Scientific Investigation?

Question

Mary was trying to find the best growing conditions for her flowers. she planted four small gardens in her backyard and prepared the ground for each garden the same way. She added Miracle grow Plant Food in different amounts to each flower garden and watered each with a different amount of water. After reviewing her records and the results of her efforts she noticed that two of the four gardens were flourishing and looked much alike: the other two were small and ragged looking. She was puzzled about her results.

Question 1:

How is Mary's story an example of a scientific investigation?

Question 2: Mary was dissatisfied with her first investigation as it left her puzzled. when she continues her investigation what should she change. (i.e. add, leave out, or repeat)? Give reasons and benefits for each change and where it fits into the example of a scientific investigation.

Answer 1

It is scientific investigation since Mary went about it systematically & logically [and her experiments are repeatable]. she used 4 "subjects" [gardens] so that comparisons could be made later.

however, the limitation of her study was that she altered TWO variables at the same time - plant food quantity and water. ideally she should have changed only one variable at a time so that she would know For Sure what effect each had on growth, etc.

hence, for further inquiry, she should start with a Control group/garden where NO variable is changed - a known amount of water & food are given. this forms the basis of comparison.

then, in one set of experiments, she can change the amount of water given to the other 3 gardens. the results will determine the optimal amount required.

in a 2nd set of experiments, keeping the control unchanged, she can alter the amount ot food given to the other 3 gardens ......

she now has the optimum amount of water & food required. Now, in the last set of experiments, she can change both variables for the 3 gardens & determine their effect together.

hope this helps clarify ....

all the best

Answer 2

wtf this aint school noob get a life