EPS
200 (Stapleton)
Experimental
Design 1.0
With
a partner or alone, begin your experimental design.
1.
Choose a testable question
that relates to a possible difference between two groups of data. This
must be a realistic, interesting question that will give you some good practice
designing an experiment. Clearly identify the independent and dependent
variables. You must get this okayed by Mr.
Stapleton before proceeding.
2.
Begin creating a data-collection
protocol for your question. You're probably more familiar with the terms procedure
or materials & methods. The word protocol can have
different meanings, but in the context of science a protocol is a
very clear procedure that is carried out exactly the same way every time.
Fine-tune your data collection methods until your measurements are precise and
until all extra variables and the effects of bias have been eliminated.
Confirm that your methods are a logical way of attempting to answer your
experimental question. [In reality, it is not possible to eliminate
every variable; if there are some important variables that you cannot
eliminate, you should mention them. Other students may be able to offer
suggestions for controlling those variables.]
3.
Create a video of your
methods. At the beginning, announce your question and identify your
independent and dependent variables. Then show and tell exactly how you
will collect your data. Your goal is to convince the viewers that you
have designed a high quality experiment with results and a conclusion that can be
trusted. Your video will be shared with the rest of the class for
feedback (on controlling variables, measurement precision, bias, logic,
etc.). You will be receiving feedback from other groups, and you will be
giving feedback to other groups on their methods.
4.
Upload your video to your Google
Drive. Use the advanced sharing settings to share with "anyone with
a link."
5.
Paste your link in this
form (link on website and emailed to you) and then fill out the
rest of the form..