Name: __________________________________________ Date: ______________________________
Magic Beads Inquiry Assignment
Directions:
Given a handful of clear beads and yarn, make a bracelet.
1. I am telling you that these beads will change color. However, I will not tell you how to make the
beads change color.
2. You must design an experiment that proves without a shadow of a doubt how these beads
change color.
Experimental Design: List your hypothesis, control, independent variable, dependent variable and any
procedures that you need in order to figure out the problem.
Testing hypothesis: Once you have my permission, you may begin testing your hypothesis. Be sure to
record data on the next page!
Data Section: Create a data table that will adequately allow you to record data in an efficient manner.
Data analysis/conclusion: How do you know with absolute certainty that this phenomena makes the
beads change color?
Extension: Why do we wear sunscreen?
Sunscreen and UV beads
Directions: Now that you know what causes the beads to change color, you must design an experiment
to test the effectiveness of different sunscreens.
Experimental design: It is possible to test two hypotheses with this experiment, you must list your
hypothesis(es), independent variable(s), dependent variable(s), and control before you begin. Just like
before, you must also list your procedures used.
Testing Hypothesis: Once you have my permission, you may begin testing your hypothesis. Be sure to
record data on the next page!
Data Section: Create a data table that will adequately allow you to record data in an efficient manner.
Data analysis/conclusion: How do you know with absolute certainty which sunscreen was least
effective? Was there a clear cut winner in the most effective sunscreen? What could you change with
your experimental design to try and find a clear cut winner if there wasn’t one?
More to think about:
1. Even with sunscreen applied, what color did some of the beads turn?
2. Why do you think that is?
3. Comparing those to the control beads, did the sunscreen beads turn back clear at a faster pace than
the control once you came back inside?
4. When it comes to sunscreen do you think it is more important to buy the highest spf, or to apply the
sunscreen you have more often? Why?