The Scientific Method: “I’m All Thumbs” Lab
Name: ________________________________ Date: ____________________ Period: _________
Question/Problem: What does it take to be a West Essex champion thumb
wrestler?
Background information: Do the measurements of your thumb circumference,
thumb length, or wrist circumference have an effect on the overall chances of
winning a thumb wrestling match? In this investigation we will develop a
hypothesis based on physical data collected from our classmates. We will then
test our own hypothesis by conducting a thumb wrestling tournament. At the
end of the tournament we will crown a “Class Champion.” To gather the
information needed, make the following measurements:
With your partner please perform the following measurements using the string
and metric tape measures I have provided for you. After one of you has recorded
your data, please switch roles and help you partner take down their
measurements as well.
a. Measure the circumference of the thumb, in centimeters, at its widest
point and record it here: _____________cm.
b. Measure the length of the thumb, using the metric ruler in centimeters,
from its tip to the end of its second joint and record it here: _____________cm.
c. Measure the circumference of the wrist over the ulnar knob, in
centimeters and record it here: _____________cm.
After you have taken all three (3) measurements above please add them to the
class chart on the computer.
Hypothesis: Who will win the tournament and why (based on the class data)?
___________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________
Procedure:
The Rules of Thumb Wrestling:
1. Two players will grasp hands.
2. They will then touch thumbs to the opposite sides of the other person’s hand
three times, and then come out wrestling!
3. The object, of course, is to hold the other person’s thumb down. If you are able
to hold your opponents thumb down for three (3) seconds, you will be declared
the winner!!!
4. NO SNEAK ATTACKS!!! NO CHERRY BOMBS!!! ITS NOT ARM
WRESTLING!!!!
5. Boys will wrestle boys, and girls will wrestle girls.
6. A tournament schedule will be set up with the 4 best boys and 4 best girls to
determine a champion.
7. After the completion of the tournament, a champion will be declared in both
categories (both male and female).
8. BEGIN WRESTLING!!!! Record the number of wins against each
Student Name
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
16.
17.
18.
19.
20.
Thumb
Gender Circumference
(M/F)
in cm.
Thumb
Length in
cm.
Wrist
circumference
Record
in cm.
(Won/Lost)
Analysis and Conclusion:
1. Restate your original hypothesis:
_________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________
2. Which students won? (Male) ________________________ and
(female)_____________________.
3. What were their measurements (in centimeters):
 Male: thumb circumference: ____________, thumb length ______________,
and wrist circumference ______________;
 Female: thumb circumference: __________, thumb length _________, and
wrist circumference ______________.
4. What was the mean thumb circumference of the class? _____________cm
5. What was the mean wrist circumference of the class? ______________cm
6. Did all those with larger measurements win their matches? If not please
name the students who won in those cases
_______________________________________.
7. Was your hypothesis correct? ______________.
8. If not, explain what was different:
_________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________.
9. List the variables in this experiment:
_________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________.
10. Did this experiment have a control? ____________.
11. Explain your answer to # 10 :
_________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________.
12. What is the independent variable? _____________________________________.
13. What is the dependent variable? _______________________________________.
Content Application
Based on your observations, summarize how this lab models the content
covered in this unit. Include at least 4 solid pieces of evidence that link the
content to what was observed in this experiment.