Experiment One Science Biology

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 ppm—or parts per million. Examine the data in Table 4 showing the amount of dissolved oxygen present and the number of fish observed in the body of water from which the sample was taken; finally, answer the questions below.

Table 4: Water Quality vs. Fish Population|Dissolved Oxygen (ppm)|0|2|4|6|8|10|12|14|16|18|Number of Fish Observed|0|1|3|10|12|13|15|10|12|13||

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

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.

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

4. What would be the independent and dependent variables?

5. What would be your control?

6. What type of graph would be appropriate for this data set? Why?

7. Graph the data from Table 4: Water Quality vs. Fish Population table (found at the beginning of this experiment).

8. Interpret the data from the graph made in Question 7.

Exercise 2: Testable Observations

Determine which of the following observations are testable. For those that are testable:

· Determine if the observation is qualitative or quantitative

· Write a hypothesis and null hypothesis

· What would be your experimental approach?

· What are the dependent and independent variables?

· What are your controls - both positive and negative?

· How will you collect your data?

· How will you...