Unit 1:  Scientific Thinking in Experimental Settings

Instructional Goals

Select appropriate measuring devices.

Consider accuracy of measuring device and significant figures.

Collect data for the widest reasonable range of independent variable values.

Identify and classify experimental variables as independent, dependent, or controlled. 

Make qualitative predictions about the relationship between variables.

Record the procedure used to gather data from the apparatus.

Construct and label a data table.

 

Use Logger Pro software to perform graphical analysis of data.

Make test plots of data to find linear relationships.

Write mathematical representations, in standard y = mx + b form, for linearized data.

Replace y and x with dependent and independent variable names

Replace m and b with constants including units and provide interpretations for the physical significance of the slope and y-intercept.

Relate mathematical and graphical expressions

Use proportional reasoning in problem solving.