• To practice using the To practice using the scientific method to scientific method to design and conduct an design and conduct an experimentexperiment

• To think like a scientistTo think like a scientist

• Many brands of paper Many brands of paper towels claim to be the towels claim to be the strongest or most strongest or most absorbent. absorbent.

• Which brand of paper Which brand of paper towel is the strongest or towel is the strongest or absorbent?absorbent?

• Choose which question Choose which question you will test.you will test.

In research laboratories, In research laboratories, papermakers test the paper papermakers test the paper they make for physical they make for physical properties such as :properties such as :

• strength, absorbency, stretch, strength, absorbency, stretch, tear resistance, folding tear resistance, folding endurance, and stiffness. endurance, and stiffness.

They also test for optical They also test for optical properties like:properties like:

• transparency, opacity, transparency, opacity, brightness, color, and gloss.brightness, color, and gloss.

• Wet strength is the strength of Wet strength is the strength of paper when wet. paper when wet.

• This can be measured by the This can be measured by the amount of mass that a wet amount of mass that a wet paper towel can hold.paper towel can hold.

• Use the internet to learn what Use the internet to learn what makes paper towels different makes paper towels different from each other. Maybe look from each other. Maybe look up prices as wellup prices as well

• If different paper towels If different paper towels are tested for strength are tested for strength (__________, _______________, (__________, _______________, and ____________), then and ____________), then _____________ will be the _____________ will be the strongest. strongest.

Gather materials:Gather materials:• 3 brands of paper towels3 brands of paper towels• Graduated cylinderGraduated cylinder• basinbasin• Washers or penniesWashers or pennies• Water (how much in mL)Water (how much in mL)• Balance scaleBalance scale• scissorsscissors

• Independent Variable: what : what you will change (the ‘if’ part of you will change (the ‘if’ part of the hypothesis)the hypothesis)

• Dependent VariableDependent Variable: what : what changes based upon the changes based upon the independent variable. (the independent variable. (the ‘then’ part of the hypothesis).‘then’ part of the hypothesis).

• ConstantsConstants: things that remain : things that remain the same each time you the same each time you perform the test. perform the test.

• Step by step process to Step by step process to followfollow

• Number the stepsNumber the steps• Use complete sentences.Use complete sentences.• Be specific!Be specific!• Indicate number of trialsIndicate number of trials

1.1.

2.2.

3.3.

4.4.

5.5.

6.6.

Sample procedure idea

Picture credit: www.tappi.org/paperu/fun_science/testStrength.htm

• Create a data table that includes Create a data table that includes the trials and the average of all the trials and the average of all trials (the reduced data). trials (the reduced data).

• Create a graph, using of the Create a graph, using of the average information (the average information (the reduced data).reduced data).

• Remember to label X and Y axis Remember to label X and Y axis and give a specific title that and give a specific title that relates to the purpose of the labrelates to the purpose of the lab

# : Title# : Title

LabelLabel Label: Label: Trial 1Trial 1 Trial 2Trial 2 Trial 3Trial 3 AverageAverage

BrawnyBrawny ## ## ## ## ##

BountyBounty ## ## ## ##

Scott Scott # #

## ## ##

Always include an appropriate titleInclude a number

Include labels for columns; include units!

00.10.20.30.40.50.60.70.80.9

1

label

Bounty Brawny Generic

label

Title Include a title and number

Labels should include units where needed

Follow the directions to Follow the directions to complete the conclusion complete the conclusion template. template.