Conducting Agricultural
Research
Common Core/Next Generation
Science Standards Addresses


CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RH.9-10.4 - Determine the
meaning of words and phrases as they are used in a
text, including vocabulary describing political, social,
or economic aspects of history/social science.
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RH.9-10.2 -Determine the central
ideas or information of a primary or secondary
source; provide an accurate summary of how key
events or ideas develop over the course of the text.
Bell Work
What do you think the scientific
method is?
 Why is it important to follow all
safety rules?
 Who would you tell if you got injured
in this class?

Terms.

Dependent variable

Replication

Experiment

Scientific method

Hypothesis

Treatment

Independent variable

Variable
Student Learning Objectives.
 1.
Explain the steps in conducting
research in agriculture.
 2.
Discuss the general safety precautions
that should be followed in conducting
agricultural
research.
What are the steps in conducting
research in agriculture?

I. The process of scientific inquiry, or the
scientific method, is a carefully controlled,
systematic process for discovering the unknown.
– used in all aspects of research.
– ensures that conclusions reached through
study are valid and reliable.
– all factors except the factor or variable under
investigation are controlled, or held constant.
any observed results are in fact due to the
single variable being examined.
A. The first step is identifying the
problem to be investigated.
 Is
best stated in the form of a question.
 Should grow out of areas of interest and
personal experience in agriculture.
– Will allow the experimentation process to be
more enjoyable and more relevant to the
researcher.
B. The next step is to predict the
results of the experiment.
Prediction is called a hypothesis.
 A hypothesis is a tentatively accepted theory
that explains the relationship between two
variables.
 Should indicate the nature of the relationship
between variables.
 Should utilize background knowledge and
experience in this area to formulate the
hypothesis.
 Is subjected to a test that attempts to isolate the
important factors. This test is called an
experiment.

C. The third step is to design and
conduct the experiment.
 Factors
to consider in the design of the
experiment :
 observation
and measurement
procedures,
 control
measures,
 selection
of variables.
Third step continued
A
variable is a characteristic by which an
object of phenomenon may be described.
 An
independent variable is the
characteristic that the researcher believes
will affect another variable.
– The manipulation is known as the treatment.
 The
dependent variable is the
characteristic that will be observed.
Third Step continued
 Measurement
of the dependent variable is
critical to the success of the experiment.
 During this phase of the experiment, the
researcher must determine the most
precise and appropriate way to measure
the affect of the independent variable.
 It is critical that the design of the
experiment match the stated hypothesis.
 The research design should also provide
for replication.
Third Step Continued
 Replication
is the exact duplication of the
experiment.
– allows the results to be verified
across numerous trials, resulting in greater
confidence in the results.
– After all design procedures have been
followed, then it is time to conduct the
experiment.
D. The next stage is the data
collection step (4).

Should consistently and precisely follow the previously
determined methods outlined in the experiment design in
the measurement and collection of data.

A pattern or format of collecting and recording data
should have been developed in the design stage of the
experiment.

Data summary charts are usually used to record
experimental data.
– should be as simple as possible
– provide for all data to be completely and consistently recorded.
E. The fifth step of the process is
ready to be completed.

To analyze the data.

Data that was collected during the experiment is
analyzed to be used later to draw conclusions.

Follow the procedures outlined in the experiment
design stage in organizing the data.

Can be a very exciting stage of the research
process because results of the experiment
become evident.
F. The last step is to use
information to draw conclusions.
The researcher must answer the question, “Was
the hypothesis correct?”
 Looking for patterns in the data or by interpreting
calculations that were performed on the data.
 Determine if there is any evidence to suggest
that the data might be inaccurate or in any way
misrepresent what actually happened in the
experiment.
 At this point any limitations of the experiment
must also be noted.

G. Formulate recommendations



Depending upon the nature of the experiment, the
researcher may then be able to formulate
recommendations based on the findings of the
experiment.
Findings should be explained in detail through
conclusions, written discussion, and recommendations.
Results of this experiment should be compared to results
obtained from similar experiments.

Finally, based upon the results of the completed
experiment, the researcher should identify new research
questions to explore through further experimentation.

Through this continuing cycle of questioning,
experimentation, further questioning, and
further experimentation, agricultural research is done.
II. Agriscience research laboratory
 General
safety procedures must be
followed while conducting experiments in
the agriscience laboratory to prevent
personal injury.
Wear protective clothing,
 Including
an apron, gloves, and approved
safety goggles.
Handle and dispose of all
chemicals
to manufacturers’ storage and
disposal directions.
 According
Be careful.
 with
scalpels, knives, dissecting needles,
and other sharp instruments, especially
when working around others
Locate adequate workspace
 For
the experiment.
 Place all equipment away from the
edges of tables and lab counters.
Be aware of the surroundings.
 (flammables,
electricity, obstructions, etc.)
as the experiment is conducted
Place all materials and instruments
 In
their designated storage areas at the
end of the laboratory period.
Keep the work area
 Clean
and free of clutter.
Work carefully
 With
glass instruments and lab supplies.
 Use holding racks and containers
designed to be used with breakable items.
Keep flammable materials
 away
from fire and sparks.
Never leave
 hot
liquid or glassware unattended.
Using Electrical Equipment
Safely
1. Check your equipment for broken or frayed cords
on plug-ins.
 2. Make sure the area around the electrical equipment
is dry and free of things that might catch fire. Touching
electrical equipment with wet hands can cause a
shock.
 3. Place electrical cords out of the way so that people
will not easily trip over the
cords or cause the equipment to fall.
 4.Turn off all equipment before leaving the laboratory.

Reporting Accidents

1. Tell your teacher about any accident, breakage,
or spill that occurs in the laboratory or field.

2. If you get a chemical in your eyes or on the skin
or clothing, wash it off immediately
with running water while your lab partner notifies
the teacher.

3. Clean up spills immediately under the
supervision and instruction of your teacher.
The End! Be Cautious!