Growing Bean Plants

Here is another example where the scientific method can be used to study the natural
world.

1. Define Purpose: I want to know if a bean plant will grow more quickly outside or
inside. For the purposes of this experiment, you might decide on a time frame of three
weeks.
2. Construct Hypothesis: The null hypothesis is that there is no difference
between growing a bean plant indoors or outdoors. The alternative hypothesis is that
there is a statistically significant difference between the two growing situations for bean
plants.
3. Test Hypothesis and Collect Data:Plant four bean plants in identical pots using
the same type of soil. Place two of these in an outdoor location, and place the other two
in an indoor location. Try to choose locations where the plants will get a similar amount
of sunlight. Care for the plants in an identical way, like giving the same amount of water.
Then, each day for the three-week experimental period, observe and measure plant
growth. Carefully record the size of each plant in a notebook.
4. Analyze Data: Review the data and determine how the plants in both
environments progressed over the course of the three weeks. You may choose to find
an average between the two indoor plants to determine the "typical" indoor plant growth,
doing the same for the two outdoor plants to calculate the "typical" outdoor plant growth.
5. Draw Conclusion: Based on the data you collected, determine if there is a
conclusive answer to the question as to whether a bean plant placed inside or outside
will grow more quickly.
6. Communicate Results: Prepare a way to present the results of the experiment,
like in the form of a written report, a slideshow presentation, or as a display at a science
fair.

Freezing Water

Consider how the scientific method applies in this simple experiment with freezing water
under two different conditions.

1. Define Purpose: I want to know if water freezes faster on its own or with sugar
added to it.
2. Construct Hypothesis: The null hypothesis is that there will be no difference in
how long it takes the water to freeze, whether or not it has sugar added to it. The
 alternative hypothesis is that there will be a statistically significant difference in freezing
time between the two scenarios.
3. Test Hypothesis and Collect Data: Fill two identical containers with the same
amount of room temperature water. Add a measured amount of sugar to one of the
containers. Place the two containers into the freezer. At regular intervals of 15 minutes,
open the freezer and observe the status of the water in each container. Continue until
both have completely frozen. Write down the time it took for each container of water to
reach a fully frozen level.
4. Analyze Data: Look at the time it took for each container of water to freeze. Did
the water with sugar added take a significantly longer or shorter amount of time to
freeze?
5. Draw Conclusion: Based on the results of your experiment, come to a
conclusion as to whether water with sugar freezes faster, slower, or at the same rate as
water without sugar added.
6. Communicate Results: Report your findings in the form of a written report as an
oral presentation.