Scientific Method to the Rescue

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Scientific Method to the Rescue
Will the strongest towel please stand up!
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Purpose

• To practice the skills used in scientific
  investigations
• To think like a scientist

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Problem/Question

• Many brands of paper towels claim to be the
  strongest.
• Which brand of paper towel is the strongest?

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Research

• In research laboratories, papermakers test the
  paper they make for physical properties such as
  strength, absorbency, stretch, tear resistance,
  folding endurance, and stiffness. They also test
  for optical properties like transparency,
  opacity, brightness, color, and gloss.

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Research

• Since paper towels are usually wet when they are
  being used, the wet strength of the towel is
  important. Wet strength is the strength of paper
  when wet. This can be measured by the amount of
  mass that a wet paper towel can hold.

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Hypothesis

• _____ is the strongest paper towel.
• (Bounty, Brawny, Generic/school)

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Experiment

• Gather materials
• 3 brands of paper towels
• Graduated cylinder
• 2 jars with ring lid
• Pennies
• Water
• Triple beam balance

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Variables

• Independent Variable
• Dependent Variable
• Controlled Variables

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Procedure

• Step by step process to follow
• Number the steps
• Use complete sentences.
• Be specific!

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Procedure

• 1.
• 2.
• 3.
• 4.
• 5.
• 6.

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Procedure

• 1.
• 2.
• 3.
• 4.
• 5.
• 6.

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Analyze Data

• Chart including trials and reduced data
  (averages)
• Graph of reduced data
• Remember to label X and Y axis and give a
  specific title that relates to the purpose of the
  lab

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Chart
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Graph Use reduced data
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Conclusion

• First paragraph (5 sentences)
• Restate the hypothesis.
• Do you accept or reject your hypothesis?
• Give 3 facts from your data that support the
  hypothesis. Look at your chart/graph.
• In conclusion, ___.

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Conclusion

• Second paragraph (5 sentences)
• How would you change this experiment if you
  repeated it?
• How can this information be used?
• Is it helpful information for individuals or
  society?
• Who cares about the results?

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Congratulations!

• You can
• think
• like a scientist!