Scientific Method So far, we have done labs and focused on the content of the unit. Now labs will focus not only on content, but excellent lab writing skills.
What is the Scientific Method? In order to call something scientific, our method of inquiry must involve gathering specific and measurable data and making qualitative observations. The SCIENTIFIC METHOD consists of the collection of data through observation and experimentation, and the formulation and testing of a hypothesis.
Question/Problem Are Silly O’s or marshmallows more stackable? A question needs to be testable and measurable.
Research the Problem Describe any science information needed to solve the problem and how to collect information. 1- Definition of stack: an ordered pile or heap. 2- Sometimes stacks are created by using a brick pattern which helps hold objects in place. 3- On a hay truck the bales are stacked in a pattern to help hold the entire load on the truck.
Explore Ideas Describe several ideas ( 3 minimum ) that could solve the problem, including any useful scientific concepts. 1- Scrape Silly O’s to make more flat, then stack. Pinch off the end of the marshmallows to make them stickier and press together to stack. 2- Lick marshmallows and Silly O’s so they are sticky and then stack them. 3- Stack marshmallows on table until they fall over. Repeat this process with Silly O’s.
Plan Summary Which one of the ideas from Explore Ideas will you use and why? Reason must be scientific or based on scientific knowledge. I will stack the marshmallows on the table until the marshmallows fall over. I will do the same process for the Silly O’s. I will use this method because it will eliminate any outside variables that could alter the outcome of my experiment. By licking, scraping, pinching, etc. I will be damaging the structural integrity of the substances which could give one substance an unintended advantage.
Variables Manipulated/Independent: The objects being stacked. Silly O’s or Marshmallows. Responding/Dependent: The number of Silly O’s or marshmallows in a stack before falling. Controlled Variable: Use the same Silly O’s and marshmallows. Use the same surface for every trial. Repeated Trials: 14 times for accurate data.
Hypothesis If I stack Silly O’s and marshmallows vertically, then the Silly O’s will be more stackable because Silly O’s have a larger diameter giving them a more stable base to build upon. If I stack Silly O’s and marshmallows vertically, then the marshmallows will be more stackable because the marshmallows have a flat surface and cylindrical shape making them easier to stack. We are not measuring height.
Materials -Silly O’s -Marshmallows -A flat and level surface Materials are not numbered, but need to be in a list/column format. You may turn your paper sideways if that helps you.
Procedure We have not yet mastered the art of writing procedures at this point. This section is required but will not be graded for content. You need at least 5 steps. 1.Gather materials Record the number of items stacked before falling and clean up. Use more steps if you need to.
Data You will need a data table with the following : -Title ( top and center ) -Labeled columns -Use a ruler and align data -No abbreviations -Neat and organized writing -15 trials for each object
Analysis Mean Median Mode Outliers Show your work for both Silly O’s and marshmallows. Must be neat and organized so I can read it.
Conclusion Must restate your hypothesis and explain if the data you collected supports or rejects your hypothesis. Must explain the data collected in your experiment, not just repeating numbers. Example: My hypothesis was that if…then…because… The data I collected clearly shows that my hypothesis was incorrect. I thought that the marshmallows would be more stackable due to their shape and size, however the Silly O’s proved to be much better at stacking. I stacked an average number of 12 Silly O’s but only an average number of 8 marshmallows. One of my outliers for this experiment was 28 Silly O’s which was due to my lab partner using super glue.
Reflection If I were to do this lab again I would use jumbo marshmallows instead of the smaller ones. I think jumbo marshmallows would stack better because they have a larger surface area and are heavier. This combination would allow the marshmallows to stick together and topple over at a larger number.