3.3.3.pdf - 3.3.3 Lab: Investigate Resource Consumption The...

3.3.3 Lab: Investigate Resource Consumption Dry Lab
The Living Earth Sem 2
Points Possible: 50
Name: Joseph Harutunyan
In this lab, you will be modeling resource consumption using cereal and spoons. You will
then design your own simulation and make some inferences about resource
consumption in the real world. As you go through the lab, imagine that the cereal you
are using is a real resource such as water, food, energy, land, minerals, coal, lumber, or
wildlife.
Be sure to:
● Follow safe practices during this investigation.
● Think about what you are modeling as you go through the investigation. The
pieces of cereal represent a real-life resource. Keep in mind that the cereal could
be water, food, minerals, land, or other resources.
Materials

NOTE: You do not need these materials in order to complete the dry lab.
● 100 pieces of cereal
● Table
● 2 spoons of the same size
● Cup
● Timer or clock that shows seconds
● Other small items (e.g., paper clips, beans, pasta, rice, etc.)
● Other grasping devices (e.g., tweezers, tongs, fingers, etc.)
● Pencil
● Paper
Procedure
Part 1: Modeling Resource Consumption
A student set up and performed the three tests described below. These tests were part
of an experiment designed to test the independent variable of placement of natural
resources and its effect on the rate that resources can be obtained.

1. Test A. Even Distribution of Nearby ResourcesSpread 100 pieces of cereal
relatively evenly across the surface of the table. Be sure you are able to reach all
of the pieces easily.
2. Place the cup in front of you, and set the timer for 1 minute.
3. Hold a spoon in each hand, as you would if you were using them to get a serving
of salad.
4. Start the timer, and begin collecting pieces of cereal one at a time using both
spoons. Place each piece collected in the cup before trying to collect another. Do
not move the cup.
5. After 1 minute, count the pieces of cereal in the cup. Record the number under
Trial 1 in the correct row of the table in the Data for Part 1 section.
6. Repeat steps 1 through 5 two more times. Record the results in the proper
columns for trials 2 and 3.
1. Test B. Uneven Distribution of Nearby ResourcesSpread 100 pieces of cereal
unevenly (in small patches separated by some space) on the surface of the table.