The Paper Towel Absorbency Lab:Applying the Scientific Method

Ms. Bormann8th Grade Honors ScienceKawameeh Middle School

Applying the Scientific Method1. Ask a question.2. Research the topic.3. Form a hypothesis.

Record the materials you are using4. Test the Hypothesis.5. Gather Data.6. Analyze Results.7. Draw Conclusions.8. Communicate Results.

A little information before you ask a question and identify the purpose:

In this experiment, we will use the scientific method to test three brands of paper towels to determine which brand really is ―the quicker picker upper. We will expose each brand of paper towel to the same treatment and then measure how much water each brand of towel absorbs in 30 seconds.

Question and PurposeWhich brand of paper towel will

absorb the most water?

PurposeThe purpose of this lab is to

determine…

ResearchYou’ve been using paper towels to clean

up your mess ever since you were a little kid. Identify some background information regarding the paper towel brands you will be using.

Sparkle Towels – www.sparkletowels.com Kirkland Towels - http://

www2.costco.com/Browse/Product.aspx?prodid=11942712&whse=BD_827&topnav=bd

Dollar General Towels - http://www.dollargeneral.com/family/index.jsp?categoryId=11666224

HypothesisThis is a tentative answer to the

problem or question being asked.

“If…then…” statement

Materials

LIST all materials being usedPaper towels (be specific on

brands)250 mL beaker1000 mL beaker100 mL graduated cylinder Water Stop watch

Experiment (test your hypothesis)

Cut and paste this procedure in your lab notebook.

When complete, below this procedure create a data table that includes towel brand, start amount (mL), finish amount (mL), and amount absorbed (mL).

Experiment (use your hypothesis)

Cut each paper towel sheet to the same size and RECORD the size in your notebook.

Fill your 1000 ml beaker with water. Use the graduated cylinder to measure and fill the 250 ml beaker

with 100 ml of water. Fold each paper towel in half 4 times. Dip one brand of paper towel in the water for 30 seconds. After 30 seconds, remove the paper towel from the water and

hold until no more water is dripping out of the paper towel. Do not shake the towel! Put the paper towel aside.

Pour the water remaining in the beaker back into the graduated cylinder and record the finish amount on the table you created.

Subtract the finish amount from the start amount to determine how much water each brand of paper towel absorbed.

Repeat for each brand of paper towel.

Experiment (test your hypothesis) Combine the ―amount absorbed for your group with data collected in

other groups in the table on the following page.

Analyze your data Plot the average amount absorbed for each brand of towel on the

graph provided. The independent variable is always on the X-axis (horizontal), while the dependent variable is always on the Y-axis (vertical). Label each axis with the variable and the unit of measure.

Analysis Questions1. What can we conclude from the results of the

experiment?2. Do the results support your hypothesis?3. Which variables were controlled in the

experiment? (The control)4. Why is repeating the experiment (replication)

always important?5. What are the potential sources of variability

among groups?6. What new questions do you have after

completing this experiment?7. How could you design an experiment to

address your new questions?

ConclusionLets see what you remember

about writing conclusions. Use any resources you have. Write a rough draft in your lab notebook for homework tonight. We will be peer editing the conclusion before your type your final draft!