Chapter 1. Chapter 1 Scientific Method - Experiment

1.3.1 Observational Science and Qualitative Data

Your laboratory has been sent a collection of individuals from a newly discovered species found in South America. You’ve been tasked with discovering how best to keep these animals alive – the best habitat for them to live in, the best diet to feed them, etc. The data you collect will be used to construct the ideal zoo habitat for this species, so it is important these experiments be done carefully and accurately.

We will first determine how this organism reacts to a variety of different stimuli. The table below lists these different objects and conditions to which we can expose the organism. For each, write your predictions for how you think the organisms will respond to these possible stimuli. Your predictions do not have to be correct (you only will be graded for entering a response) – they simply represent your best guess as to how the organisms will respond to the stimulus.

1.1

Now that you have entered the "Expected Response" to each stimulant, proceed to the experiment module by clicking the "Launch Experiment Module" button to conduct your first experiment.

After launching the experiment module, you will click and drag each stimulant into one of the cages on the table. Note: you can only test one substance per cage.

After the first test, make notes about the organisms' responses to the stimulants. Then, minimize the experiment module, and record the organisms' "Actual Response" to the stimulants you tested in the table below.

Repeat these steps until you have tested the organisms' responses to every substance. Once you have filled out the table, you'll be able to proceed to the next step in this activity.