After considering the experiment on cellular respiration using seeds (lab 5), you will now design your own investigation of cellular respiration. You will not actually do this experiment. Rather, you will design a “thought experiment” by imagining how you would design an experiment, what the possible results would be and write a report on it. This is a vital part of science. Before spending large amounts of time and energy on a topic, scientists design thought experiments to explore connections and possible results. These form the basis for research and grant proposals. The process of designing a thought experiment will also reinforce a variety of concepts presented in class. Your research report has to follow the conventions of The Scientific Method. Now that you have learned how to measure the rate of cellular respiration in germinating seeds, you have a tool for exploring questions on your own.
Instructions for Writing your Proposed Future Experiment and Hypothetical Results
Overall format:
Please write a paper[c1] using the format outline below. Make sure to address all sections completely. Note the approximate length for each section.
Title page: Please have your name, the name of your instructor, and your class and section number on the title page.
Body of your paper:
Please use Times New Roman Font (12) and single space. Please refer to instructions below for specific format of each section.
[GI2]
References:
Please use APA citation methods when citing your references. Wikipedia is not allowed. All references must be from reliable sources, such as university and government websites. Papers must come from peer reviewed journals.
Specific section instructions:
Section 1. (20 points) Introduction (2-3 paragraphs)
- Briefly describe the process of cellular respiration.
- Include a link to a video describing cellular respiration.
- Summarize the experiment you “conducted” in class using seeds to examine rates of cellular respiration, in terms of what you learned from it. Be sure to address the following questions: What hypothesis was being tested? How did you test your hypothesis? What independent and dependent variables were being investigated? What controls did you use? What were possible sources of error in your experiment? Please explain how the experiment you conducted supported or failed to support the original hypothesis.
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Section 2. (15 points) Hypothesis (1-2 paragraphs)
- Describe in brief the experiment you are proposing on the process of cell respiration. What specific question will you address? The question should be about the relationship between the rate of cellular respiration (the dependent variable) and an environmental factor that you think might affect cellular respiration (the independent variable).
- State a hypothesis about the relationship between the rate of cellular respiration and your variable. Remember that a good hypothesis is testable and makes predictions. Use your knowledge of biology to explain why you think your independent variable might influence rates of cellular respiration.
Section 3. (15 points) Experimental Design/Materials and Methods (2-3 paragraphs)
- Describe in detail the experimental design that you will use to test your hypothesis. In other words, how will you gather evidence/data to support your hypothesis? When explaining your design, be sure to address the following:
o What subject (beans, dogs, fish, plants, etc.) will you choose to test your hypothesis?
o How will you set-up your experiment in order to have your subjects exposed to the environmental factor that you chose?
o How will you measure the rate of cellular respiration? (The number of measurements, etc.)
o What variables/factors will you have to control?
- Include a picture or link to an experimental set-up you are suggesting to use in your experiment.
Section 4. (15 points) Expected Results
- Make a table and/or graph of your expected results using Word, Excel, or another digital format. Your table or graph should include:
o Hypothetical values for your independent and dependent variables (make sure you use appropriate units) that cover a reasonable range and could actually be measured by the methods you propose. Refer to the results of the cellular respiration experiment you just conducted to come up with reasonable hypothetical data for your proposed experiment.
o Remember to mention the names of “independent variable” and “dependent variable” on X and Y axes of your graph or as headings of the respective columns for them in your data table.
Section 5. (30 points) Conclusion (2-4 paragraphs)
In addition to interpreting your results and how they relate to your hypothesis, this section asks you to make connections between cellular respiration and other topics, and to reflect upon your experience[GI3][c4].
- Experimental discussion and implications: Please address the following:
o Restate your hypothesis and explain how your results relate to it. Does your data support or fail to support your hypothesis? How? Be specific.
o Describe one possible problem with actually doing the experiment you designed (if any).
o How does Cellular Respiration relate to global phenomena such as climate change? Refer to Fig. 1 and cite one reference discussing the relationship.
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o Explain how this assignment has helped you make connections with other classes or life experiences. Please be specific.
o How has doing this assignment helped you understand Cellular Respiration?
o How can you apply ‘The Scientific Method’ approach to life outside of class- whether personal, academic or professional?
[c1]Redundant with section length recommendations
[GI2]I agree no point inserting digital component again here, in the middle of the instructions.
[GI3]Considering this is a 30 point section, I think it is good to divide it into 2 parts so students can address all prompts systematically and this way we cover ‘reflection’ under this section only and not a separate section.
[c4]Another issue that came up and that I agree with is that the structure of the previous assignment was close enough to a formal lab report that students became confused about what sections a lab report should contain. Hence the removal of most “non lab report format” section titles including “reflection” which is inherent in the conclusion section anyway with the added prompts about life experience etc.