How to Turn BAD Science Fair Ideas into GOOD ones.

Hi Ricky, what is your Science Fair topic? I am going to see which will melt ice faster, salt or sugar. That’s a Comparative Experiment. You can’t do those for Science Fair. Oh SNAP !

Maybe I can help you make that better. Well, you are the GREATEST teacher in the world! That’s very true 

Don’t do a “which” project. But I really want to see how salt can melt ice. Then let’s look at the effect of salt on ice Sounds Great !

How about we get 4 glasses all the same size. I have those at home in my kitchen. Then put 1 cup of water in each glass. OK. I’ll measure each one.

I’ll use a thermometer and make sure all the water is the same temperature too Using the same size glasses and the same amount of water are ways you use Controlled Variables or Constants. Great !

Let’s leave the first glass alone. This will be your Control Group. In the second glass, stir in 1 tablespoon of salt. And in the fourth glass, stir in 3 tablespoons of salt. In the third glass, stir in 2 tablespoons of salt.

Then you can put an ice cube in each glass. I’ll make sure they are all the same size and I put them in at the same time. Boy, this isn’t too hard. It’s actually fun. Great. Those are more Controlled Variables or Constants.

And I won’t forget to do at least 3 trials ! I can use my phone’s stopwatch to see how long it takes each cube to melt Great! Make sure you record your data and observations in your Journal. And I won’t forget to do at least 3 trials !

Well done Ricky. You are on your way do doing a great experiment. Thanks. I can’t wait to get started !

Science ROCKS !!!! Be like Ricky. Turn a Comparative Experiment into a Controlled Experiment. July 22, 2012 Footer text here