Paper Airplanes & Scientific Methods

Transcription

1 Paper Airplanes & Scientific Methods Scientific Inquiry refers to the many different ways in which scientists investigate the world. Scientific investigations are one to answer questions and solve problems. Many times investigations are said to follow a Scientific Method. Scientific methods are steps that are followed during an investigation to make sure that the information gained during the investigation is accurate and true. Step 1: Identify and State the Question or Problem You want to know which paper airplane design will fly the farthest. As a group, you will choose three different style of paper airplanes. Write a question that states what is being tested and relate it to what is being changed. Step 1B: Background Research Find out what is already known about the topic being investigated. In this lab the topic is paper airplanes. Spend a little time activating your brain on paper airplanes. Step 1C: Do some Research Use the computer to research different paper airplane designs. Decide on three you would like to test and draw them in this section. Step 2: State a Hypothesis Educated Guess about the result of the experiment; based upon background knowledge and personal experiences. Always stated as an if, then because.statement Based on what you know about paper airplanes, write a hypothesis that states which type of paper airplane (that you are testing) will fly the greatest distance and why you think this.

2 Step 3: Write a Procedure Procedures include a list of necessary materials and the DETAILED step by step directions. Need to also make sure in the directions that only one variable is being tested. This means that only ONE item is changed in the experiment. Also make sure multiple trials are completed to make sure the data is reliable. Materials: (list materials needed to complete this experiment) The procedure for this investigation is partially done for you. Add any extra steps needed for your investigation. 1. Select 3 different paper airplanes. a. b. c. List the types of planes chosen here. 2. Pick a spot to launch the planes from each time. 3. Throw the first airplane. 4. Measure the distance in. 5. Record the data in the data chart. 6. Repeat 4 more times. 7. Repeat steps 3-6 for the other types of planes.

3 Step 4A: Collect and Record Data (Make a table similar to the one below on your paper) Observe and measure data. There are two types of data: o Qualitative data is recorded as observations and uses WORDS. o Quantitative data is measured and uses NUMBERS. You will use the chart below to record your data; each part of the chart is labeled for you. This is the General Manipulated / Independent Variable Always show units of measurement To find the average you add up all the trials and divide by the number of trials These are the Specific Manipulated / Independent Variables Distance in Meters of Airplane Flight Type of Trial Trial Trial Trial Trial Average Airplane Distance Step 4B: Analyze Data (Make a bar graph similar to the one below on your own paper) After the data is collected and recorded, scientists need to make sense of it. This is done by looking for patterns, trends, and relationships. Making a graph is a good way to help analyze data. It is very important to use the right kind of graph when analyzing data. In this investigation, different kinds of paper airplanes were compared. Any time data is compared, a Bar Graph is the most appropriate type of graph to use.

4 All graphs have some things in common; The manipulated / independent variable (what is changed in the experiment) is on the X-axis (bottom). The responding / dependent variable (what is measured) is on the Y-axis (side). Each axis is labeled to identify the variables. Units of measurement are included in the labels. The graph has a descriptive title. The information on the graph is spread out so that most of the graph is used. Use the graph below to record your data; each part of the graph is labeled. Graph Title Comparison of Flight Distances Label showing the Responding/ Dependent Variable and the unit of measurement Distance in Meters Start numbering with "0" 0 Specific Airplane 1 Airplane 2 Airplane 3 Manipulated / Independent General Manipulated / Variable Type of Paper Airplane Independent Variable

5 Step 5: Write a Conclusion A conclusion is a discussion of the data. A four part conclusion will be used for this experiment. o The question is answered and supported with specific DATA from the lab. o The hypothesis is accepted or rejected. A hypothesis is never "right" or "wrong" - it is either supported by the data or it is not supported by the data. Thus specific examples from the lab need to be included. o Data is determined to be reliable (good) or unreliable (bad). Items to be aware of when collecting data include: measuring accuracy, sample size, number of trials, keeping everything the same. o What other questions can be answered or what can be done next time to improve the data? The conclusion for this investigation has been started for you. Fill in the blanks with your information. The plane flew the furthest. The data proves this because. The hypothesis is (accepted / rejected). Examples from the lab show that. The data is (reliable/unreliable).

6 . A question that still needs to be answered is. Finally: Communicate results Professional scientists must be able to share the results of their investigations with other scientists all over the world. The scientific community discusses investigations with each other, repeats them, refines them, and compares them to what is already known, all in the effort to find what is really true and accurate. Be prepared to spend 2-3 minutes discussing the results of the investigation with your scientific colleagues (classmates).