Template courtesy of science-class.net
• To practice using the
scientific method to
design and conduct an
experiment
• To think like a scientist
• Many brands of paper
towels claim to be the
strongest.
• Which brand of paper
towel is the strongest?
In research laboratories,
papermakers test the paper they
make for physical properties
such as :
• strength, absorbency, stretch,
tear resistance, folding
endurance, and stiffness.
They also test for optical
properties like:
• transparency, opacity,
brightness, color, and gloss.
• Since paper towels are usually
wet when they are being used,
the “wet strength” of the towel is
important.
• Wet strength is the strength of
paper when wet.
• This can be measured by the
amount of mass that a wet paper
towel can hold.
• If different paper towels are
tested for strength (__________,
_______________, and
____________), then
_____________ will be the
strongest.
Gather materials:
• 3 brands of paper towels
• Graduated cylinder
• basin
• washers
• Water (how much in mL)
• Balance scale
• scissors
• Independent Variable: what you
will change (the ‘if’ part of the
hypothesis)
• Dependent Variable: what
changes based upon the
independent variable. (the ‘then’
part of the hypothesis).
• Constants: things that remain the
same each time you perform the
test.
• Step by step process to follow
• Number the steps
• Use complete sentences.
• Be specific!
• Indicate number of trials
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Sample procedure idea
Picture credit: www.tappi.org/paperu/fun_science/testStrength.htm
• Create a data table that includes
the trials and the average of all
trials (the reduced data).
• Create a graph, using of the
average information (the reduced
data).
• Remember to label X and Y axis
and give a specific title that
relates to the purpose of the lab
# :
Include a number
Always include an appropriate title
Title
Label
Label:
Trial 1
Trial 2
Trial 3
Average
Include labels for columns; include units!
Brawny
#
#
#
#
Bounty #
#
#
#
Scott
#
#
#
#
#
Include a
title and
number
Title
1
0.9
0.8
0.7
0.6
label 0.5
0.4
0.3
0.2
0.1
should 0
Labels
include units
where needed
Bounty
Brawny
Generic
label
Follow the directions to
complete the conclusion
template.