BIO 299 Micro lab 2 Complete Solution
The scientific method is a systematic approach to solving numerous problems and inquiries. The step by step
... [Show More] approach breaks down the problem starting with forming a hypothesis. A hypothesis is an educated statement that explains an observation. Once the hypothesis has been formed the next step is to test it. Carrying out a well-designed experiment is crucial in testing a hypothesis. The next step in the scientific method is to collect the data and results that were formed after conducting the experiment. Once the results have been gathered one must analyze them and determine if they support or refute the original hypothesis. The last step is to publish the findings of the hypothesis so others can learn and retest the experiment. During the pillbug lab each step to the scientific method as listed above was used in order to explain the hypothesis. The experiment was designed to test whether the pillbugs were more attracted to cornstarch, and if so would they move towards the chamber containing the cornstarch. After collecting background information on the pillbug and its habits, a hypothesis is ready to be formed. The pillbugs will favor the cornstarch, and in turn gravitate towards the chamber containing the cornstarch.
Materials and Methods
The following materials were needed to carry out the pillbug lab:
• 10 pillbugs
• Cornstarch
• Fine sand
• 2 choice chambers
• Timer
To being the lab once must place a scoop of cornstarch on one side of the choice chamber and sand on the other. Once both choice chambers have cornstarch and sand place in their respected chambers, ten pillbugs can be added. For this lab five pillbugs were added to each chamber making it ten pillbugs for the experiment total. After the pillbugs have been place in the choice chambers begin observing their movement patterns. Make sure to take notes in one minute intervals for six minutes total. Meaning at every minute record how many pillbugs are in each chamber.
Results
After collecting the data and observing the pillbugs, their patterns demonstrated their tendency to move towards the choice chamber containing the cornstarch. An average number of pillbugs was recorded to express the amount of bugs in the choice chambers throughout the experiment as seen in figure 1. Figure 2 shows the overall movement patterns and time lapse of pillbugs during the six minutes of recorded data. By the end of the sixth minute a majority of pillbugs were inside the cornstarch chamber. [Show Less]