Question

name: jacelean covo
the baffling bridge crossing
solve the following problem by using the six steps of the scientific method. explain each step thoroughly in the spaces given.
the circumstances
you are on one side of a narrow stone bridge with a wolf, a goat, and a bale of hay. you must try to move all three across the narrow bridge using your wheelbarrow. unfortunately, only one item can fit in your wheelbarrow at a time and they must be carried in the wheelbarrow. to add to the problem, if left alone, the goat will eat the hay. even worse, if left together, the wolf will eat the goat. you need all of them to sell to a rich buyer and do not want any of them eaten.

1. the first step in the scientific method is the statement of the problem. given the circumstances above, state the problem in your own words.

problem: how to transport a wolf, a goat and a bale of hay across a narrow bridge - using a wheelbarrow one item at a time without the goat eating the hay or the wolf eating the goat

1. the second step in the scientific method is the hypothesis. state the hypothesis for solving the problem. in other words, it is the best guess of what will work to get all three items across the bridge?

hypothesis: one possible hypothesis is to carry each of the three items across the bridge one at a time.

1. the third step in the scientific method is materials. list the materials needed to accomplish the task.

materials:

Explanation:

Step1: Identify problem - statement

The problem is to transport a wolf, a goat, and a bale of hay across a narrow bridge using a wheel - barrow that can carry only one item at a time, while preventing the goat from eating the hay and the wolf from eating the goat.

Step2: Refine hypothesis

A better hypothesis is to first carry the goat across the bridge, as it is the common threat to both the hay and itself from the wolf. Then come back, carry the wolf across, and bring the goat back. Leave the goat, carry the hay across, and finally come back and carry the goat across again.

Step3: List materials

The only material needed is the wheel - barrow to carry the items across the bridge.

Step4: Plan experiment (procedure)

1. Take the goat across the bridge and leave it on the other side.
2. Return to the original side alone.
3. Take the wolf across the bridge.
4. Bring the goat back to the original side.
5. Leave the goat and take the hay across the bridge.
6. Return to the original side alone.
7. Take the goat across the bridge.

Step5: Conduct experiment (execute procedure)

Follow the steps in Step 4. First, take the goat across. Then return and take the wolf across. Bring the goat back, take the hay across, return, and finally take the goat across again.

Step6: Analyze results and draw conclusion

If the steps are followed correctly, all three items (wolf, goat, hay) will be safely transported across the bridge without any being eaten.

Answer:

1. Problem: Transport a wolf, a goat, and a bale of hay across a narrow bridge using a wheel - barrow that can carry one item at a time, while preventing the goat from eating the hay and the wolf from eating the goat.
2. Hypothesis: First carry the goat across, then the wolf, bring the goat back, carry the hay across, and finally bring the goat across again.
3. Materials: A wheel - barrow.
4. Procedure:

• Take the goat across and leave it.
• Return alone.
• Take the wolf across.
• Bring the goat back.
• Leave the goat and take the hay across.
• Return alone.
• Take the goat across.

1. Execution: Follow the procedure in Step 4.
2. Conclusion: If the steps are followed, all three items will be safely transported across the bridge.