Observations, Inferences and Assumptions Versus Hypothesis, Experiments and Re-testing

Scientific Method

A systematic, precise objective study of a problem.

When asked to create your own scientific test for a phenomenon please include:

1. Hypothesis
2. Equipment and materials needed
3. Description of test (control and one variable at a time)
4. Detailed list of procedures include time frame of test
5. How data collected and organized
6. Possible outcomes of test and how it would relate to your hypothesis

Design an experiment to investigate the answer to each of the following questions (Don't worry- I will not contact PETA):

• Why do moose stand and fight wolves in the winter?
• Which month is more deadly for animals, March or November?
• Why do opposums often have the tips of their ears and tails missing?

21 Questions Activity

Explore an area in the back woods of the school carefully noting the terrain, rock outcrops and any unusual animal markings you find. Try to get in touch with your surroundings using all of your senses- well maybe except for taste! What do you hear? Are there any smells you can sense? Can you find any animal tracks in the mud? How many different plants can you see?

Now isolate yourself some place where you can’t see or hear other people. Find a comfortable place to observe your surroundings such as a large stone, tree branch or siting on the ground. Do not move around. Breath deeply and relax. Slowly count backwards from seven. Now look around you and concentrate on your surroundings. What do you observe? Let your mind wander with wonder. Write down questions you have about your surroundings as rapidly as you can until you have asked 21 questions. Do not filter or judge your questions- ie. Don’t reject writing down questions if they seem to be trivial or stupid. Ask questions about things around you- not about yourself or other people.

Homework: Design a controlled experiment to study one of your 21 questions. Be sure to indicate which is the control and which variable you will manipulate in your experimental design. Don't forget to include how long you will conduct your test and how you will analyze the data.

Chinoneuphores- animals that have adjusted their life to winter ex. White snowshoe hair and weasel.

Chinonophobes- animals that are unable to adjust to winter conditions. ex. Opposum

Chinophiles- animals that posses adaptations for winter