SCIENTIFIC METHOD
Also called the scientific process
TITLE
•
Reflects the experiment and/or activity
•
Include your name
•
Include the date
•
Include the page number that it is in your journal
Mrs. Horton
Period ________
9/5/2013
Page 1
The Bubble Gum Experiment
PROBLEM STATEMENT OR QUESTION
•
How will the manipulative (independent) variable affect the
responding (dependent variable)?
•
The problem statement/question must have both the
manipulative and responding variable in order for it to be
considered an experiment.
Mrs. Horton
Period ________
9/5/2013
Page 1
The Bubble Gum Experiment
Question: Will gum with more sugar create a bigger bubble?
HYPOTHESIS
•
A hypothesis is a prediction with reason.
•
It is helpful to use the words increase or decrease
•
Written in the “if…..then…..because” format
•
If we (describe the changes in manipulated/independent variable) then (describe what you
expect to happen) because (giving a scientific explanation on why you think this)
Mrs. Horton
Period ________
9/5/2013
Page 1
The Bubble Gum Experiment
Question: Will gum with more sugar create a bigger bubble?
Hypothesis: If we chew gum with greater amounts of sugar then it produce a bigger bubble because
the more sugar a gum has, the greater elasticity it will have.
VARIABLES
Manipulative or independent variable:
This is the variable that is purposefully being changed
in the experiment.
*When writing an experiment we will underline the M.V.
Once
Responding or dependent variable:
This is what is being measured in response to the
manipulative variable.
*When writing an experiment we will underline the R.V.
Twice
Controls:
The things that are kept the same in the experiment.
Control Group:
The item that all items will be compared too
Mrs. Horton
Period ________
9/5/2013
Page 1
The Bubble Gum Experiment
Question: Will gum with more sugar create a bigger bubble?
Hypothesis: If we chew gum with greater amounts of sugar then it produce a bigger bubble because the
more sugar a gum has, the greater elasticity it will have.
Variables:
Manipulative Variable: Different types of bubble gum (underline with single line)
Responding Variable: The size of the bubble blown (underline with double line)
Controls: Same types of gum, same chewing time, no talking while chewing
Control group: Non blowing gum (like juicy fruit)
MATERIALS
•
A list of things you need for the experiment
• List only essential items
Mrs. Horton
Period ________
9/5/2013
Page 1
The Bubble Gum Experiment
Question: Will gum with more sugar create a bigger bubble?
Hypothesis: If we chew gum with greater amounts of sugar then it produce a bigger bubble because the
more sugar a gum has, the greater elasticity it will have.
Variables:
Manipulative Variable: Different types of bubble gum (underline with single line)
Responding Variable: The size of the bubble blown (underline with double line)
Controls: Same types of gum, same chewing time, no talking while chewing (italisize)
Control Group: Non blowing gum (like juicy fruit)
Materials:
Juicy fruit
Bubble Yum
Big Five
Ruler
Timer
PROCEDURES
*A list of the steps need to perform the experiment/lab.
*Write the number for each step.
1. Always start with collecting materials.
2. Make sure that your steps are logical, short and simple to read.
3. You may include drawings to help explain your steps.
4. Manipulative variable must be included in your procedures.
5. Include reference to making observations of the manipulative variable and the
control group.
6. You must explain how you are going to measure the responding variable.
7. Must have how and where (label your data table) to record measurements.
8. Must include validity measures (repeat experiment 3 times).
9. Must include ALL safety measures needed in the experiment.
10. Last step is to clean up and put away materials.
Procedures
1. Collect all materials in an experiment bucket.
* 1 piece each of Juicy fruit, Bubble You and Big Five.
* ruler
2. Observe Juicy Fruit gum. Record in Observation Chart.
3. Chew Juicy Fruit gum for 3 minutes without talking. After 3 minutes, blow a bubble.
4. Measure bubble (in cm) and record in data table 1: Bubble Measurements.
5. Throw gum away.
6. Observe Bubble Yum gum. Record in Observation Chart.
7. Chew Bubble Yum for 3 minutes without talking. After 3 minutes, blow a bubble.
6. Measure bubble (in cm) and record in data table 1: Bubble Measurements.
7. Throw gum away.
8. Observe Big Five gum. Record in Observation Chart.
9. Chew Big Five for 3 minutes without talking. After 3 minutes, blow a bubble.
10. Measure bubble (in cm) and record in data table 1: Bubble Measurements.
11. Repeat steps 2-10 two times.
12. Safety Measures:
*Do not put gum back in mouth after touching it.
*Do not swallow gum
*Do not share gum
*Be careful not to drop gum on floor
13. Clean gum up and make sure it gets into the garbage.
OBSERVATION & DATA TABLE
1. Observation Table needs to include as many types of observations as
possible, using the 4 senses.
a. touch, sight, smell, sound (only taste if OK’d by instructor)
2. Data table must be made to include all results.
3. This means it must have both the manipulative variable and responding
variable.
4. Must have a title and units of measurement.
Observation Table 1: Types of Gum
Senses
Types of Gum
Sight
Touch
Taste
Juicy Fruit
Bubble Yum
Big Five
Type of Gum
Data Table 1: Bubbles Measurements
Bubble Size
Bubble Size
Bubble Size
Trial 1
Juicy Fruit
Bubble Yum
Big Five
Trial 2
Trial 3
CONCLUSION AND ANALYSIS
1. Two paragraphs and two questions for further study.
2. Paragraph one:
a. Introduce your experiment
b. Restate hypothesis
c.
Support or deny your hypothesis
3. Paragraph two:
a. Include the high point and low point of your data (you can use averages)
b. Make a comparative statement using data from the experiment.
c.
Include how your data supports a Scientific Law such as the Law of Conservation or how
energy was transferred.
d.
Form a new hypothesis based on your data.
e.
Include an analysis – what did you learn.
1. Create 2 questions for further study
a. Change the responding variable in each question to further investigate.
EXAMPLE OF QUESTIONS
1. Does gum with more sugar have a longer lasting flavor?
2. Create another question….