Lab 1

Lab 1: The Scientific Method

http://www.mhhe.com/biosci/genbio/virtual_labs_2K8/labs/BL_01/index.html

Objectives: Scientific Method in Experiments

In this lab you will apply your knowledge of the scientific method in a laboratory setting. You will also demonstrate the use of experimental terminology and design.

General Instructions:

1. Read through all of these instructions before beginning!

2. Go to http://www.mhhe.com/biosci/genbio/virtual_labs_2K8/labs/BL_01/index.html

3. Read the Greenhouse Manual that first appears when you open this webpage. (Note: Once you close the manual window, you can refer back to this information as the Greenhouse Handbook on the shelf.)

4. Read through all of the information and procedures on the left.

5. Answer the questions in the Introduction section below – before beginning the experiment!

6. Follow the procedures to complete the experiment. Record your data in the Results table below.

7. Answer the questions in the Discussion.

Introduction

1. What is an independent variable? What is the independent variable in this experiment?

An independent variable is the variable you have control over, what you can choose and manipulate. It is usually what you think will affect the dependent variable. The independent variable in this experiment is the level of ECB infestation.

2. What is a dependent variable? What is the dependent variable in this experiment?

A dependent variable is what you measure in the experiment and what is affected during the experiment. The dependent variable in this experiment is the yield of corn plants in terms of kernel weight per ear of corn.

3. What is a control variable? What are the control variables in this experiment?

A control variable is the one element that must not be changed throughout an experiment because it also affects the other independent variables being tested, thus affecting the outcome of the experiment. In this experiment, the...