Scientific Method Is a Plan

Scientific method is a plan of investigation that uses testing an idea or hypothesis, working through the experiment in either a quantitative or qualitative manner (e.g. As long as it is measurable), testing those results, observing and using empirical data to make informed conclusions, and then either proving or disproving the original hypothesis. Thus, the basic research method accepted by scholars is: 1) form a valid hypothesis that is appropriate for the subject matter; 2) design a method of experimentation that will help uncover unknowns; 3) use data appropriately and analyze that data using accepted means, and; 4) formulate a result and/or need for further research (Cary, 2003).

Observation- During the winter, salt was spread on the driveway as an aid in melting snow and ice. In the spring when the lawn begins to grow, we notice there is no grass growing for about 3" from the driveway and grass is growing more slowly up to 12" from the driveway. We wonder if salt inhibits grass growth?

Introduction- Salt not only helps snow and ice melt, it changes the concentration of water molecules in substances. If cells are surrounded by water that contains a high concentration of salt, water moves between the outside and inside of the cell wall to equalize the concentration. A high concentration of salt outside the cell wall causes the water in the cell to be eliminated and thus causes the cell wall to collapse and die. The literature tells us that it depends on the concentration of salt as to how much damage it has the potential to do for cells -- the higher the concentration, the more potential damage; the lower the concentration, the more minor the damage (Swift and Koski, 2007).

Hypothesis- Higher concentrations of salt (NaCl) in soil will negatively affect grass growth.

Prediction- the higher the concentration of salt in soil will result in less grass growth.

Experiment- in this experiment, we will measure four concentrations of salt in a water solution and use those solutions to water small pots of grass.

Materials -- Grass seed, potting soil, 3-4" pots, salt (kosher or pickling so no iodine added), eye dropper, plastic reservoir for pots, lab notebook, camera if possible, ph soil meter (optimal), table spoon, ruler, distilled water.

Preparation -- in four identical containers, plant grass seed in identical amounts of soil, use 1 equal tablespoon of seed per container, measure so that each pot has the exact amount of seed planted at the same depth and covered with the same amount of soil. This should be done 1-2 weeks before the experiment begins -- the goal is to have a full pot of grass that is at least 1" tall. Ensure that each pot has a FULL amount of grass growing to the edges of the pot.

Methodology -- Label each pot as 1, 2, 3 and 4. Note in lab book that 1 = control (use distilled water if possible, if not, untreated tap water), 2 = .1% solution, 3= 1.0% solution, and 4=5% solution. Prepare at least a quart of each solution by using 1/10th gram of salt per 100ml of water for 2, 1 gram per 100 ml for 3, and 5 grams per 100 ml for 4.

Begin experiment by adding 10 ml (5 onto soil and 5 into reservoir) every fourth day. Ensure that all pots are placed in a warm and sunny area, but not directly in sun. Set up notebook to record the following results for each of the 4 pots (you will have 4 tables):

Day

Color

Height

Ave. Width of growth

Sediment?

Other observations. (ph of soil if possible)

1

Est. predetermined scale

Inches or mm

Inches or mm

Est. predetermined scale

5

9

13

17

21

25

29