Famous Examples of the Scientific Method in Ecology
Student Worksheet
The scientific method is a concept that is taught in every science class. However, students often do not seem to fully grasp its importance as a tool in experimental design. This worksheet shows them three famous experiments, that caused waves throughout the field of ecology.
The experiments include: the Free Air Carbon Dioxide Enrichment (FACE) studies, the Robert Paine starfish experiment, and the case of the peppered moth during the industrial revolution. The last experiment students will use as a basis to create their own experiment.
Essential concepts:Scientific method, pseudoscience, hypothesis, observation, experimental group, control group, independent variable, dependent variable, prediction.
Answer Key: Available as part of a environmental science instructor resources subscription.
