Thinking Scientifically
Summary
In this activity, students learn how to think scientifically to explore a simple hypothesis: the existence of Extra-Sensory Perception (ESP). Students make a statement of the problem they wish to investigate, discuss pertinent facts or background information about their problem, develop a hypothesis (and null hypothesis), test their hypothesis through experimentation, and evaluate their results and develop a conclusion that either supports or rejects their hypothesis. Experimental data is collected in groups of two in the class, and statistical methods are introduced to evaluate individual and compiled class data.
Learning Goals
Upon completion of this exercise students will be able to:
1. Identify the components of the scientific method and explain each.
2. Perform and evaluate a simple scientific experiment.
3. Design a simple scientific experiment.
1. Identify the components of the scientific method and explain each.
2. Perform and evaluate a simple scientific experiment.
3. Design a simple scientific experiment.
Context for Use
This activity is designed to be an in-class project for an introductory level Earth Science course. It is being used in an Introduction to Earth History course, but can be applied to pretty much any introductory science course. Because it introduces the concept of the scientific method, and uses simple examples and broad concepts, it should be offered early in the course.
The activity can be used with almost any class size, and would take up one 1-2 hour lecture period, depending on how much of the write-up was assigned as homework. Because the experiment used explores the concept of sample size, the activity benefits from larger class size (but can be used in small classes easily by increasing the number of times each group performs the experiment).
The only materials needed are pencil and paper, and students will want some mathematics background (familiarity with basic probability and statistics is helpful).
The activity can be used with almost any class size, and would take up one 1-2 hour lecture period, depending on how much of the write-up was assigned as homework. Because the experiment used explores the concept of sample size, the activity benefits from larger class size (but can be used in small classes easily by increasing the number of times each group performs the experiment).
The only materials needed are pencil and paper, and students will want some mathematics background (familiarity with basic probability and statistics is helpful).
Teaching Materials
Assignment handout: Activity 1: The Scientific Method (Microsoft Word 50kB Feb4 08)
This student hand-out explains the experimental procedure, and includes questions for student to answer as they progress through the activity.
Online statistical calculator that students use as part of the exercise.
This student hand-out explains the experimental procedure, and includes questions for student to answer as they progress through the activity.
Online statistical calculator that students use as part of the exercise.
Teaching Notes and Tips
Assessment
References and Resources
The statistical software used in the activity comes VassarStats, a web site for statistical calculation. The specific calculator used concerns binomial probabilities.
This activity was modified from an activity developed by Dave Boehmer.
This activity was modified from an activity developed by Dave Boehmer.
