Ashford - Sci207 - Week 1 Lab

Introduction to Science

Name

SCI 207: Dependence of Man on the Environment

Prof.

July 21, 2013

Introduction to Science

Lab 1 - Exercise 1: Data Interpretation

Dissolved oxygen is oxygen that is trapped in a fluid, such as water. Since many living organism requires oxygen to survive, it is a necessary component of water systems such as streams, lakes and rivers in order to support aquatic life. The dissolved oxygen is measured in units of parts per million (ppm). Examine the data in Table 4 showing the amount of dissolved oxygen present and the number of fish observed in the body of water the sample was taken from; finally, answer the questions below.

1. What patterns do you observe based on the information in Table 4?

I am able to make the quantitative observation that the more dissolved oxygen there is present in the water, the greater the number of fish are observed until reaching 14ppm. After the levels reach 14ppm, there is a slight decrease to 10 fish observed. Once the levels increase to 16ppm, the number of fish observed begins to increase again.

2. Develop a hypothesis relating to the amount of dissolved oxygen measured in the water sample and the number of fish observed in the body of water?

If there are more fish observed, then there are less oxygen levels in the water.

3. What would your experimental approach be to test this hypothesis?

Observe for correlation between the two variables. Given the outcome of the observation, I am able to decide whether the two variables are correlated or not. Using the same spot at same time each day, I would continually add fish to the water and test the oxygen levels. I could then remove the fish and test the oxygen levels.

4. What would be the independent and dependent variables?

Dissolved oxygen would be the independent variable (x) and the number of fish would be the dependent variable (y).

5. What would be your control?...