LAB : SCIENTIFIC METHOD

The purpose of this lab is to utilize the scientific method in solving a problem.

STEP #1 STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM
Is matter created, destroyed, or neither during a chemical change?

STEP #2 RESEARCH THE PROBLEM
     Obtain other science books, encyclopedias, magazines, etc. and gather any information about the above problem.

STEP #3 FORMULATE A HYPOTHESIS
     Make a statement of what you think the "correct" answer is for the problem stated above. State your hypothesis in an "If ....... then......" format.

STEP #4 DEVISE AN EXPERIMENT
     Devise an experiment that will test only the one "factor" that you have chosen to investigate in your hypothesis. (Remember to keep all other factors unchanged.)
     Describe the "procedure" for doing the Lab.
          Explain each step you do in either a "cookbook" form, or write it out in paragraph form.           Diagrams are often very helpful. Use scientific terms whenever possible.
     RUN YOUR EXPERIMENT.

STEP #5 OBSERVATIONS OF EXPERIMENTS
     Make all necessary observations utilizing any necessary equipment and your own senses. The success of your observations are closely associated with your concentration and your intuition. (Don't overlook "minor" details- sometimes they aren't so minor.
     Collect and Organize the DATA. Put numbers, diagrams, descriptions, etc. into an organized manner such as charts, lists, graphs, diagrams, etc. Show any calculations that are made.

STEP #6 CONCLUSIONS
     The conclusion often includes the results of any math calculations, intuitive thinking, and
numerous observations. Diagrams, charts, lists, etc. can be included in a conclusion if they result
from the manipulation of the data, and/or help explain your thoughts. YOUR CONCLUSION MUST
BE SUPPORTED BY YOUR OWN LAB RESULTS! (You cannot say what you "think" should have happened.
     In the conclusion state if your hypothesis was correct, and if not, how it might be revised to make it correct. List several possible sources of error, and methods to reduce their effect if the lab is repeated. Compare and contrast how your results compared with that of other lab groups, and with the accepted value if known. Explain how your results might be applied to other science related topics, or to everyday situations. Summarize what you learned in a general statement.
               NOTE --> Any changes in mass or volume are ONLY considered significant if the change
                              in mass is greater than 1 g. and the change in volume is greater than 1 ml.


                                                    GOOD LUCK !