Scientific Method
Purpose
 To
 To
 To
 To
Name:
practice the steps of the Scientific Method
learn how to use an Online Lab simulation
determine which environmental variables influence how fast a cricket chirps
practice constructing data charts and graphs.
Hypothesis:
Cricket chirps are affected by __________________________________________________
For this hypothesis the independent variable is __________________________________________
The dependent variable is __________________________________________
Controlled variables include (1) _____________________________________
(2) _____________________________________
(3) _____________________________________
Two other variables that I will test are: (1) _____________________________________
(2) _____________________________________
Procedure:
1. Go to http://www.gc.maricopa.edu/biology/glacier/scientific_method/
2. Follow the instructions for investigating the role of environmental variables on cricket chirps.
You need to record as you go because this OnLine site does not work well if you use the
back button!
3. Graph your results in excel and paste the graphs into your word document.
4. Complete the Discussion, Conclusion, and Reflections sections below. All areas in red need to be
complete by you!
5. Save your completed document and upload to Moodle
Results: (Data Charts and Graphs)
Data Chart D: Effect of Wind
Speed on Crick Chirps
(m/sec)
Cricket Chirp
Rate
1
148
2
148
10
148
Wind Speed
(chirps/minute)
Data Chart A: Effect of Temperature on Crick Chirps
Temperature
Cricket Chirp Rate
(oC)
(chirps/minute)
25
148
Paste your graph here
Data Chart B: Effect of Atmospheric Pressure on Crick Chirps
Atmospheric Pressure
Cricket Chirp Rate
(mm Hg)
(chirps/minute)
760
148
Paste your graph here
Data Chart C: Effect of Humidity on Crick Chirps
Humidity
Cricket Chirp Rate
(%)
(chirps/minute)
15
148
Paste your graph here
Note: You will need to construct more rows for these data charts!
Discussion:
(Summarize what you did (list your independent and dependent variables), describe your
results, indicate whether or not you met your purpose or supported your hypothesis, indicate
sources of error, and suggest improvements in the experimental design.)
Conclusion:
(One sentence testable statement about which variables affect cricket chirps)
Reflection:
(Personal commentary about what you learned from the lab activity, simulation)