Scientific Method Project
Learning Target: I can properly utilize the scientific method to create
experiments accurately using independent, dependent, and
controlled variables in that experiment.
Directions: You will work together with one or two other classmates on deciding a consumer product
to investigate. Your goal is to determine which brand of that consumer product is the best. This
decision should be based on proof supported by experimentation. A typed report will be turned in that
properly labels what was done for each step of the scientific method. The experiments and results
will be shared with the class. Each student in the group is responsible for finding a DIFFERENT way
to test the product. (Thus, if there are three members in a group, there should be three different
designed experiments.)
Project Constraints:
-
The product being tested should be something convenient around the house that is made by different
companies – it is not necessary to purchase something expensive for this project.
The product being tested should not involve any flammable, corrosive, or otherwise hazardous
materials or tests,
The test should be based on verifiable and measurable facts – not opinions. It should not be a poll.
Each test should be performed more than once in order to verify its accuracy.
PROJECT SCORING RUBRIC
State the Problem
Research the Problem
Form a Hypothesis
Test the Hypothesis
Draw Conclusions
Independent Variable
Dependent Variable
Controlled Variables
Organization of Report
Presentation of Report
TOTAL
POINTS
10
10
10
10
10
10
10
10
10
10
100
List some ideas below:
Check your home for availability and decide which type of product you will test.
PRODUCT TO BE TESTED: _________________________________
DUE DATE FOR DECISION:
PROJECT PRESENTATION DUE:
Scientific Method Project
EXAMPLE EXPERIMENT
1. State the Problem
-
I would like to know which paper towel is better.
2. Research the Problem
-
3 common brands are available: Bounty, Brawny, & Kroger
Kroger is the cheapest at $.79 per roll, Bounty $1.99, Brawny $1.79
Bounty appears to be the thickest, Kroger the thinnest
Bounty feels the best (soft, comfy), Brawny pretty soft too, Kroger is rough
All 3 are white in color, each towel the same size
Brawny has the most square footage, Bounty the least
3. State the Hypothesis
- I think Bounty will be the best performing paper towel – holding the most water and the strongest
4. Test the Hypothesis
-
To test the hypothesis which paper towel is the best, I performed these tests:
HOW MUCH WATER EACH HELD:
a. 3 different glasses were filled with 2 cups of water each
b. 1 paper towel of each type was placed in each different cup
c. Each paper towel was taken out (& let drip a little)
d. Water was squeezed from each paper towel and then measured
Independent Variable: Type of towel; Dependent Variable: Amount of Water Held;
Controlled Variables: Amount of paper towel used, Type of glass, Time in cup, Starting water
BRAND
TRIAL 1
TRIAL 2
TRIAL 3
AVG
Bounty
5 Tbsp
6 Tbsp
5 Tbsp
5 Tbsp
Brawny
4 Tbsp
4 Tbsp
4 Tbsp
4 Tbsp
Kroger
2 Tbsp
3 Tbsp
3 Tbsp
3 Tbsp
PAPER TOWEL STRENGTH:
a. Each paper towel was completely soaked and laid across 2 boards with a space underneath.
b. Two more boards were placed on top of the boards to hold the paper towel in place
c. Pennies were then placed one at a time on each paper towel until it broke.
Independent Variable: Type of towel; Dependent Variable: Weight held (in pennies);
Controlled Variables: Type of coin, Amount of paper towel used, Distance boards are spaced
BRAND
TRIAL 1
TRIAL 2
TRIAL 3
AVG
Bounty
34 pennies
27 pennies
32 pennies
31 pennies
Brawny
23 pennies
26 pennies
29 pennies
26 pennies
Kroger
10 pennies
12 pennies
11 pennies
11 pennies
5. Draw Conclusions
-
Based on the data from both the water holding test and the paper towel strength test, my hypothesis
was correct: Bounty seems to be the best performing paper towel.
** Note of disclaimer: This is just an example and does not represent actual product performance. This is not meant to endorse one
particular product over another. This is merely an example of how to use the scientific method to test a consumer product.