NAME____________________________
Partner’s Name_____________________
Date__________
Class_________
INTRO PHYSICS
The paper Towel Challenge!
Purpose: The purpose of this activity is for you and your partner to show that you have an
understanding of the concepts we have discussed in class this week about the scientific
method. You and your partner are going to design an experiment to test which brand of
paper towel is really the BEST.
Procedure : The procedure will depend on your group. Brainstorm some ideas of
how to go about designing a method for determining which brand of paper towel really
works the best. What is important in a paper towel?
1) Decide what question you are actually asking. Write the question you will test below.
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Determine the variables.
a. Independent variable (what you are testing)
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b. Dependent variable (what you are measuring to decide which paper towel is best)
__________________________________________
c. Constants (variables that are made the same so they don’t affect the experiment):
Example: size of the paper towel must be the same) Minimum 3. Think!
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d. Control setup (since it doesn’t make sense to remove the independent variable, pick a
normal, natural, or generic brand that will give good comparison information) ___________
3) Write a hypothesis. Remember that a hypothesis predicts the outcome, mentions the
independent and dependent variables and gives a reason for the hypothesis (include a because
clause).
4) Next you should come up with a procedure for your experiment. YOU ARE GOING TO HAVE
TO REVISE. So DO NOT be afraid to cross things out and try something new. Be sure to write
down the steps of your final procedure. You don't have to use all the lines. A good procedure is
clear, exact, in order, and can be replicated without asking questions. Does yours pass the test?
a. ____________________________________________________________
b. ____________________________________________________________
c. ____________________________________________________________
d. ____________________________________________________________
e. ____________________________________________________________
f. ____________________________________________________________
g. ____________________________________________________________
h. ____________________________________________________________
i. ____________________________________________________________
j. _____________________________________________________________
k. _____________________________________________________________
l. _____________________________________________________________
m. ____________________________________________________________
n. ____________________________________________________________
Make a list of materials!
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Results (Use a data table to record results) You may make your own data table if desired.
Brand of towel Bounty
Each student will make a graph to display the results. Results will be shared with the class.
Exception: IF students make a graph in Excel in class, they may work on it together.
5) Conclusion: Remember to include your hypothesis in your conclusion. Example: The
hypothesis that Bounty is really the quicker picker upper was supported. Go on to share the
results (including numbers) for all four paper towel brands. Explain anything of interest to the
reader. NEVER say “we proved our hypothesis” or “We were correct.” Just because you didn’t
prove the hypothesis wrong doesn’t necessarily mean it is right. Say “The hypothesis was
supported.” Be careful of your wording. The best way to state the outcome is “The results
showed that…”. (Attach a separate paper. Everyone must write their own. You may use the
computer for any or all of this lab report. The conclusion should be at least one paragraph.