1.)Present the attached slideshow about the Scientific Method. The presentation includes steps with an explanation.
Discuss and answer questions about these eleven steps.
Have each student write a statement about each step, collect statements, see where students have misconceptions, and review.
2.)Hand out a copy of the Scientific Method Example. Discuss the question and have students write a hypothesis.
Have each student write his own hypothesis (it may be the same or different from lab partner's).
Also discuss together possible answers to the variables and standards of comparison.
3.)Now each student will need to complete these steps and actually do the experiment.
The Paper Towel with Great Holding Power
Statement of Purpose or Question:
Which paper towel will hold the most water?
When Brawny, Scott and a store brand are tested for absorbency, then … will be proven to hold the most water.
A. Independent Variable
Brand of paper towel
B. Dependent Variable
Brand of paper towel
C. Constants or Controls
Amounts of water added to paper towel
Size of the paper towel
Process of determining amount of water left
Time water is on paper towel
Test all three brands around the same time and on the same day.
Standards of Comparison:
Color and size of each brand of paper towel
Materials and Procedure:
roll of Brawny, Scott & store brand
extra paper towels
1. Get all materials.
2. Review my directions for experiment.
3. Cut paper towels into 4 cm x 4 cm squares.
4. Lay one square of Bounty paper towel in the pan.
5. Measure out 10 ml of water and add to paper towel in pan.
6. Let it set for one for one minute.
7. Pick up paper towel with forceps and let the extra water drip out of paper towel until the drops are at least five seconds apart.
8. Pour water in pan back into the graduated cylinder and calculate the amount of water the square of paper held.
9. Repeat steps 5-9 for each paper towel for total of fifty times.
Some water was lost when it was returned to the graduated cylinder.
Water temperature was hard to regulate.
During some tests the air conditioner was on.
A. Raw Data
Analysis & Interpretation of Results:
Have students describe what was discovered.
Possible Experimental Errors:
Ask students to review step 6 and write statements of what they observed.
Ask students to state whether their hypotheses were correct
Have them include
why their results did, or did not, support the hypothesis.
16.)Allow students to make recommendations for further experimentation
based on their data & practical applications.
In groups of 3-4 students design an experiment with one of the following questions.
Which size funnel will sand pour through the fastest?
Will the temperature of ice water change if salt or sugar is added?
Will the angle of a ramp have an effect on how far a marble will roll?