PL HELP ME PLZZ Goals
1. Introduce the scientific method
2. Explain the importance of
experimentation
3. Illustrate how experiments are conducted
4. Set the pattern of investigation used in
this lab
Materials and Equipment
Balloons
Binder clip
Marker, permanent
Materials Not Included
Paper, cut into strips 100 cm x 2 cm
Tape measure
Introduction
The classic model of scientific
investigation involves a cycle of learning,
which is shown in Figure 1.
First, we formulate an idea called a
hypothesis, which is a tentative answer
to a question
developed
after making
an observation.
We usually have
a reason to do
this, or some
background
information that
leads us to make
the hypothesis.
Second, we look
into what the hypothesis may imply and
see how we can formulate tests to prove
the hypothesis to be either true or false.
Third, we do a set of experiments to prove
the hypothesis true or false. Fourth, we
evaluate the results to see what the results
imply. Fifth, we look at the hypothesis, in
light of the results, and seek to improve our
original hypothesis now that we have more
information available. In this way science
progresses toward a fuller understanding of
nature.
As you can see, the experiments are
necessary to validate ideas and hypotheses.
There are many different possibilities in this
world that do not actually exist. Simple
examples include pink elephants and pigs
that fly. Such animals could exist, but
actually they do not. The same is true in all
areas of science, including chemistry. Some
things could exist, and we can see whether
or not they do by doing tests.
The world we live in is highly complex
which makes it more difficult for the young
scientist to formulate hypotheses for testing.
Therefore, we (the authors) have carefully
prepared experiments that work and which
illustrate key concepts. This means that
the first two steps of the scientific method
are performed by the authors. By working
this way, we
give a more
productive
time to the
student and
allow them
to progress
rapidly in
the learning
process.
However,
this means
Hypothesi