Lab 1 – Introduction to Science
Exercise 1: The Scientific Method
Dissolved oxygen is oxygen that is trapped in a fluid, such as water. Since many living organism requires oxygen to survive, it is a necessary component of water systems such as streams, lakes and rivers in order to support aquatic life. The dissolved oxygen is measured in units of parts per million (ppm). Examine the data in Table 4 showing the amount of dissolved oxygen present and the number of fish observed in the body of water the sample was taken from; finally, answer the questions below.
QUESTIONS
1. Make an observation – Based on the data in Table 4, discuss what patterns you observe in regards to dissolved oxygen content and fish populations in the body of water?
Answer = As the dissolved oxygen content want up by 2ppm, the number of fish went up by 2, then 7, then 2, then 1, then 2 again, but when the dissolved oxygen content hit 14ppm the number of fish dropped by 5 and then started to raise again by 2, then 1.
2. Do background research – Utilizing at least one scholarly source, describe how the dissolved oxygen content in a body of water can effect fish populations.
Answer = During winter time the dissolved oxygen content can become undesirable for fish causing a sudden drop in fish population until such times conditions are more favorable.
3. Construct a hypothesis – Based on your observation in question 1 and your background research in question 2, develop a hypothesis relating to the amount of dissolved oxygen measured in the water sample and the number of fish observed in the body of water?
Answer = If the dissolved oxygen content study started in the spring as the number of fish grew, then when the winter hit the umber of fish were surely to fall.
4. Test with an experiment – Describe an experiment that would allow you to test your hypothesis from question 3. This description must provide ample detail to show knowledge of experimental design and should list...