Lab 1 The Scientific Method

and Termite Trails

Welcome to NSB
Why do you need to know about Biology?

Stem cells, cloning, DNA, genetic testing,
vaccines, evolution, bioethics, animal and plant
diversity, mutations, antibiotic resistance,
viruses, diseases, global warming, energy, fossil
fuels, genetically engineered foods.

These things affect you EVERY DAY. You want to
be informed, so you can make smart choices.

Why do I need to take a lab?
We know you arent looking to be a scientist
But you will have experiences that involve
science EVERY DAY.
Labs provide a hands-on, active approach to
learning.
Labs demonstrate The Scientific Method.
Labs show how simple research can affect the
way you approach problems.
Natural Science Syllabus
Grading
Quizzes
Attendance
Participation
Paper/Presentation
Code of Conduct
Electronic Communications
Lab Manual
Must be purchased for
lab. Available in
Bookstore.
Needed every week to
turn in your questions.
This is how you get your
participation points.

In the lab - Lab Equipment
Always check to make sure you have all the
needed equipment before you begin your lab.

Lab equipment must always be stored
properly and cleaned to avoid contamination.
Never put away equipment that is dirty.

Safety Procedures
1. Never conduct any
laboratory experiments
until proper instructions
have been given and a
instructor is present.
2. If something goes
wrong while performing
a laboratory
experiment,
immediately get the
attention of the
instructor.
3. Always read the
instructions and safety
precautions before
beginning an
experiment.

Designing an Experiment
Each of the NSB Labs has been designed to
give you a big picture view of Biology.
Each lab has the same format a short
lecture, background information, materials,
the procedure, collecting data, and questions
designed to assess your understanding.
Each lab follows the messy cycle called The
Scientific Method
The Scientific Method starts, stops,
moves forward, moves backward, and
rarely just follows the circle.
Much of what we do in science DOES
NOT involve experiments
Much of science is making observations and
descriptions.
Different sizes
Different colors
Different structures
Different functions

Then, we make predictions about WHY things
might be different
Forming a Hypothesis
Forming a hypothesis first involves
observation.
Then, ask a question about something you
observe. Your hypothesis will be a possible
answer to that question.
Remember a hypothesis does not have to be
correct; it simply has to be testable.
In fact, often hypotheses are wrong. However,
even a wrong hypothesis is useful because it
helps you rule out ideas.

Testing a Hypothesis
You must
design a
controlled
experiment
to test a
hypothesis.
A controlled
experiment
tests only
one factor at
a time.
Dependent v. Independent Variable
Independent Variable Changed
The one factor that YOU alter between experimental
groups
Dependent Variable Measured
Your result (data), (depends on what is changed)

Data Collection Techniques
All of the information collected during a
scientific investigation is known as data. Data
can be collected through the following
techniques:
Quantitative measurement numbers such as
weight, volume, or how many legs


Qualitative observation colors, size, shape,
feeling
Analyzing Data
Data can be analyzed by making inferences
from and recognizing patterns in the data. You
might use the following methods to analyze
your data:

statistical analysis

creating graphs

organizing data into tables and charts

Data Collection and Sample Size
The larger the
amount of data
collected,
The larger the
sample size,
The more times the
experiment is
repeated,
The more valid
the results.

Collect and Interpret Data
Precision in Data Collection
When you collect data you need to be concerned
about precision and accuracy. Precision refers to
how consistent and reproducible a measurement
is. A good rule of thumb is to take measurements
two or three times (called replicates) in order to
ensure precision
Accuracy in Data Collection
Accuracy refers to the correctness of a
measurement. Data will be useless unless it is
collected accurately.


Precision vs. Accuracy

Which piece of
equipment would be
best for accurately
measuring 76 ml?

Do I have a theory, or do I have a
hypothesis?
Scientists use the word theory differently
than the general public.
A scientific theory is a set of principles that
explain and predict phenomena.

Scientists
create scientific theories with the scientific
method, when they are originally proposed
as hypotheses and tested for accuracy through
observations and experiments. Once a
hypothesis is verified, it becomes a theory.

Whats YOUR hypothesis?
The termites used in this experiment are a
group of social insects usually classified at the
taxonomic rank of order Isoptera. As truly
social animals, they are termed eusocial .
Eusocial animals display several characteristics
they have a queen, workers or laborers,
defenders, colonies, castes but WHY????

How to do the lab
Read the background information
Look at your materials and procedure what
are you going to do, and WHY?
Follow directions, and fill in your data sheet
for Lab 1.
Make sure your full, real name, section, and
TA are on the handout, and turn it in.
You arent finished until your lab station is
clean and ready for the next class.