Names: Date:

CAPT Embedded Task Review

For each lab read the lab description and analyze the given materials. Answer the question or statement regarding each lab.

1. Acid Rain Lab

Identify a problem/purpose statement that could be investigated using some or all of the materials provided.

Materials: different types of building materials, vinegar, scale or balance

2. Synthetic Polymers

Students carried out the following experiment:

1.  Cut out a 15 X 15 piece of plastic from a dry cleaning bag.

2.  Place the piece of plastic over a coffee can and secure it with a rubber band.

3.  Measure and record the mass of a washer

4.  Put the washer on the piece of plastic and let set for 10 seconds.

5.  Slowly add additional measured washers waiting 10 seconds between each until the plastic breaks.

6.  Record the number of washers and the total mass it took to break the plastic.

7.  Repeat steps 1-5 with a sandwich bag, plastic wrap and a grocery bag.

A.  Identify the independent and dependent variables in the students experiment.

B.  Provide two examples of controlled variables in the experiment.

C.  What would be an appropriate control for this experiment?

D.  Identify two tools and the functions that students performing experiment B would need to carry out their experiment.

3. Solar Cooker

The purpose of this experiment is to determine if color contributes to the effectiveness of the solar cooker.

Formulate a testable hypothesis for the problem identified by students. (Remember: If...then...because)

4. Apple Juice: Enzymes

One group carried out the following experiment

  1. We took four plastic cups and added 30 grams of apple sauce to each one.
  2. In cup A we added 1 drop of pectinase, in cup B we added 4 drops of pectinase, in cup C we added 7 drops of pectinase, and in cup D we added 10 drops of pectinase.
  3. We stirred the applesauce and enzyme in each cup.
  4. We then filtered each of the mixtures and collected the apple juice.

The table below shows their results.

Cup / Amount of Pectinase / Amount of Apple Juice Collected
A / 1 drop / 4 mL
B / 4 drops / 10mL
C / 7 drops / 12mL
D / 10 drops / 15mL

What conclusions can be drawn from this experiment? Explain how valid you think these conclusions are based on the group’s experiment and results.

5. Yeast Population Dynamics

One group carried out the following experiment

  1. Fill a small test tube with molasses solution.
  2. Add yeast.
  3. Place hand over top of test tube and turn upside down five times.
  4. Put big test tube over small.
  5. Flip.
  6. Measure size of bubble in small test tube.
  7. Place in incubator.
  8. Repeat steps 6 and 7 for a total of five days.
  9. Repeat steps 1-6, but place tube in a refrigerator and measure for a total of five days.

Their results shown below:

Table 1: Effect of temperature on carbon dioxide bubble produced by yeast.

Incubated (cm) / Refrigerated (cm)
Monday / 1 / 1
Tuesday / 13 / 1
Wednesday / 15.5 / 1.5
Thursday / 15.5 / 1.5
Friday / 15 / 1.5

Do you have enough information to replicate group A’s experiment? If you think you do tell what information you have. If you think not, tell what information you would need. What tools might you need to use in this lab? What would they be used for?

6.  Human Population Dynamics

Identify which country is developed? Which is undeveloped? Support your answer with data.

7.  Bio-engineered Foods

Students conducted internet research to design a persuasive pamphlet, in support or in opposition to the mandatory labeling of genetically altered food. They had to conduct research and provide scientific evidence to support their personal position. Read the summaries and sources they found discussing genetically modified foods.

Which of the above internet resources is credible and valid? What led you to this conclusion?