Below is the video clip we watched in class from the show "Mythbusters." In this episode, the hosts sought to test the question, "Are elephants really afraid of mice?" using the scientific method. Rewatch the clip if you need to, then answer the questions below.
Question 1
1.
Place in order the scientific method steps taken by the Mythbusters:
Analyze results & draw conclusion
Make a hypothesis
Ask a question
Conduct experiment & collect data
Question 2
2.
What was the Mythbusters' hypothesis?
Question 3
3.
What is the independent variable in this experiment? (Hint: what were they changing?)
Question 4
4.
What was the dependent variable? (Hint: What data were they collecting?)
Question 5
5.
They tried to pull the dung away at the same speed whether the mouse was under it or not. Why?
Question 6
6.
The Mythbusters want to improve their experiment to make sure the results are accurate. Which of the following changes would you recommend?
Great! Practice on a few more examples - questions 7-9. For each experimental question, identify the independent variable (IV), dependent variable (DV), and constants.
For Each, Ask Yourself:
What is the scientist changing on purpose so that they can answer the question? -- Independent Variable.
What is being measured? What data (numbers) are being collected? - Dependent Variable.
What is staying the same in all of the exeriments? -- these are your Constants.
Question 7
7.
Which type of sunscreen prevents burns for the longest amount of time?
skin tone of persons being tested
brand of sunscreen
time it takes to get burnt (minutes)
time of day
amount of sunscreen used
Question 8
8.
Ron wants to see which fast food restaurant has french fries that will take the longest to grow mold.
Days until mold grows
Room where fries are stored
Fries from different restraurants
Number of french fries
Independant Variable
Dependent Variable
Question 9
9.
What type of physical activity gives you the highest heart rate?
Type of physical activity
Outside temperature
Time spent on activity
Heart rate (beats per minute)
Independant Variable
Dependent Variable
Question 10
10.
I've heard a myth - that chewing gum while you take tests helps people perform better on tests. How could you design an experiment to test whether this is true? Use a short paragraph or numbered procedures to describe what you would do.