Lab 1 – Introduction to Science

Introduction to Science

Carefully review the Grading Rubric before beginning the assignment.

Before you begin this assignment, watch the How to Formulate a Hypothesis video. Then, read "Lab 1: Introduction to Science." This lab includes several critical thinking activities that focus on the scientific method, lab reporting, and data collection and management. Once you have completed the reading, utilize this information to answer all of the Exercise 1 questions on the Week One Lab Reporting Form. Make sure to complete all of the following items before submission:

1. Read through the introductory material and watch the How to Formulate a Hypothesis video.
2. Answer Exercise 1 Questions 1 through 8 in complete sentences on the Week One Lab Reporting Form.

Submit the Week One Lab Reporting Form via Waypoint. The document does not need to include a title page or other APA formatting; however, any outside sources utilized in your answers must be referenced in proper APA format as outlined in the Ashford Writing Center.

Lab 1 – Introduction to Science

Exercise 1: The Scientific Method

Dissolved oxygen is oxygen that is trapped in a fluid, such as water. Since many living organisms require oxygen to survive, it is a necessary component of water systems such as streams, lakes, and rivers in order to support aquatic life. The dissolved oxygen is measured in units of parts per million (ppm). Examine the data in Table 4 showing the amount of dissolved oxygen present and the number of fish observed in the body of water the sample was taken from and then answer the questions below.

QUESTIONS

1.      Make an observation – Based on the data in Table 4, describe the relationship between dissolved oxygen content and fish populations in the body of water. Discuss the pattern observed in the data set.

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2.      Do background research – Utilizing at least one scholarly source, describe how variations in dissolved oxygen content in a body of water can affect fish populations.

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3.      Construct a hypothesis – Based on your observation in Question 1 and your background research in Question 2, develop a hypothesis statement that addresses the relationship between dissolved oxygen in the water sample and the number of fish observed in the body of water.

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4.      Test with an experiment – Describe an experiment that would allow you to test your hypothesis from question 3.  This description must provide ample detail to show knowledge of experimental design and should list the independent and dependent variables, as well as your control.

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5.      Analyze results – Assume that your experiment produces results identical to those seen in Table 4, what type of graph would be appropriate for displaying the data and why?

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6.      Analyze results - Graph the data from Table 4 and describe what your graph looks like (you do not have to submit a picture of the actual graph).

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7.      Draw conclusions - Interpret the data from the graph made in Question 6.  What conclusions can you make based on the results of this graph?

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8.      Draw conclusions – Assuming that your experiment produced results identical to those seen in Table 4, would you reject or accept the hypothesis that you produced in question 3?  Explain how you determined this.

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References

Any sources utilized should be listed here.

How to Formulate a Hypothesis video

 "Lab 1: Introduction to Science read

Required Resources

Text

·        Turk, J., & Bensel, T. (2014). Contemporary environmental issues (2nd ed.). San Diego, CA: Bridgepoint Education, Inc.

·         Chapter 1: Ecosystems

·         Chapter 2: Human Population Dynamics

Lab Kit

·        Lab 1: Introduction to Science

·         Please purchase the Lab Kit from the Ashford University Bookstore.

Multimedia

·        AshfordScience. (2013, July 10). How to formulate a hypothesis [Video]. Retrieved from http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bp2fbzWZDmA

·         Watch this video in order to successfully complete this week’s laboratory, “Introduction to Science.”
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·        Global Footprint Network. (2011, September 8). Footprint calculator [Interactive calculator]. Retrieved from http://www.footprintnetwork.org/en/index.php/GFN/page/calculators/

·         Use the interactive calculator to calculate your resource consumption in order to successfully complete this week’s assignment, “Environmental Footprint.”
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·        United States Environmental Protection Agency. (2012, July 31). Household carbon footprint calculator [Interactive calculator]. Retrieved from http://www.epa.gov/climatechange/ghgemissions/ind-calculator.html

·         Use the interactive calculator to calculate your greenhouse gas emissions in order to successfully complete this week’s assignment, “Environmental Footprint.”
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Supplemental Materials

·        Selhorst, A. (2013). Environmental footprint reporting form [Word file]. College of Liberal Arts. Ashford University.

·         You will need this form in order to successfully complete this week’s assignments, “Environmental Footprint.”

·        Selhorst, A. (2013). Week one lab reporting form [Word file]. College of Liberal Arts. Ashford University.

·         You will need this form in order to successfully complete this week’s laboratory, “Introduction to Science.”

Recommended Resources

Website

·        United States Census Bureau. (2013). International programs. Retrieved from http://www.census.gov/population/international/

·         This website provides support for understanding the relationships between population growth, extinction, and biodiversity.