3.0+Goal,+Objectives,+Hypotheses

= The Scientific Method = Application of the scientific method enables you to specifically identify a question that can be tested and answered. This is a step-wise process for investigators and commonly used in science and engineering investigations. Below is the stepwise process. For this course, you will apply the scientific method.

[Figure courtesy of Richard Allen, CE 2011]

1. Bennett 2. Craig 3. Chris 4. Iryna 5. Richard 6. Kane These numbers correspond to the Step in the Scientific Process you are assigned to write a one paragraph summary due September 12th

__**STEP ONE: BENNETT D**.__

**Summary of the Scientific Process Step One: “Ask a Question”**

The first of the six steps that make up the scientific method is, “ask a question”. This simple instruction is the most important step to starting the process. Asking this question is critical in finding the issue that will be examined to find a solution for the topic at hand. The question that should be considered is one of a specific concern. Asking a general question is good for trying to narrow the topic to a specific question. Asking specific questions will help to start the process to solving a specific problem. In engineering, solving societal issues starts with knowing the specific problem. Engineers should ask precise questions when trying to start the scientific process to solve problems. For the growing concerns at Big Creek Lake in Mobile, AL, a specialized class consisting of undergraduates and graduates has been formed to find a solution to the problem. The first step the class must do is to ask a question trying to find and locate a specific problem at hand. The question should be deliberate and concise, so that a specific issue can be potentially solved.

__**Step 3: Develop a Hypothesis**__

A hypothesis can be described as a possible answer, or educated guess to the question developed during Step One of the Scientific Method. Knowledge of the problem background (Step Two) is vital to developing a good hypothesis. A hypothesis must //always// be measurable and be constructed in way that answers your original question. Often a hypothesis takes the form of "If we were to do this, then this would happen", and must be evaluated in a way that yields testable results that prove or disprove your "educated guess." When writing a strong hypothesis the independent variables (variables that the engineer can change) and dependent variables (variables that respond to change of the independent variables) must be clear and known prior to testing.

A helpful checklist I found for developing a good hypothesis is as follows:

//*Table Source: Sciencebuddies.org//
 * **What Makes a Good Hypothesis?** || **For a Good Hypothesis, You Should Answer "Yes" to Every Question** ||
 * Is the hypothesis based on information contained in the Research Paper? || Yes / No ||
 * Does the hypothesis include the independent and dependent variables? || Yes / No ||
 * Have you worded the hypothesis so that it can be tested in the experiment? || Yes / No ||
 * If you are doing an engineering or programming project, have you established your design criteria? || Yes / No ||

= Project Goal, Objectives, and Testable Hypotheses = To be added by Class.

Testable Hypotheses:

TOC is important

Ha: Seven tributaries contribute signiificant TOC to BCL. Ho: Do not

ho: Destratification does not increase water treatment cost Ha: Destratification increases water treatment costs conduct a temperature profile at the intake water quality
 * TOC- DOC, POC
 * pH
 * ALK
 * DO
 * NTU
 * TN
 * TP

possible hypotheses:
 * deacidification
 * sources of TOC + countermeasures (BMPs)
 * Salt content of lake