Scientific Method Lab
Purpose
In this lab students will learn the steps of the
scientific method by identifying each step and
applying each through a fun activity that
compares variables between 2 types of bubble
gum.
Students will be asked to hypothesize, collect
and organize data, use scientific measurement,
and differentiate between qualitative and
quantitative data.
Warm-Up Activity
• Based on your past experience with bubble
gum, which type of gum would produce the
biggest bubble? Why?
• Create a hypothesis using the information you
discussed above.
Objectives
1. Determine the steps in the scientific method
and apply them to a problem.
2. Generate hypotheses, conduct an
experiment, and present data in a graph.
3. Learn the basics of the metric system of
measurement and be able to convert from
one set of units to another, both within and
between English and metric.
Materials
•
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2 small pieces of wax paper
1 meter long piece of string
1 meter stick
2 different pieces of bubble gun labeled A and B
PART ONE
Procedure
1. Each group will obtain two pieces of gum,
one labeled A and one labeled B.
2. Create 3 qualitative/quantitative
observations about each piece of gum,
before chewing it.
3. Write a hypothesis about which piece of gum
will make the biggest bubble. Explain why.
Instructions
1. The person with brand A will chew their piece of
gum for 3 minutes. (Person B, should not begin
chewing until all test on brand A are complete.)
2. Person A blows a bubble.
3. Using a string, your partner will measure the
diameter (distance across) of the bubble.
4. Place the string on the ruler (cm side) to
determine the actual size.
5. Record the measurement in a data table.
Repeat the process 2 more times.
6. Find the average bubble size.
Data Table
• Design a data collection table to fit the data
you will be collecting.
Conclusion
• What brand of gum is the best at blowing
bubbles and why?
• Support your answer with observations and
data.
PART TWO
Problem
• You and your partner will combine with
another group to complete this section.
• How does gum “stretchability” relate to
bubble size?
• Hypothesis: Make/write an educated guess
that would answer the question above.
Procedure/Instructions
1. One person with brand A gum, will roll their
gum into a ball.
2. Hold the gum by grabbing it with a piece of wax
paper. Another person would grab the same
piece of gum with another piece of wax paper.
3. The two people holding the gum should slowly
start walking backwards away from each other.
4. A third person will measure the distance the
gum stretches before breaking. (Use a meter
stick and centimeters)
5. Only do one trial.
6. Repeat steps 1-4 with brand B gum.
Data Table
• Design a data collection table to fit the data
you will be collecting.
Interpreting Results
• Create graph displaying stretch distance vs
bubble size for each brand of gum.
Stretchability vs. Bubble Size
14
Stretch Distance
12
10
8
6
4
2
0
4.5
2
Bubble Size
Conclusion
• Use your data from the lab to answer the
question:
• How does gum “stretchability” relate to
bubble size?
• Support your conclusion with scientific data.