Work as a pharmaceutical detective to identify the link between a new drug and a recent epidemic. Use the scientific method to come up with a hypothesis and subsequently design an experiment that will test the validity of your hypothesis.
High School
University / College
This short, targeted simulation is adapted from the full-length “Experimental Design” simulation.
How do research scientists know where to begin? In this simulation, you will learn how to design a scientific experiment. As a pharmaceutical detective, you have the chance to perform experiments with human volunteers, animals, and living human cells. Make sure that you choose the correct experimental model to design a scientifically sound experiment for testing the effect of the suspicious drug.
The scientific method
Humans have always strived to explain natural phenomena. In the first mission of the experimental design simulation, you will learn how to use the scientific method to investigate phenomena, acquire new knowledge, or correct and integrate existing knowledge. Every tool you need to use is available in this virtual lab.
Design an experiment and formulate a hypothesis
In your next mission you have the freedom to design your own experiment from scratch while examining biopsies under a microscope. Define your scientific question and choose the right model to test your hypothesis. And don’t be afraid to make mistakes - in this virtual simulation you can repeat the experiment as many times as you want.
Experimental controls
You will notice that there are many experimental variables in your experiment. Learn how to adjust them and understand why it’s so important to use experimental controls to verify your results. These controls will let you conclude whether a suspicious compound is the reason behind the reported epidemic. You’ll get to investigate the effect of different compounds and various concentrations of the same compound.
Will you be able to set up an experiment that can prove your suspicions?
Length:
15
mins
Accessibility mode:
Available
Languages:
English (United States)
Course Packages:
At the end of this simulation, you will be able to:
Describe the scientific method
Know what to consider when choosing an experimental model
Design an experiment and test a hypothesis
Select the correct experimental controls to verify your hypothesis
At the end of this simulation, you will be able to:
University
NGSS
IB
AP
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