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Internet Biolab
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Unit 1: What is Biology?
Chapter 1: Biology: The Study of Life  
Collecting Biological Data
Seeing different life forms, and even interacting with them, is pretty much part of a typical day. Petting a dog, swatting at a fly, cutting the grass, and talking to your friends are common examples. But, have you ever asked yourself the question, "What do all of these different life forms have in common?"
Preparation
Problem
What life characteristics can be observed in a pill bug?

Objectives
In this BioLab, you will:

  • Observe whether life characteristics are present in a pill bug.
  • Measure the length of a pill bug.
  • Experiment to determine if a pill bug responds to changes in its environment.
  • Use the Internet to collect and compare data from other students.
Materials
  • Pill Bugs, Armadillidium
  • Watch or classroom clock
  • Container, glass or plastic
  • Pencil with dull point
  • Ruler
  • Computer with Internet connection

Data Sources

Safety Precautions
Always wear goggles in the lab.

Skill Handbook
Use the Skill Handbook if you need additional help with this lab.

Procedure
1. Print the data table and copy the graph outlines on page 25 of your textbook.

2. Obtain a pill bug from your teacher and place it in a small container.

3. Observe your pill bug to determine if it has an orderly structure. Record your observations in the data table.

4. Using millimeters, measure and record the length of your pill bug in the data table.

5. Using your data and data from your classmates, complete the graph "Pill Bug Length: Classroom Data."

6. Gently touch the underside of the pill bug with a dull pencil point. CAUTION: Use care to avoid injuring the pill bug.

7. Note its response and time, in seconds, how long the animal remains curled up. Record the time in the data table as Trial 1.

8. Repeat steps 6-7 four more times, recording each trial in the data table.

9. Calculate the average length of time your pill bug remains curled up.

10. Post your data in the table below.

11. Wash your hands after working with pill bugs. Return the pill bug to your teacher and suggest ways to release or reuse the bugs wisely.

Post Your Data
Organization and growth
and development		 Response to
environment
    Trial Time in Seconds
Orderly structure? 1
Pill bug length in mm 2
*City 3
*State 4
*School 5
    Total
*required fields   Average time
 
 
Analyze and Conclude

1. Think Critically Define the term "orderly structure." Explain how this trait also pertains to nonliving things.

2. Use the Internet Explain how data from the classroom and Internet graphs support the idea that pill bugs grow and develop.

3. Interpret Data What was the most common length of time pill bugs remained curled in response to being touched?

4. Draw a Conclusion Explain how the response to being touched is an adaptation.

5. Experiment How might you design an experiment to determine whether or not pill bugs reproduce?

6. Error Analysis How might you collect or analyze data to better define a living organism?