Scientific Method

NOTE: The first two steps in the scientific process involve studying and observing natural phenomena of interest.

Observe the leaves and branches of the individual plant species. Each species comes from a different environment.

Compare each branch to one another and record your observations about any qualitative similarities or differences. Click Here to download Table A

Use leaf clippers to cut the leaves from the branches.

Make additional qualitative observations about the leaves from each species.

Think of some general questions that you might have after observing the different plant species.

Using these general questions, create a null and an experimental hypothesis.

Weigh and record the mass of each leaf. Click Here to download Table B

Measure and record the length of each leaf from the petiole to the tip in the table.

Next, carefully trace each leaf outline onto a blank piece of computer paper.

Then, cut out and weigh and 4 x 4 cm square of the same paper, weigh the cutout tracing, and record these data in the table.

To calculate the leaf surface area, divide the surface area of the 4 x 4 cm paper square by the mass of the paper square, and multiply the resulting number by the mass of the leaf tracing.

Next, create a bar graph with your five plant species listed on the x-axis, and the surface area in square centimeters indicated on the y-axis.

Draw a trend line through the graph if a relationship is evident.

Using your qualitative observations and quantitative measurements, draw conclusions about the data you collected.