
Mr. Hammer, Biology, 2010-2011
Page 4 of 4
Name _________________________________________ Date ___________ Block ____
Scientific Method – Cricket Lab
(https://www.gc.maricopa.edu/biology/glacier/scientific_method/)
Directions: Follow the instructions for investigating the role of environmental variables
on cricket chirps. As you proceed, fill in the sample lab report below and record your data.
1. Describe the problem:
2. State your hypothesis:
3. Independent variable (IV):
4. Controlled factors:
5. Perform your experiment multiple times (changing the IV each time) and record the
data in a data table:
(Title)
Cricket Chirp Rate
(chirps/minute)
(Independent Variable)
Mr. Hammer, Biology, 2010-2011
Page 1 of 4
6. You may want to test a different variable to confirm your hypothesis. If so, click the
“Y” when asked, “Do you want to repeat the experiment with a different
hypothesis?” This will return you to the “Formulate a Hypothesis” screen and allow
you to choose a new independent variable to test. Record data for any additional
experiments in the additional data tables on pages 3 and 4.
7. When you believe you have enough information to draw a conclusion, click “N”
when asked, “Do you want to repeat the experiment with a different hypothesis?”
You will then be asked the following questions to confirm that you fully understand
the environmental variables affecting cricket chirps. If you do not answer all of the
questions correctly, you will need to perform additional experiments before trying to
draw a conclusion again. Record the correct answers to the questions below:

Which factor determines the chirping rate in crickets?
______________________________________________

If you increase the _________________________, the chirp rate will:
_____________________________________________

If you double the ___________________________, the chirp rate will:
______________________________________________


Assume that the cricket is chirping at a rate of 148 chirps/minute, and
slows to a rate of 10 chirps/minute. Could this behavior be explained by
either an increase in the temperature or a drop in the wind speed?
______________________________________________
Could this change in behavior be explained by both the air pressure and
the humidity increasing?
______________________________________________

Could a drop in the number of crickets nearby and an increase in
humidity have caused this change in behavior?
______________________________________________
*If you see the message “You don’t appear to fully understand the effects of the
environment on the rate of chirping in crickets”, click “Next” and you will return to
the “Formulate a Hypothesis” screen so that you can perform additional experiments.
8. When you answer all of the questions correctly, click “Next” and print your Golden
Cricket Award. Staple the award to your Cricket Lab and submit to Mr. Hammer.
Mr. Hammer, Biology, 2010-2011
Page 2 of 4
Extra Data Tables
(if necessary)
(Title)
Cricket Chirp Rate
(chirps/minute)
(Independent Variable)
(Title)
Cricket Chirp Rate
(chirps/minute)
(Independent Variable)
Mr. Hammer, Biology, 2010-2011
Page 3 of 4
Extra Data Tables
(if necessary)
(Title)
Cricket Chirp Rate
(chirps/minute)
(Independent Variable)
(Title)
Cricket Chirp Rate
(chirps/minute)
(Independent Variable)
Mr. Hammer, Biology, 2010-2011
Page 4 of 4