1. Understanding the Scientific Method
Penny Lab
Understanding the Scientific Method

2. Pre-LAB (Make an Observation)
Make a Qualitative observation of the lab
Make a Quantitative observation of the lab

3. Water has the ability to “stick to itself” (cohesion) and create a force when together (surface tension).
Purpose: To determine if soapy water droplets will stick together better on a penny surface compared to tap water droplets due to cohesion and surface tension properties.

4. Consider the following:
Make a Hypothesis
Consider the following:
How many water drops will fit on a penny?
How many water drops will fit on a penny if the water is mixed with soap?

5. Experiment
How many drops of water will fit on a penny without spilling?
How many drops of soapy water will fit on a penny without spilling?

6. Record Data Make a Data Table Water Type Trial 1 Trial 2 Trial 3
Average
Tap Water
Soapy Water

8. Analyze Data
Using the data you collected, explain your results (in 2 complete sentences).
What did your average data show? (The penny held more of which water type?)
Why did you test each water type more than once?

9. Make a Conclusion (5 sentences)
Was your hypothesis correct?
Why or Why Not?
Was there a control in the experiment?
What was the purpose of:
Independent variable of the experiment?
What did your results show about surface tension (water “sticking to itself”)?
Errors??