SCIENTIFIC METHOD

Activity Number 1 ***

Submission due on :
Names : Irish Kate Matugas and Grazel Apostol
Score obtained :

Objective

At the end of the exercise, the students should be able to develop an experiment plan which
reflects their knowledge on scientific method, common laboratory safety and tools.

Introduction

Scientific method directs the conduct of biological research by prescribing the sequence and
nature of activities to be undertaken. It influenced us on how to think and seek for an answer to any
phenomenon being researched or studied. In an article entitled “Perspective: Dimensions of the scientific
method” written by Voit (2019), there are three approaches of which scientific method may be executed
in a study. These are hypothesis-driven deduction, data-mining-inspired induction, and allochthonous
reasoning. The task of the students is to plan a botanical experiment which applies any of the above
scientific methods. The plan should also reflect knowledge on the application of laboratory safety and
tools.

Materials

 Any gadget with internet access

 Word Processor or Adobe Acrobat Reader
 Document scanner
 Article on “Dimensions of the scientific method” by Voit (2019)

Pre-lab Task

Draw a schematic diagram inside a box labelled as “Figure 1. How I understand scientific method
as a process?” The diagram should reflect your understanding on the processes or activities to be
undertaken in a scientific research. Then, provide a brief explanation of your diagram not exceeding 200
words. Begin your explanation with a statement that defines scientific method.
 THE SCIENTIFIC METHOD

Observation

Question

Research

Hypothesis Try again

Experiment

b
Analysis

Hypothesis Hypothesis is
is Correct Incorrect

Conclusion

Share Results

Figure 1. How I understand scientific method as a process?

 The scientific method is a systematic process of experimentation used by scientists,
experts, and researchers to test observations and acquire knowledge. It's a tool used for testing and
proving a hypothesis that may have an enormous contribution to science and the world. The diagram
above represents the process of scientific method it starts with the observation which will help us
formulate questions that we'll be testing, followed by research where you will look, read, search, and
gather information about the question to formulate hypothesis where you'll come up with an explanation
to be tested or falsified. To test if the hypothesis is correct or not, an experiment will be conducted. Once
the experiment is complete, the collected data will be analyzed. After the data analysis, the conclusion
will be drawn and will summarize how the results support or contradict the hypothesis. In some cases,
results aren't always accurate and hypothesis may not be supported, in such cases, they will communicate
the results of their experiments then go back and formulate a new hypothesis to start over again. To
finally complete the process, you will share your results with others to give insights and knowledge.

Laboratory Task

An article will be given to the students indicating how different scientific methods may be
executed or applied in research. Their initial task is to carefully study and examine these scientific
methods and select one which will serve as their model in designing practical experiment in botany. The
experiment they will design may be focused but not limited to the following topics:

1. Effect of increasing temperature on the transpiration rate of urban trees

2. The rate of photosynthetic reaction at different types of light
3. Effect of extreme temperature on plant growth and development

The designed experiment should also integrate the identification of appropriate laboratory equipments to
be used and safety procedures to be observed. The word limit for each planned experiment shall not
exceed to 1000 words.

Effects of Extreme Temperature on Tomatoes Growth and Development. A Traditional Scientific

Method: Hypothesis Driven Deduction Plan Experiment.

Observation:
Tomatoes are known as warm crop seasons, they are not that difficult to grow as long as it receives
enough sunlight and its nutrients needed, it will grow. However, during the fruit production of the two
plants, we observed that the quality of the fruits are diverse. There are some tomatoes that are rounds
and very appealing to look at, while the others are distorted and small considering that they were
planted on the same soil.

Research:
This opt the students to examine and study the factors that influences the proper growth and
development of Solanum Lycopersicum or tomatoes. Base on the data gathering plant growth and
geographic distribution are greatly affected by the environment. If any environmental factor is less than
ideal, it limits the plant's growth and distribution. Environmental factors that affect the growth of
tomatoes include light, temperature, germination, water, humidity, and nutrition.
Hypothesis:
If the tomato plant were exposed in extreme temperature it will hinder the plant growth and its
development.

Design of the experiment:

Fruit production is affected by several factors such as light, temperature, germination, water , humidity
and nutrition. The factors are displayed in the diagram below.

light
temperature
germination
water
humidity
nutrition
We will use one variable in the experiment : extreme temperature
temperature

For the temperature we will be using the extreme temperature as a factor. Now, we will be needing 6
pots with the same species of tomato, which were planted with the same soil. Three pots for each
factor. For the extreme temperature the pots will be named a, b ,c and for the water it will be 1,2,3
accordingly. For the temperature, pot a will be exposed in a temperature of 55°F and 75F, pot b will
be exposed in a 80°F and pot c will be exposed in a 85°F and above. They will be watered in a 500ml
of river or tap water in an early morning.

Laboratory Equipment’s
 A laboratory is an important place where many inventions and experiment take place. Experiments
look more real and practical with the help of equipment’s required. To perform many complex
experiments, scientists and researchers need in an in-depth knowledge of the respective subjects as well
as the right lab equipment needed to do different experiments and record outcomes precisely. The
student who aims to falsify and test their hypothesis uses the following laboratory equipment’s;
Thermometer
Timer
PH meters
Waterstill
Evaportators
Environmental chambers
Hand Lens
Plant key or guidebook
Macro + Micronutrient Plant Tissue Test Kit

Safety measures
Lab safety is all about being aware of your surroundings as well as cultivating a specific skill that
will be used to keep us, our peers, and the lab safe.
One of the ways we can ensure our safety is to recognize any potential hazards. Such that, if you are
working in a lab with flammable chemicals, know where these chemicals are located and where
emergency supplies are in case a fire breaks out. Another way you can practice lab safety is by simply
minimizing risks, this includes wearing proper lab equipment, handling waste properly, and working in
a safe environment. Consequently, there are many reasons why it is important to practice lab safety
both in school and in our careers some of the reason are the following; laboratory safety can save lives,
It protects property as well as laboratory equipment’s, It can also prevents cross contamination, and
lastly it ensures accurate record keeping. Thus, from chemicals and compressed gases to glassware, and
other electrical equipment’s, laboratories are filled with dangerous tools that is why it is necessary to
keep yourself and those around you safe from injury by working carefully, safely and attentively,
somehow at the end of the day, proper lab safety keeps you and your surroundings as safe as possible
while dealing with potentially hazardous materials.

References
M. Takase, J.D. Owusu-Sekyere and L.K. Sam-Amoah, (2010). Effects of water of different quality
on tomato growth and development. Asian Journal of Plant Sciences, 9: 380-384.
D. Bekele. (2018) . Review on factors affecting postharvest quality of fruits. J Plant Science Research,
5(2): 180.
C. Quest. (2020). Importance of lab safety in school and career michigan. Career Quest Learning
Centers.
M. Hamad. (2018). Essential laboratory equipments. ResearchGate.
H. Saba (2018). Essential tools for botany and wild crafting. Herbal Academy.
G. Pet, F. Garretsen , (1983). Genetical and environmental factors influencing seed size of tomato
(Lycopersicon esculentum )and the effect of seed size on growth and development of tomato plants.
Euphytica, 32,711-718
K. Cyr .(2019). Important factors that affect growing tomatoes from seed countryside.
Analysis

Answer the following questions.

1. How is your understanding on the process of scientific method different from the model you used
in planning your experiment?

Our understanding on the process of scientific method differ from the model we used in
planning our experiment which is The Traditional Scientific Method: Hypothesis Driven Deduction is that
traditional scientific method is based on formulating and testing hypotheses. From the results of these
tests, a deduction is made whether the hypothesis is presumably true or false. In addition, the deductive
method, logic is the authority. If a statement follows logically from the axioms of the system, it must be
true. In the scientific method, observation of nature is the authority. If an idea conflicts with what happens
in nature, the idea must be changed or abandoned.

2.How is your knowledge on laboratory safety, laboratory equipment, and scientific method relevant
in planning an experiment?

Our knowledge on laboratory safety, laboratory equipment and scientific method were a great help for us
in planning this experiment. Since we have a little knowledge about those , it was easier for us to plan
the experiment and it helps us to understand how important those things are in conducting an actual
experiment. Without those you cannot make and efficient and effective experiment.

Reflection

The minimum word count for this part of the laboratory report is 150 and maximum of 200. This should
contain significant things you learned and challenges you encountered from the activities. You may also
indicate some suggestions on how to improve this activity.

It was tough for us, planning an experiment virtually. There are times where we don’t get each other's
timing, and what makes it twice harder is the connection since we both have an unstable connection but
overall it was fun. We had a great time exploring, researching, and learning a lot of things from this
experiment one of which is how to use the hypothesis-driven deduction upon proving, falsifying, and
testifying our hypothesis. We also learned how the scientific method works and how important it is in
our lives. The enlightenment that has given to us about how certain things were discovered or
developed was because of the dimensions of the scientific method and the role it plays in today's
generation. However, we can say that it was not easy given the fact that we can only communicate
through this medium and this exercise does require a lot of talking, deciding, and brainstorming, but
that did not hinder us from successfully finished our plan experiment on a tomato plant. It was a great
opportunity to be able to experience doing this with a virtual twist, it was very challenging yet worth it.

Reference
Voit, E. O. (2019). Perspective: Dimensions of the scientific method. PLoS Computational Biology,
15(9). https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pcbi.1007279