Pond Experiment

Guidelines for writing up the pond experiment.

The lab report for each group needs to contain the following information:

  1. Problem – write a statement about the problem we were trying to solve with this experiment
  2. Hypothesis – write the hypothesis you were trying to test
  3. Procedure – the actual procedure your group wrote and followed to conduct this experiment
  4. Data – Create a data table that includes the turbidity and nitrate observations for your group’s pond. Also include the table of the whole class data.
  5. Data analysis – Graph your group’s turbidity data. You will be given a graph of the class data with a line for each group.
  6. Conclusions – Write at least 1 paragraph explaining how your data supports or disproves your hypothesis. Write another paragraph (at least) explaining what the class data means. Based on the class data, how does Nitrate affect algae growth?
  7. Application – Using the resources suggested below as well as others you may find online, decide as a group what you want to use your pond for. Do you want to grow algae for biodiesel? Do you want to use the pond for fishing and recreation? Do you want to use the pond as a water source for livestock?

Write up your group’s decision. Be sure to include how you need to manage nitrate levels to achieve your goals. The decision you make now for this stage of the project will be the choice that will be included in the final project.

This entire lab report should be typed!!!

You may hand draw data tables. Graph paper must be used for the graph.

Suggested resources:

  1. Check the farming subdivision folder on the website for 2 articles about the farming subdivision concept as it is currently used.
  2. Information about algae as a source of biodiesel can be found at
  3. type in algae biodiesel into Google for more sites
  1. Information about the effects of algae on fish
  2. type freshwater algae blooms into Google
  1. Information on effects of nitrates on fish

Grading Rubric

Criteria / Above and Beyond
20 points / Did what we asked for 17 points / Did not do everything we asked for
12-14 points / A piece is missing
0 points / Points given
Lab procedure / Steps are clearly written. All information about what you did is there. This procedure is the one you actually used. / Steps are clearly written.
Some information is missing. / The procedure is missing.
Data and Data analysis / Both your group and the class data are included. The graphs are done well. / Some of the data is missing or incorrect. One of the graphs is incorrect. / Data is missing or a graph is missing.
Conclusion / The conclusion is clearly written and includes information about both your data and the class data. The conclusion refers to the data to back it up. / The conclusion is not clear or does not rely on the data for evidence. / A part of the conclusion is missing.
Application / The application clearly states what your group will use their pond for. The write up includes strategies to maintain the appropriate nitrate levels for the use you choose. Reference is made to the research you did. / The application is poorly written or does not include adequate information about maintaining proper nitrate levels. / The application piece is missing or no reference is made to the research that you did to make your decision.