Dizzy Lab: An Investigation Using the Scientific Method
Scientific Question: Scientific questions are those we can prove/disprove by experiment (testing).
What is the effect of dizziness (spinning in circles) on hand eye coordination (line drawing accuracy)?
Scientific questions usually have independent and dependent variables. Remember the dependent variable always depends on the independent variable. In the above question, which is the independent variable and which is the dependent variable?
The dependent variable is ______because it might depend on ______which is the independent variable.
Background Information: In order to investigate the scientific questions, scientists must learn about the variables. They do that by reading books and periodical, which contain information about those variables. Below is some information about the variables in our scientific question. Please read carefully the following paragraph.
The purpose of this experiment is to determine what effect dizziness (spinning in circles) has on hand eye coordination (line drawing accuracy). The body maintains its balance by using its brain, muscles, bones. The types of sensory information that the body collects are visual and internal spatial orientation. Dizziness is when a person feels lightheaded or unsteady. Dizziness can occur when the body is receiving mixed messages from the brain. When a person is reading in the car, the eyes detect no motion, but the inner does. This causes motion sickness. In this investigation it is going to be determined if dizziness affects hand eye coordination. Hypothesis: The hypothesis is a prediction of what will happen in the experiment. It predicts what will happen to the dependent variable when the independent variable is changed. It is usually written in the following format:
If (the independent variable-the purposeful change), then (dependent variable- the measurable result or response of the change).
Below is the hypothesis. Fill in the blanks to complete the hypothesis.
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If the number of times spinning increases, then line drawing accuracy ______.
Procedure: A. Procedure: A numbered, step-by-step list of instructions to carry out the experiment. These need to be detailed enough so that if you left the room, another person would be able to repeat it without asking you any questions. B. Variables: 1. Independent Variable—the variable that is purposely changed or manipulated.
The independent variable in this investigation is ______.
2. Dependent Variable—the variable that measures the change (what you are measuring, your results).
The dependent variable in this investigation is ______.
3. Constants—all the factors that remain the same throughout the experiment.
Factors that should remain the same include: ______
______
______
4. Control—A way to detect any hidden variable that may be changing without you knowing. The part of the experiment that serves as a standard for a comparison. The control may be a “no treatment” group. You can think of this as “normal conditions”— what is not changed.
The control group in this investigation would be: ______
______
. 1. Pick a person that will be the spinner (choose someone who does not get sick from spinning). 2. Set paper and pencil at edge of counter. 3. Spinner stands 2 squares away from counter. 4. Spinner does not spin. 5. Spinner draws line quickly. 6. Record highest (lowest) line that was hit or crossed into data table. 7. Spinner rests 1 minute. 8. Repeat step 2 through 7, this time spinner spins 3 times as fast as possible with eyes looking at the ground. Stop. 9. Repeat step 2 trough 8, this time 6 spins. 10. Repeat step 2-9 2 more times.
Data Collection: Data Table: A data table is used to collect, record, and store the data obtained during the procedure. The data table must include: 1. A title 2. The independent variable (the purposeful change) in the left column. 3. The dependent variable (the results) 4. Units (must be metric) 5. At least 3 trials (This means the experimenter must test the same thing at least three times in order to get at least three sets of results.). Remember, the more trials you do, the more accurate your results. 6. Averages (mean) for the trials.
Graph: A graph displays the calculated data in an easy to see diagram. The graph (line) should show the relationship between the independent variable and the dependent variable. Graphs to show further information can also be included here (use more than one graph to better illustrate your results). The following must be included in this section: 1. A proper scientific title 2. Labels for the x-axis (independent variable) and y-axis (dependent variable) 3. A legend (if appropriate). 4. Units used (must be metric)
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Data Table: Line Drawing Accuracy per Number of Spins
Number of lines drawn past Number of Trial 1 Trial 2 Trial 3 Total Average spins (mean) 0 3 6
Graph: on a separate sheet of paper Conclusion: This is a paragraph that: 1. Has a topic sentence (restate the question). (T.S.) 2. States the evidence (data and numbers written here). (C.D.) 3. Answers the question. (C.M.) 4. Has a concluding sentence. (C.S)
T.S.
C.D.
C.M.
C.S.