Using the Scientific Method This activity will help you meet this educational goal:
You will plan an investigation using the scientific method and answer the proposed questions.
Directions
Read the instructions for this self-checked activity. Type in your response to each question, and check your answers. At the
end of the activity, write a brief evaluation of your work.
Activity
Many farmers and gardeners compost their plant and animal waste. The living material naturally decays in compost bins,
forming a dirt-like substance that's rich in nutrients. The next season, farmers use this substance as a natural fertilizer for
their crops.
A biology student has grown tomato plants for several years. Until now, he used an artificial fertilizer formulated for
tomato plants. This fertilizer caused his plants to grow faster and taller than they grew in unfertilized soil. The student
wants to know whether using natural compost will cause his tomato plants to grow faster and taller than his artificial
fertilizer
Answer the following questions to plan an investigation using the steps of the scientific method and help the student find
the answer to his question.
Part A
What are the student's observations and inferences before he starts his investigation?
B IV x x Font Sizes A- A - E 1 E 3
The students observations before he starts his experiment are that his tomato plants grew faster and taller with his artificial fertilizer rather
than without any fertilizer at all