Why is it important to use the Scientific Method?

Simple experiment to use the scientific method? I really need help please?!?

• So I don't actually have to do an experiment, but I'm supposed to use the scientific method to mentally go over an experiment in my head. The thing is that I HAVE NO IDEA WHAT EXPERIMENT TO DO. I keep getting reassigned this assignment. What's a simple experiment I can to to test out the scientific method "Mentally". The scientific method is: Define the Problem Research the Problem Construct a Hypothesis Design and Conduct and Experiment Collect Data Draw Conclusions PLEASE HELP. Thank you

• Answer:

  I have a basic experiment that worked quite well, and since this is a virtual experiment, it should be no problem. My kids studied the effects of different wavelengths of light on the rate of photosynthesis and growth of plants. We had bean sprouts. You can use whatever you want, as long as all of the plants are the same species and are the same age. The problem is, do different wavelengths (colors) of light affect photosynthesis rate and therefore plant health and growth? Do research. This one is simple. Plants are usually exposed to sunlight, which is white light (all colors of the spectrum at once). Plants also look green. Why? Because green light is not absorbed well by chlorophyll and it is reflected back at us, which is why we see the leaves as green. Research on what makes colors visible and which colors make up the visible spectrum is what you want. Based on this, what hypothesis can you form? Do you think that green light would help or harm a plant if that's all it's exposed to, and why? Then, choose 4 plants of identical species and as close to identical size as possible. Measure all of them carefully, and be sure you water them equally. Leave one plant in normal sunlight; this is your control. Place one in blue light (a blue lightbulb or blue cellophane over a normal bulb), one in green light and one in red light. The reason is that blue light represents the shortest wavelengths of light, red the longest, and green the middle wavelengths. Collect data by measuring your plants..all 4..every day for, say, two weeks, and keep a record of what is happening to the plants under all 4 types of light. Based on what happens, draw conclusions. Since this is a virtual experiment, you need to research the different wavelengths of light and how they interact with chlorophyll. I'll give you some help here; green light is not absorbed well, which is why the plants look green in the first place. In order to give energy for photosynthesis, the light must be absorbable by the chlorophyll molecules. Based on this, you should be in good shape! Good luck!!