STUDENT WORKSHEET
Physical Science – Scientific Method Lab Worksheet
Name: _______________________
Date: ____________
Period: ___________
Title of Experiment:
Methods to Prevent a Soda from Exploding After It Has Been Shaken
1. Question:
What are you trying to find out in this experiment?
2. Hypothesis:
What do you predict will happen and why?
(If..., then..., because...)
3. Variables:
•
Independent Variable (What you will change):
•
Dependent Variable (What you will measure):
•
Controlled Variables (What stays the same):
4. Materials:
List all materials you will use.
5. Procedure:
Write the steps you will follow in your experiment.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6. Data Table:
Record your results.
Can
Method Used
A
Open Immediately
B
C
Flick Sides
Wait 2 Minutes
D
Turn Upside Down First
Soda Lost (mL or 1–5
scale)
Observations
7. Conclusion:
•
What did you learn from the experiment?
•
Which method worked best?
•
Was your hypothesis supported? Why or why not?
•
How could you improve this experiment?
TEACHER SIGN-OFF (Optional):
✔ Hypothesis Checked
Conclusion Written
✔ Procedure Complete
✔ Data Collected
✔
TEACHER ANSWER KEY (Sample Responses)
1. Question:
Is there a way to prevent a soda from exploding after it has been shaken?
2. Hypothesis (Example):
If I tap the sides of a shaken soda can before opening, then less soda will explode out
because the bubbles will be released more gently.
3. Variables:
•
Independent Variable:
The method used to open the shaken soda.
•
Dependent Variable:
Amount of soda lost (measured in mL or rated on a spill scale).
•
Controlled Variables:
o
Brand/size of soda
o
Temperature of cans
o
Number of shakes
o
Time before opening
o
Surface for testing
4. Materials:
•
4 soda cans
•
Timer
•
Measuring cup or spill tray
•
Paper towels
•
Data sheet
5. Procedure (Example):
1. Shake each soda can for 10 seconds.
2. Apply a different method to each can (A–D).
3. Open cans over a tray one by one.
4. Measure or estimate soda lost.
5. Record all results and observations.
6. Data Table (Sample Results):
Can Method Used
Soda Lost Observations
A
Open Immediately 5 (high)
Soda sprayed everywhere
B
Tap Sides
2
Slight fizz, minimal spray
C
Wait 2 Minutes
1
Almost no fizz or spray
D
Turn Upside Down
3
Some fizz, moderate spray
7. Conclusion (Example):
•
Best Method: Waiting 2 minutes
•
Hypothesis Supported? Partially – tapping helped, but waiting was better.
•
Improvements: Repeat with more trials, test more methods, or use measuring cups
for accuracy.