CRATER MAKING
In brief: As a group you will be testing several variables that can effect crater size by making simulated craters. You will then compare your results and design a follow up experiment to test the relationship between these variables.
The steps for completing the team aspect of this project are:
- Do the "Surface Processes Activity"
- As a group, brainstorm a number of variables that can effect crater size
- Design an experiment in which you will test these variables. See the Default Procedure below, if you'd like. We will ask you to report your results using scientific method, so you might want to consider the steps necessary for this as you design your experiments
- Have each member of the team test ONE variable. Each team member should be testing a different variable
- Share and discuss your results
- As a group, discuss your individual results and make conclusions from the data generated. Merge your results with the rest of your team and summarize. Examine interactions between variables - you may wish to go back and test one or two relationships specifically.
Procedure:
- Make some craters, note any general issues.
- Do the surface processes, summarize the results (see the questions in the instructions for focus).
- Examine one variable yourself, characterize the results.
- Merge your results from #3 with the rest of your team, summarize the results.
- Examine interactions between variables - you may wish to go back and test one or two relationships specifically.
For more information and a possible procedure, see the General Directions for this activity.
These directions will need to be altered according to the variable you are testing.
To turn in:
- Individually, submit from your experiment: Your hypothesis, variables, procedures, data, and conclusions
- As a group, submit a list of who tested which variables, and a summary of the interaction between variables tested by your group
Montana State University
last updated 2/23/02