Design an Experiment

Purpose/State the Problem:

Clearly state what your problem is.
Background/Observations:
1.
2.

What do you already know about the topic from textbook and research?
What observations have you made that relate to the topic? It could
even be a behavior that you have observed but do not understand.

Formulate a Hypothesis:

If independent variable, then dependent variable

Design the Experiment:

Must include!

1. Constants
2. Independent variable Can it be reasonably tested?
3. Dependent variable
4. Control group
5. Experimental group
6. Sample size Bigger is better!
7. Steps of procedure
8. Verification
9. Possible sources of error
Data Table/Graph:
1.
2.
3.

Number & Title

Units!!
Graph-Label Axes!

Conclusion: Was your hypothesis right? EXPLAIN based on your

data.

Ideas: Design an Experiment

1. Design an experiment investigating the effect of temperature on the rate of an
enzyme.
2. Design an experiment to determine what kind of soil is best for water retention?
3. Design an experiment to determine if antacids help soil polluted by acid rain?
4. Design an experiment to determine which color of light causes green beans to
grow best?
5. Design an experiment investigating the effect of nitrogen on plant growth.
6. Design an experiment investigating the effect of organic fertilizer versus
chemical fertilizer on plant growth.
7. Design an experiment investigating the types of environments that permit
bacteria to flourish?
8. Design an experiment to see if pillbugs prefer a wet or damp environment.
9. Design an experiment investigating the effect of time of day on the time it takes
a hamster to negotiate a maze.
10. Design an experiment to determine if goldfish behavior is affected by light.
11. Design an experiment to determine the osmotic potential of 1 cm3 piece of
potato. Graph your results on the graph paper provided.
12. Design an experiment to determine the rate of respiration of an organism.
Graph your results on the graph paper provided.
13. Design an experiment to determine the identity of an unknown pigment.
14. Design an experiment to determine the effect of humidity on the rate of
transpiration. Graph your results on the graph paper provided.