1. Scientific Method to the Rescue
Will the strongest towel please stand up!
Template courtesy of science-class.net

2. Purpose
To practice using the scientific method to design and conduct an experiment
To think like a scientist

3. Problem/Question
Many brands of paper towels claim to be the strongest.
Which brand of paper towel is the strongest?

4. Research
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.

5. Research
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.

6. Hypothesis
If different paper towels are tested for strength (__________, _______________, and ____________), then _____________ will be the strongest.

7. Experiment Gather materials: 3 brands of paper towels
Graduated cylinder
basin
washers
Water (how much in mL)
Balance scale
scissors

8. Variables
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.

9. Procedure
Step by step process to follow
Number the steps
Use complete sentences.
Be specific!
Indicate number of trials

10. Procedure 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6.

11. Sample procedure idea
Picture credit:

12. Analyze Data
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

13. Data Table # : Title Label Label: Brawny Bounty Scott Include a number
Trial 1
Trial 2
Trial 3
Average
Brawny #
Bounty
Scott
Always include an appropriate title
Include labels for columns; include units!

14. Use average, or reduced data
Graph
Use average, or reduced data
Include a title and number
Labels should include units where needed

15. Follow the directions to complete the conclusion template.

16. Lab
Mrs. Ramirez is tired of the old brown paper towels the school provides. She thinks they are not strong enough for the heavy spills that occur in the lab. She wants to see if the Target brand paper towels will be stronger than the brown towels currently in the classroom.