Better Boiling, an Elementary School Inquiry PCA
Published by the Science Assessment Team of the Washington Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction on September 18, 2007.
Copyright © 2007 by Washington Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI)
All rights reserved. Educational institutions within the State of Washington have permission to reproduce this document. All other individuals wishing to reproduce this document must contact OSPI.
OSPI Science Assessment 1 October 18, 2007

Better Boiling, an Elementary School Inquiry PCA
Directions: Use the following information to answer questions 1 through 10 on pages 4 through 11.
Joel heard that cold water will begin boiling (bubbling at the surface) faster than hot water when heated the same. He and his father did the following investigation.
Question: What is the effect of different starting temperature of water on the time for the water to begin boiling ?
Prediction: The lower the water’s starting temperature, the quicker the water will begin boiling.
Materials: empty cans of the same size labeled A, B, C large pan stove burner water: same amounts of ice water, cold water from the faucet, and hot water from the faucet thermometer stopwatch
OSPI Science Assessment 2 October 18, 2007

Better Boiling, an Elementary School Inquiry PCA
Procedure:
1.
Set up the large pan and cans of water as shown in the Investigation Setup diagram.
2.
Measure and record the starting temperature of the water in each can.
3.
Place the pan on the stove burner, and turn the burner on to medium heat.
4.
Measure and record the time for the water to begin boiling in each can as Trial 1.
5.
Turn the burner off, and let the pan cool.
6.
Repeat steps 1 through 5 two more times as Trials 2 and 3.
7.
Find and record the average starting temperature and average time for the water to boil in each can.
Data:
Starting Temperature vs. Time to Boil
Starting Temperature
Time to Boil
(seconds)
Trial 1 Trial 2 Trial 3 Average
5˚ C
(Can A, Ice water)
11˚ C
(Can B, Cold water)
51˚ C
(Can C, Hot water)
265
257
142
267
252
140
272
253
138
268
254
140
OSPI Science Assessment 3 October 18, 2007

Better Boiling, an Elementary School Inquiry PCA
1 Which of the following variables was kept the same (controlled) in this investigation? o
A . Amount of water in each can o
B . Temperature of water in each can o
C . Time on stove burner for each can
2 Which variable was the changed (manipulated) variable in this investigation? o
A. Type of pan used o
B. Size of the can used o
C. Starting temperature of the water
3 Which variable was the measured (responding) variable in this investigation? o
A . Mass of water o
B . Time to boil o
C . Size of pan
OSPI Science Assessment 4 October 18, 2007

Better Boiling, an Elementary School Inquiry PCA
4 Write a conclusion for this investigation.
In your conclusion, be sure to:

Answer the investigative question.

Include supporting data from the Starting Temperature vs. Time to Boil table.

Explain how these data support your conclusion.
Question: What is the effect of different starting temperature of water on the time for water to begin boiling?
OSPI Science Assessment 5 October 18, 2007

Better Boiling, an Elementary School Inquiry PCA
5 Why did Joel repeat the investigation two more times? o
A . To be sure the time to boil was correct o
B . To fill out his data table with results o
C . To make the results fit his prediction
6 Which of the following liquids had the greatest amount of energy before being heated? o
A . Ice water o
B . Hot water o
C . Cold water
OSPI Science Assessment 6 October 18, 2007

Better Boiling, an Elementary School Inquiry PCA
7 What change occurs when liquid water in the can changes to water vapor in the air? o
A . Condensation o
B . Evaporation o
C . Freezing
OSPI Science Assessment 7 October 18, 2007

Better Boiling, an Elementary School Inquiry PCA
8 Describe an energy transfer as water boils.
In your description, be sure to:

Identify the forms of energy before and after the transfer.

Describe where the energy transfer happened.
You may use words, labeled pictures, and/or labeled diagrams on the diagram in the box.
OSPI Science Assessment 8 October 18, 2007

Better Boiling, an Elementary School Inquiry PCA
9 Joel wants to boil water to make hot chocolate in the shortest amount of time. Based on the results of his investigation, what kind of water should Joel start with to make hot chocolate?
o
A . Ice water o
B . Cold water o
C . Hot water
OSPI Science Assessment 9 October 18, 2007

Better Boiling, an Elementary School Inquiry PCA
10 Plan a new investigation to answer the new question printed in the box.
In your plan, be sure to include:

Prediction of the investigation results

Materials needed to do the investigation

Procedure that includes:


 logical steps to do the investigation one variable kept the same (controlled) one changed (manipulated) variable

 one measured (responding) variable how often measurements should be taken and recorded
Question: What is the effect of different amounts of water on the time for water to begin boiling?
Prediction:
Materials:
Procedure: You may use this space for a labeled diagram to support your procedure.
OSPI Science Assessment 10 October 18, 2007

Better Boiling, an Elementary School Inquiry PCA
Procedure (continued) :
OSPI Science Assessment 11 October 18, 2007