Scientific Method ​Name​ ________________________

The X-Files Experiments

FBI agents Fox Mulder and Dana Scully were ​assigned to a little-known department that
deals with unsolved cases, known as the X-Files. ​Mulder and Scully often use science to
solve these unexplained phenomena. Read the description for each of the following
experiments and use your knowledge of the scientific method to answer the questions.

(1) The Close Encounter

Agents Mulder and Scully are assigned to a reported UFO sighting in Bellefleur, Oregon.
When Mulder and Scully's plane flies over Bellefleur, it encounters unexplained turbulence. As
they drive in the woods near the town, the agents' car radio malfunctions; Mulder marks the spot
of this event by spray-painting an "X" onto the road. Later that evening, while driving Mulder
and Scully encounter a flash of light at the spot their car had malfunctioned earlier. When the car
loses power, Mulder realizes that ​nine minutes disappeared​ after the flash, a phenomenon
reported by alien abductees. Mulder and Scully decide to investigate. Mulder and Scully drive to
a car rental agency and swap cars. Wanting to see if the malfunction was automotive failure or
not, they drove back to the location marked with an “X”.
a. Based off of the observations made what possible hypothesis might Mulder develop?

b. In this X-File, what steps of the scientific method are obvious? ​Be specific and support
your thoughts!
(2) The Area 51 Aliens
Agents Mulder and Scully were assigned to an “event” at the previously unacknowledged
military installation called Area 51. Upon arrival, the agents are greeted by an Air Force Captain
that claims he caught 5 aliens! The agents travel to the lower levels of the base to find the 5
aliens contained in cages. Some of the scientists claim that the aliens traveled to Earth to
consume as much of the Takis supply as possible. The scientists say that the Takis increase the
growth in the aliens. After feeding the 5 aliens their regular rations plus Takis, the scientists
measured the growth levels in the little green men. The scientists administered the test before the
aliens were given Takis, and during the experiment. (The amount they have grown was recorded
during a trial without Takis in their diet and with Takis in their diet) The results were recorded
on the chart.
Test Results
Alien Without Takis With Takis

1 50% 80%

2 80% 88%

3 30% 30%

4 88% 90%

5 75% 70%

a. Based on the data provided, do Takis really increase the percent growth in the aliens?
Please explain your answer.
(3) Vampires
Ronnie Strickland is a vampire. His biggest problem is that he doesn’t have fangs and
because of this has to wear “denture-fangs”. Ronnie has recently purchased 4 sets of
“denture-fangs” varying in fang size. It is rumored that larger fangs are more effective than
smaller ones. Design an experiment that tests the “denture-fangs” and help Ronnie do what
vampires do best; bite things.
(Hint: Write out the scientific method)