Physics 1 Lab Activity
Making Hypotheses1
[Chapter 1
Objectives]
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Purpose:
- To practice making observations.
- To use observations to create hypotheses.
Discussion:
A great deal of the work a scientist does consists of making
observations of nature, and then formulating hypotheses to try to
explain these observations. In this activity, you will observe the
operation of a "mystery apparatus", and try to figure out how it
works. You may look as closely as you wish and ask questions, but you
may not touch the "mystery apparatus" (or take it apart!). Finally,
you will report your findings to your class and the class must reach
a consensus (generally accepted agreement) about how the "mystery
apparatus" works.
You should work with a partner during this activity, and
turn in one lab report for your team.
Procedure:
- Make a sketch of the "mystery apparatus" that your teacher has
assembled. Label your sketch.
- Observe the operation of the "mystery apparatus". Write a
brief description of its operation.
- Attempt to explain what is happening in the "mystery
apparatus" and how it works. Use a sketch if it would be
helpful.
- Discuss your observations and hypotheses with your classmates.
The class should reach a consensus about how the "mystery
apparatus" works. Write a brief description of this
explanation.
Question:
- Is your explanation of the "mystery apparatus" a theory? If
not, what is it, and what would it take to make it a theory?
1adapted from Robinson, Laboratory Manual for
Conceptual Physics, Addison Wesley
[Chapter 1
Objectives]
BHS
-> Mr. Stanbrough ->
Physics -> About
Science -> this page
last update September 18, 2007 by JL
Stanbrough