In this laboratory exercise, you will choose one peanut from a bowlful and make "identifying observations" about the peanut. Then you will place the peanut back in the bowl and return later to try to find it again by using your observation skills.
Before you begin the investigation, you should reflect on the outcome. You have already learned how to write a good hypothesis. Try to identify which of the following would be a good hypothesis for this investigation.
I will identify the correct peanut.
If I make careful observations of a peanut, I will be able to identify the peanut at a later time.
Peanuts are so much alike that they cannot be separated by unique characteristics.
If you chose hypothesis 2, you are correct! Hypothesis 1 does not suggest any experimental design. Hypothesis 3 is not falsifiable. Although unlikely, it is possible that you could search through hundreds of identical peanuts and not be able to find one that is different in the sample. This doesn't mean there isn't a different one; it just means that you didn't find it.
Now, it's time to start the investigation!
Why did the peanut go to school?
To get a little nutty-cation!
Now that we have our hypothesis, let's get cracking on our peanut investigation. Remember, being a good detective takes observation skills and a keen eye for detail. Good luck, Sherlock!
To begin the investigation, you should follow these steps:
1. Take a peanut from the bowlful: Start by selecting one peanut from the bowl. Make sure to handle it carefully to avoid damaging it.
2. Make identifying observations: Examine the peanut closely and make detailed observations about its size, shape, color, texture, and any other unique characteristics you notice. Take note of any distinguishing features that could help you identify it later.
3. Place the peanut back in the bowl: After making your observations, gently place the peanut back into the bowl with the other peanuts. Be careful not to mix it up with the rest.
4. Document your observations: Record your observations in a notebook or on a piece of paper. This documentation will help you compare your findings later.
5. Wait for a specific time: Set a predetermined amount of time to pass before attempting to find the peanut again. This could be minutes, hours, or even days, depending on the purpose of the investigation and the difficulty level desired.
6. Use your observation skills to find the peanut: Once the designated time has passed, carefully search through the bowlful of peanuts, using your earlier observations as a reference. Look for the characteristics you noted down to help you identify the specific peanut you initially observed.
7. Analyze the results: After attempting to locate the peanut, determine if you were successful in finding it. If you were able to identify the peanut based on its distinguishing characteristics, it supports your hypothesis that careful observations can help you find the peanut at a later time. If you were unable to find the peanut or if it was not distinguishable from the rest, consider what challenges or limitations may have impacted your ability to identify it.
Remember, the purpose of this investigation is to test the hypothesis that making careful observations can aid in identifying a specific peanut from a bowlful. By following these steps, you can conduct a systematic and controlled experiment to evaluate the hypothesis and draw conclusions based on your findings.
To begin the investigation, follow these steps:
1. Start by getting a bowlful of peanuts.
2. Carefully choose one peanut from the bowl.
3. Examine the peanut closely and make detailed observations of its characteristics. Take note of things like size, shape, color, texture, and any unique features or markings.
4. Once you have made your observations, place the peanut back into the bowl with the rest of the peanuts.
5. Allow some time to pass, preferably at least a few hours or longer.
6. After the designated time has passed, return to the bowl and try to find the peanut you initially observed.
7. Use your observation skills to identify the peanut based on the characteristics you recorded earlier.
8. Compare the observed characteristics with the remaining peanuts in the bowl until you are confident you have found the original peanut.
9. Confirm whether your identification was correct by comparing the peanut you selected with the one you initially observed.
By conducting this investigation, you will test the hypothesis that careful observations of a peanut will allow you to identify it at a later time.