Students identify an independent variable, and then change it to see what happens. Students are given 12 weeks to formulate a hypothesis for the change and perform the experiment that includes 100 trials to test the variable. They enter the data into an Excel spreadsheet, average the data, graph the average, and then use Word to write about the experiment. Finally, they present the experiment to the class. Examples of experiments students have performed include determining whether dogs prefer hot or cold dog food, which brand of bubble gum blows the biggest bubble, which type of nail polish dries the fastest, who can jump rope faster in 30 seconds (boys or girls), which tennis racquet serves the fastest.
One experiment looks at the viscosity of different liquids by determining whether a marble sinks faster in syrup or cooking oil. Sample results and reports for the Viscosity Experiment are available for download.
An Excel Spreadsheet Template has been prepared that your students can use to enter their data and average the results for their experiments. |
