Now it is time for students to continue on in a related area that most interests them. You might want to brainstorm as a class and create a list of possible questions to investigate. Or, maybe you work individually to develop your own question. Whatever type of field research that you participated in, there surely are many questions that could be asked. Whatever approach that your class takes, be sure that all research questions are testable. The following format helps to create a testable research question.

"What is the effect of ____________________________________

on __________________________________________?"

Next, you will need to have your research question approved by your teacher. The teacher will help you make sure that it is very detailed and specific. Be sure that you are able to identify the independent variable and the dependent variable. 

This is an appropriate time to research more about what is already known about your topic. Your teacher might let you research on your own, or he/she may give you a set of questions to get you started. If you need to review some basic information on myxomycetes and insects, click here to download a short list of questions.

Visit the following web sites to find the answers to the questions and to learn more about myxomycetes and insects.
http://www.discoverlife.org/nh/tx/Slime_Molds/
l
http://herbarium.usu.edu/fungi/FunFacts/SlimeMold.htm

http://www.earthlife.net/insects/six.html

http://www.ivyhall.district96.k12.il.us/4th/kkhp/1insects/buginfo.html

Look at your research question again. Do you need to refine it, now that you have learned more? Resubmit it to your teacher for final approval and obtain a new copy of the Experimental Design Diagram.

Now it is time for you to take on the role of scientist and develop a hypothesis and procedure for your research question that allows you to analyze some of the data that you have available to you. Use the Experimental Design Diagram to guide you in developing your experiment. Collect any additional data necessary and organize the data into tables and graphs. Write a conclusion that accepts or rejects your hypothesis, based on the analysis of the data.