Roly-Poly Lab Questions

What is the independent variable in the experiment?

• The movement of the Roly-Poly

• The surface type (wet or dry)

• The size of the Roly-Poly

• The temperature of the environment

What might be the dependent variable in the experiment?

• The time it takes to calculate data.

• The distance traveled by the Roly-Poly

• The weight of the Roly-Poly

• The number of Roly-Polys in the experiment

Which of the following best describes a control group?

• The group that receives the experimental treatment

• The group that is not exposed to the independent variable

• The group that is used for comparison

• Both b and c

What data would cause you to accept your hypothesis?

• If one Roly-Poly moves faster on a wet surface.

• If there is no difference in speed on wet vs. dry surfaces.

• If dozens of Roly-Poly's move faster on a dry surface.

• If the Roly Poly refuses to move.

Why is it important to remain objective during an experiment?

• To ensure bias does not influence the results.

• To keep the experiment fun.

• To make the experiment easier to conduct.

• To confuse the observers.

Which of the following is a possible confounding variable?

• The size of the Roly-Poly

• The type of surface material

• The humidity in the room

• All of the above

Why is it best to race the Roly-Poly several times?

• To make sure the Roly-Poly gets tired

• To obtain an average speed for accuracy

• To see how fast the Roly-Poly can go

• To allow more students to participate

What is a potential problem with the experimental design?

• Using only one Roly-Poly for all races

• Not measuring the surface area

• Conducting the experiment indoors

• None of the above

Orientation is a process by which animals position themselves with respect to spatial features of their environments. Taxis involves the turning of an animal's body relative to a stimulus - either toward or away. Kinesis is a random movement of an animal in relation to a stimulus, like cockroaches scattering when the light is turned on. What could be the stimulus in this experiment?

• It has no stimulus.

• The wet surface.

• Tapping a pencil behind the isopod (Roly Poly).

• Both b and c

What should you do if you notice an experimental error?

• Ignore it and continue

• Document it and adjust your experiment if possible

• Blame the equipment

• Change the hypothesis