APPLYING SCIENTIFIC METHOD (Thomson)


           Adapted from the tutorial Biology Active Learner, Thomson Learning, Inc 2002

                    http://w3.dwm.ks.edu.tw/bio/activelearner/01/ch1intro.html


In the discipline of biology, life and living organisms are studied using the scientific method.
The scientific method is a systematic approach to examining a situation or problem. In the
following task, the main features of the scientific method are reviewed and applied to a specific
example.


1)      Put the basic steps of the scientific method in the correct order:


ask critical questions                make observations
experiment                                                 make prediction                     draw
conclusions                                                                    analyze
results                  create hypothesis



2)      Label the statements with appropriate headings (A-H):


 A. make observations
 B. experiment
 C. create hypothesis
 D. analyze results
 E. make prediction
 F. draw conclusions
 G. ask critical questions
 H. analysis


1.  The shrimp is associated with the algae.

The shrimp seems to be eating the algae.

The algae are green.

The shrimp is green.

The shrimp and the algae are similar in color.



                                          2.  Why are the algae green?

Why is the shrimp green?

Is the shrimp eating the algae?

Is shrimp color related to algae color?



                                          3.  The color of the shrimp is not related to the color
of the algae.

Shrimp color is derived from the color of the algae.

The color of the algae is derived from the color of the shrimp.


                                           4. If shrimp color is derived from the color of the
algae, then:

...shrimp will change color when their diet changes.

...shrimp will change color when placed in a tank with algae of a different color.

...shrimp will change color when they can see algae of a different color.



5.      Shrimps are fed different color algae.

(One hundred adult shrimp are divided at random into two equally sized groups and maintained under
identical conditions except for their food.

The control group is fed the same green algae that led to the original observation.

The experimental group is fed algae of a different color.

The shrimp in the two groups are observed periodically for several months, and detailed records of
shrimp color are maintained for both groups.)



6.      A: Control shrimp are green and experimental shrimp are brown.

B: Control shrimp are green and experimental shrimp are also green.



7.      Did shrimp color change based on food color?



8.      Result A

In this case, the experimental shrimp changed color. Further, they assumed a color similar to the
color of the algae they ingested. The hypothesis is supported by these experimental result.

Result B

In this case, the experimental shrimp did not change color. The hypothesis is not supported by
these experimental results.





3)      Put the stages in correct order


Shrimp and algae are similar in color.

Is shrimp color related to algae color?

Shrimp color is derived from algae color

Shrimp will change color when diet changes.

Shrimp are fed different color algae.

Did shrimp color change based on food color?

Hypothesis holds up (or not).



4)      Apply the scientific method to your own specific example. Prepare a poster and present it
to your colleagues-biologists.