Exploring Scientific Analysis
In AP Biology, students develop their scientific inquiry skills by crafting hypotheses, designing experiments, and gathering and analyzing data.
In one hands-on investigation, they sought to understand the responses of isopods (a type of small terrestrial or aquatic crustacean) to environmental cues by observing the creatures in various conditions, and testing stimuli such as food sources, humidity and darkness. Using a statistical analysis method called a chi-squared test, students determined if their results were significant and learned to recognize the limitations of a small sample size. By analyzing their results, students learned about the practical applications of statistics - a critical part of producing high-quality, credible research. The course provides students with applicable content, as well as the use of scientific practices that impact research quality and the public understanding of science.
