Problem Area:__________________________(group focus areas: plants, microorganisms, etc.)

Questions: ____________________________(how or why questions may be answered through scientific investigation) e.g. How does the rate of water flow affect the number of microscopic algae found in the water?

Hypothesis: ________________________________________(testable statement determined after initial background research using reference materials) e.g. The density of microscopic algae is greater in stagnant waters than in the rapids; headwaters have fewer microscopic algae than the middle and lower reaches.

Experimental Design:

independent variable___________________________(what is being measured) e.g. number of microscopic algae per cm2

dependent variable___________________________(the effect of which is being tested) e.g. rate of water flow

controlled variables___________________________(same river; same day; same sampling method; same sample size; same observation method)

Data Generated:

sample size:__________ unit of measurement:___________

design of table and/or graph: (draw below)

Conclusion: __________________________________________

e-mail the above and conclusions to target@laep.org

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