Spontaneous Generation Scientific Investigation
Before you begin the scientific investigation below, make sure to download the Spontaneous Generation Scientific Investigation Report. As you complete this scientific investigation, fill in any needed information on the report template. If you need more information about each section of the report, please visit the Developmental Module.
This scientific investigation is available below or in a printable version.
Introduction
The idea that life sprang from non-life was believed by many until the middle of the 17th century. Even after experiments performed by Francesco Redi demonstrated that large organisms could not appear from nothing, scientists were unclear about how microbes were formed. However, Louis Pasteur’s work showed that microbes do not appear spontaneously either. In this lab, you will simulate how Pasteur disproved the spontaneous generation of microbes.
Objective
In this scientific investigation, you will:
Hypothesis
Using the Procedure and Data Collection section below, read through the procedural information for this scientific investigation. Based on your understanding of the procedure, develop your own hypotheses which describe your expected results. You should consider the following questions: what will become of the broth exposed to different conditions? What will this prove or disprove about spontaneous generation? Record your hypotheses in the Hypothesis section of your Spontaneous Generation Scientific Investigation Report.
Equipment and Materials
Safety Precautions
This scientific investigation requires the use of a stove top and boiling water. In addition, it requires the use of bleach. Make sure to conduct this scientific investigation under the supervision of an adult AND in a properly ventilated area. In addition, make sure to use all safety apparel and equipment as advised in the Procedure and Data Collection section.
Procedure and Data Collection
Data
Use the table provided in the Data section of your Spontaneous Generation Scientific Investigation Report to record your data from this scientific investigation. The data table is also shown below:
Day | Beef Broth | Chicken Broth | ||
Observation for Jar Without Lid | Observation for Jar With Lid | Observation for Jar Without Lid | Observation for Jar With Lid | |
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Data Analysis
In the Data Analysis section of the Spontaneous Generation Investigation Report, provide responses to the following questions.
Conclusion
Using the Conclusion section of the Spontaneous Generation Investigation Report, compose three to four sentences describing an overall conclusion based on your data. Write an explanation about how Pasteur’s work is related to the theory of biogenesis, as well as to the cell theory. Use the data and notes that you collected from your investigation to form your conclusion. Make sure that you include information that you gained from data analysis to support your conclusion.
Experimental Sources of Error
On your Spontaneous Generation Investigation Report, provide responses to the following questions: Are there any sources of error? If so, what are they, and what could be done to minimize error?
Once you have completed the Spontaneous Generation Investigation Report, please submit your work to the dropbox.