Mass of the Penny
• Problem: To examine any variations in the mass of a penny
over time.
• Procedure: Sort pennies by year of minting and measure
the mass of each. Determine the average mass by year
(rejecting any pennies that have obvious defects).
• Results: Record your results on your data form and share
your averages with the class.
• Analysis: Prepare a graph showing the mass as a function
of the year of minting.
• Conclusions: What patterns emerge? Explain the acquired
results.
Problem: To examine any
variations in the mass of a penny
over time.
Procedure: Sort pennies by year
of minting and measure the mass
of each. Determine the average
mass by year (rejecting any
pennies that have obvious
defects).
Results: Record your results on
your data form and share your
averages with the class.
Analysis: Prepare a graph
showing the mass as a function of
the year of minting.
Conclusions: What patterns
emerge? Explain your results.
• http://www.usmint.gov/