Growing Snake Lab Lab 1

Grow and Glow Snake Lab You will measure the length, width, circumference, and weight of the snake over a period of 5 days

Objectives Hone measuring skills Master the use of balances, calipers, and rulers Accurately measure and record changes in width, circumference, length , and Weight of the “Snake” over time Compare actual measurements to calculated measurements Calculate percent changes (DAILY AND TOTAL) Determine rates of change

??????Materials???? Grow and glow snake Small storage container Water (mL) Metric ruler (mm) Caliper (mm) Markers (wet erase and/or permanent) Clean notebook paper for notes ????????

The polymer is similar to the non-toxic chemical used in baby diapers. A little background: Lab 1 Growing creatures are made out of a superabsorbent polymer that soaks up water. The polymer is similar to the non-toxic chemical used in baby diapers. The Grow and Glow Snake Co. claims that the snakes will “Grow 600%”.

Pre-lab work: Day 1 Weight: Remove lid from the storage container Place lid on balance Record the weight (Double check) Place snake on lid, record the weight of both Determine the weight of the snake (- weight of lid)

Day 1 Length: The length of the snake is the distance from its head to its tail. How will you measure precisely? Circumference: The Circumference of the Snake is the thickness of the snake all the way around. (MM) Width: Use a caliper to determine width. (mm)

Choose your lab group (x4) This is probably the only time this year…choose wisely

Choose a lab station to call home Come up with a name for your snake!!!! Make sure its appropriate!!!! Write all Lab member’s names in wet erase marker + period number on container Make sure your snake has a mark in the middle (permanent marker), so that you measure the circumference in the same place each day

Day 1 Using a permanent marker, mark the spot where you will measure the width/circumference of your snake (just a thin line) Might already be done from last year Take measurements of Dry snake. determine the length, width, weight and circumference of dry snake. Record. Transfer your snake into the storage container. Add water. How much???? (mL) Make a hypothesis for projected Growth of Length/width/circumference and weight. Clearly write it in your notebook (if…..then….). Include specifics!!!!! Purpose: Research question Background? Materials list Variables? Procedure (write as a list of directions!!!!)

Day 2-5 C. Take measurements of wet snake Take snake out of water. Dry off. determine the length, width, and circumference. Record. Determine weight (put snake on lid!). Record. Determine % changes for Length/circumference/weight To calculate the percentage increase: First: work out the difference (increase) between the two numbers you are comparing. Then: divide the increase by the original number and multiply the answer by 100. If your answer is a negative number then this is a percentage decrease

Clearly label your axes!!!!!!!!!!!! Present your data Graph your data More than one graph? Daily/total % changes? L/C/W/W? Clearly label your axes!!!!!!!!!!!!

Calculations/analysis A. percent changes (Daily/Total) B. rates of change To calculate the percentage increase: First: work out the difference (increase) between the two numbers you are comparing (new #- Original #= increase). Then: divide the increase by the original number and multiply the answer by 100. If your answer is a negative number then this is a percentage decrease

Formal Lab Report Follow lab report format Due Friday, Sept 4th