Inquiry Project - Acid Deposition

Chloe Kwan, Ian Gouw

INDEPENDENT VARIABLE (IV): The Independent variable is what I manipulate. In this lab, the independent variable is the concentration, and thus the pH of various samples of HCl (aq) . You will be given 1M HCl (aq) and you will dilute it to create 3-5 HCl solutions of various pH. You will be manipulating the pH of the HCl (aq) solutions. Every good inquiry has only one independent variable. What you have chosen should be the only thing changing in this experiment.

The independent variable is manipulating the pH level by adding different amounts of water to the HCl solution. H2SO4: 0.3-2.1 HCl: 0 HNO3: 1

DEPENDENT VARIABLE (DV): The Dependent variable is the Data you collect. It is sometimes called the responding variable as the data responds to what you are manipulating. First brainstorm with your partner the ways acid deposition impacts living and non-living things. This information comes from your concept map. Choose one that you think you can measure over a two week period. If you have questions about available materials, WRITE IT DOWN and show your teacher. He/she will let you know if we can provide it or if you would be expected to provide it. This MUST be quantifiable (numerical data!) This is the actual factor you are measuring (so "gas pressure in kPa, not how much gas is made.)

The dependent variable is the plant height by adding different pH levels to each plant. mass of the plant, color of the plant, nutrient level(?) (soil?) (before and after)

FIXED VARIABLES: Bullet points. What will have to be kept the same between every treatment? What you chose as your independent variable should be the only thing changing in the experiment. All the others have to be fixed/held constant. Note that your rubric awards 8/10 for a complete list of fixed variables. The 9/10 or 10/10 band includes a description of why it is important for each fixed variable to be fixed. If each were not fixed, how would each impact the data? Amount of solution (2ml each day) o If it is not fixed, the growth would be affected and the data will not be accurate Setting: by the sun in the Chemistry classroom

If not fixed, the amount of sunlight would affect the growth of the plants Temperature of the room (if possible)
o

RESEARCH QUESTION: Now phrase a coherent research question. Try to phrase it as What is the effect of YOUR I.V. on YOUR D.V.? Make sure your question has some little context so the experimental design is evident. What is the cause of the height difference in plants when adding 2ml of solution for 5 days?

HYPOTHESIS: What do you think will happen to your DV as you change your IV? Why do you think this? Explain this using the material you have learned from your Acid Deposition reading packet. This is your primary resource. After you have used these ideas, you may research further. If the pH level is manipulated, then we can determine the different heights of the plants by using different concentrations of solution.

MATERIALS: Bullet points. Be as specific here as possible. So instead of simply saying water, write what volume of water you will be using. Not beaker, but size of beaker. Feel free to walk around the room to browse. 4 plants of the same type 1L container (of water) 2ml beaker (of solution) 1M of HCl Different types of solutions Ruler to measure the height of the plants

PROCEDURE: Use clearly numbered steps to outline what you have to do. Things to keep in mind a) safety b) do you have enough repeats of each treatment. (at least 3 times)? c) have you made it clear HOW you will change your independent variable? d) have you made it clear HOW you will measure your dependent variable e) have you made it clear HOW you will make sure your fixed variables are the same for each treatment, or at least how you will monitor them? f) have you included steps outlining how you will dilute the original HCl to obtain your other solutions? A good procedure is replicable. We could get someone from out in the hallways, give them your procedure and they'd be able to do what you did.

1. Choose 4 of the same type of plants 2. Create 4 HCl solutions (H2SO4, H2SO3, HCl, HNO3) 3. Add different amounts of water to obtain different pH levels 4. Place the plants by the window of the classroom

5. Make sure all variables are constant 6. Label each plant with the solutions you are using to water the plants 7. Water each plant every day once a day for 5 days with 2 ml of solution 8. After each day, record and measure the height of each plant

BONUS: Will your experiment have a control? This is something you do to show that the effect you are seeing is indeed caused by your IV and NOT some other factor. DATA TABLE: Draw a blank data table. Think back to what is needed for a data table. Things to consider: a) how long will we collect data for? Assume changes are gradual b) how often will we collect data? This will eventually be graded against your DCP rubric.

Plant # H2SO4 HCl HNO3

Day 1 Height (cm)

Day 2 Height (cm)

Day 3 Height (cm)

Day 4 Height (cm)

Day 5 Height (cm)