Example #2: Growing Bean Plants

Here is another example where the scientific method can be used to study the
natural world.
1. Define Purpose: I want to know if a bean plant will grow more quickly
outside or inside. For the purposes of this experiment, you might decide on a
time frame of three weeks.
2. Construct Hypothesis: The null hypothesis is that there is no
difference between growing a bean plant indoors or outdoors. The alternative
hypothesis is that there is a statistically significant difference between the two
growing situations for bean plants.
3. Test Hypothesis and Collect Data: Plant four bean plants in identical
pots using the same type of soil. Place two of these in an outdoor location,
and place the other two in an indoor location. Try to choose locations where
the plants will get a similar amount of sunlight. Care for the plants in an
identical way, like giving the same amount of water. Then, each day for the
three-week experimental period, observe and measure plant growth. Carefully
record the size of each plant in a notebook.
4. Analyze Data: Review the data and determine how the plants in both
environments progressed over the course of the three weeks. You may
choose to find an average between the two indoor plants to determine the
"typical" indoor plant growth, doing the same for the two outdoor plants to
calculate the "typical" outdoor plant growth.
5. Draw Conclusion: Based on the data you collected, determine if there
is a conclusive answer to the question as to whether a bean plant placed
inside or outside will grow more quickly.
6. Communicate Results: Prepare a way to present the results of the
experiment, like in the form of a written report, a slideshow presentation, or as
a display at a science fair.
Activity