A Quick Inquiry Exercise (from 2005 workshop)

 

Use this worksheet to help organize your work on a time-limited inquiry project.

 

Explore possibilities, look for trends and patterns [5 min + discussion]

By just looking at the equipment available, list:

 

Factors you could vary                                               Responses you could measure

 

 

 

 

 

 

Pose own research question [5 min + discussion]

 

Question: How does _______________________(#1) affect __________________________(#2)?

 

Hypothesis: I think ______________________________________( something about factor in #1)

 

will ______________________________________________(do what to response in #2)?

 

Design an experiment to test your hypothesis [15 min + check plan with instructor]

 

What major factor do you think influences your pattern of interest? _________________

 

What will you measure to test your hypothesis? __________________________

 

What controls or alternatives should you consider?_____________________

 

How many trials will you conduct? ____________________

 

What will your experimental set-up look like?  Draw and label a diagram of it on reverse.

 

[After running your plan by the instructor, set up and perform your experiment. 30 min]

 

Apply appropriate data analysis tools

Graph your results in an x-y plot with the response on the y-axis.  Print a hardcopy.

 

Bring it back to a discussion with all groups

Before the discussion, what can you conclude based on your results alone?

 

 

 

 

After the discussion, expand on your conclusions, if possible.