Name: ___________________________________ Date: ___________Period: _________
Alka-Seltzer® Hypothesis Worksheet
A student is interested in designing several experiments to test the factors that affect how
quickly an Alka-Seltzer® tablet dissolves in water (solution rate). For each question, write an
appropriate hypothesis that could be tested with an experiment. Be sure each hypothesis is in
the proper “If…, then… , because…” format.
Example…
Question: What effect does stirring have on solution rate?
Hypothesis: If the water is stirred, then the tablet will dissolve faster because stirring
increases particle movement.
1. Question: What effect does the water temperature have on solution rate?
Hypothesis:
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Independent variable: _________________________
Dependent variable: _________________________
2. Question: What effect does crushing the tablet have on solution rate?
Hypothesis:
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Independent variable: _________________________
Dependent variable: _________________________
3. Question: What effect does adding soda to the water have on solution rate?
Hypothesis:
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Independent variable: _________________________
Dependent variable: _________________________
Name: __________________________________________ Date:_________ Period: ____
Select one of the Alka-Seltzer® questions to test. You will be testing the effect of one
variable on the solution rate of Alka-Seltzer®. Design an experiment by applying the steps of
the scientific method, and then analyze your data to determine the validity of your experiment.
Question: Copy the question that you have selected from the Alka-Seltzer® hypothesis
worksheet
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Research: Discover information about your topic (all variables). Be sure to cite your sources.
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Hypothesis: Copy the hypothesis (remember to use the proper format – “If…, then…because…”)
from the Alka-Seltzer® hypothesis worksheet or change the hypothesis if the research has
shown a different reasoning:
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Experiment: Plan your experiment by following the steps below.
What is the independent variable that you are testing? ______________________________
What is the dependent variable that you are measuring? _____________________________
What variables must be kept constant for this to be considered a valid experiment?
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What is the control? _______________________________________________________
List the materials you will need to perform this experiment (include quantity and sizes).
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Outline the procedure you will follow as you conduct this experiment. Be specific. Include a
control group and allow for adequate time to repeat the experiment (include number of trials)
to verify your results. More or less steps may be needed than what is provided for you below.
1.
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2.
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6.
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NOW YOU NEED TO DO THE EXPERIMENT! CHECK WITH THE TEACHER TO MAKE
SURE YOU HAVE THE NECESSARY EQUIPMENT TO PERFORM YOUR LAB SAFELY.
FOLLOW ALL SAFETY RULES!
Analyze your data: Create a data table and graph to show your results. Use the graph on the
next page to make a rough draft of your data, and then finalize your graph on Word/Excel.
Attach the graph to this packet.
Groups
CONTROL GROUP:
IV:
IV (if needed):
IV (if needed):
Dependent Variable
(TRIAL 1)
Dependent Variable
(TRIAL 2)
Dependent Variable
(TRIAL 3)
Dependent Variable:
TITLE:
Independent Variable:
Analysis Questions:
1. How does the independent variable affect the dependent variable? ________________
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2. How did the control in the experiment affect the dependent variable? ______________
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3. Compare the control in the experiment to the independent variable? _______________
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4. What portions of the experiment were difficult to complete? And why? ____________
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5. What portions of the experiment would you have done differently? And why? ________
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6. Did you find any errors in your experiment that could make it invalid? If so, describe. If
not, explain what makes your experiment valid. _______________________________
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Draw a Conclusion: In paragraph format, accept or refute (reject) your hypothesis. Provide a
brief summary (emphasize the outcome) of your experiment without introducing any new ideas.
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Is this an ethical experiment? Why or why not? __________________________________
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Communicate: Have two other students that are not in your lab group review your work and
print their names on the lines below. By printing their names on the line, they are showing
approval of your work.
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Further Research: Are there any questions that arose during your experiment that should be
researched in order to design a new experiment? Were there any unexpected outcomes?
Should the experiment be modified in any way? Is there anything else you are curious about?
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