Expert: Walter Hintz - 9/3/2007

Question
Hi, I'm in the 7th grade and have a few questions on my project. I have a worksheet that asks for things I never learned in class (trust me, I do pay attention). My problem is " Is a dogs mouth cleaner than a humans? " And here are the questions it asks on the paper:
          Experimental Control
          Control Variables
     and, Planned Method of Data Presentation (graphs,tables,photographs,etc.)


                PLEASE HELP!!!

Answer
It appears Alexis that you have not been given the Scientific method.  Her is what you do.
 Your problem is the amount of bacteria in a dogs and a human mouth.
 First state a hypothesis which is a good guess as to the answer.  IT May be " A dog's mouth has fewer bacteria then a human mouth"
Now you design your experiment
You would probably swab mouths and streak bacteria plates
 You must use controls the different mouths being the only variable.  The type of bacteria plate, the temperature etc. must not vary between plates.
 Any or all of the methods you mention are a good way to present the conclusion.  You must be sure to address the hypothesis. Was it correct.  If not that is ok,