Scientific Method Scenarios (AP Bio)

1. Design an experiment that would answer your experimental question.

a.Establish a hypothesis AND a null hypothesis.
b. Identify the dependent and independent variables (may not apply to all).
c. Propose ways to eliminate confirmation bias.
d. Show a chart or graph that would depict what your data would look like.
e. Be ready to share your experiment with the class.

2. Improve your question (Scientific Questioning)

Does the wavelength of light (R.O.Y.G.B.I.V.) affect a plant’s growth?

Do mosquitoes spread the Zika virus to humans?

Will frogs exposed to the hormone estrogen lay more eggs?

Does the hormone estrogen increase the milk yield of dairy cows?

Does the size of a fish tank determine how large a fish will grow?

Do phosphates cause algae growth?

Will crickets chirp more if the temperature is warmer?

Do wounds heal faster when they are covered by Band-Aids?

Do insecticides increase the yield of a corn crop?

Do hyenas hunt by sight or by smell?

Does lack of sunlight cause depression in humans?

Are mosquitoes attracted to carbon dioxide?

Are herbicides causing bee populations to decline?

Will female deer urine attract male deer?

Grading Rubric (1-2 pts for each, 10 pts total)

Hypothesis and Hull Hypothesis ____
Identified variables ____
Eliminated bias ____
Data table / chart suggestion ____
Question revision / improvement ____

Related Resources

Scientific Scenarios (simple version)

Properties of Water – Investigation exploring cohesion, adhesion, heat capacity, presented as lab station activities

Investigation – Heat Storage and Loss – Use a jar and different types of insulation to explore how heat is lost and which materials are better insulators (Key, TpT)

Investigation:  What Are the Processes of Science – students design an experiment about lung capacity; requires spirometers, AP Biology