Title: Employ the scientific method and/or the technological/engineering method to solve biotechnology problems.
Course: Biotechnology Foundations in Agricultural and Environmental Science (18308-II) > Section: Preparing for Biotechnology Experiences

Employing the scientific method involves:

- Identifying the problem
- Formulating a hypothesis
- Designing and conducting experiments
- Collecting data
- Analyzing data
- Drawing conclusions
- Making recommendations.

Employing the engineering design process should be based on the understanding that this process is concerned with the phenomena of the human-designed world and with obtaining artifacts and solutions to problems. The process should include multiple steps, such as

- identifying and defining problems
- identifying constraints and requirements for success
- brainstorming potential solutions
- visually communicating potential solutions
- evaluating potential solutions considering constraints
- identifying an optimal solution
- creating a model and prototype
- testing the solution
- evaluating results
- iterating or modifying as needed
- communicating results.

The written report should include elements outlined in the FFA Agriscience Fair Final Report, such as

- title page
- table of contents
- abstract
- introduction
- review of literature
- materials and methods
- results
- discussion and conclusion
- acknowledgements
- literature cited.

Process/Skill Questions:

- What are the steps in the scientific method? Why is each step important?
- What are the steps in the technological/engineering design method? Why is each step important?
- What are the similarities and differences between the scientific method and the technological/ engineering design method?
- What conditions determine the method one would use?