Lange 2013 – 2014 modified from Pedersen’s Lab

DRY-MIX Lab

Standards: SCSh 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6

This is a team activity but each team member is responsible for all of the data and analysis questions. Record all information in your lab notebook.

Team Jobs: Material Handler, Facilitator, Timekeeper, Recorder

Purpose: Use the scientific method while investigating the effect of drop height on the size and shape of water
droplet splatters when they land.

Hypothesis: Record your hypothesis BEFORE conducting experiments.

Materials: (Show hypothesis to teacher BEFORE picking up materials)

ü  Metric Ruler

ü  Water

ü  Cup

ü  Food coloring (not yellow)

ü  White paper for splatter

ü  Dropper (or paper towels)

ü  graduated cylinder

Procedure:

1.  Add 2 drops of food coloring to a cup.

2.  Add ~100 ml of water and mix.

3.  Partially fill the dropper with colored water.

4.  Measure the heights listed in the chart using a metric ruler positioned with one end on the white paper and the other end measuring the dropper height.

5.  From each height, drop 3 drops of water (in different places on the paper). Label the splatters on the paper.

6.  Measure the diameter of the splatter in MILLIMETERS, and record each trial size in the chart below.

7.  Repeat the process for each height.

8.  For each drop height, write a description of the splatter in the chart, also. Examples: “Drop is very round,” “Drop broke apart,” or “Drop is surrounded by little splatters.”

Data: Copy down the following data table in your lab notebook:

Drop Height / Trial 1(Diameter of drop in mm) / Trial 2 / Trial 3 / Average
5 cm
10 cm
20 cm
40 cm
80 cm

FLIP PAPER OVER 

Analysis Questions: Place answers in lab notebook using complete sentences.

1.  Create a graph showing the relationship between the average size of water splatter and drop height. Use D.R.Y. M.I.X. to remember which data are plotted on the X axis and Y axis.

2.  Identify the dependent variable and independent variable in the experiment

3.  Based on your observations and data collected, what is your conclusion regarding the relationship between size of water splatter versus drop height?

4.  How does your conclusion compare to your hypothesis?

5.  Describe two things (controls) that you had to do exactly the same for each trial to make sure you were as accurate as you could be.

6.  Do you think that measurements or descriptions are “best” for reporting scientific data? Explain why?

7.  Describe two other real world ways this experiment could benefit someone in real life.

Group Lab Report

Using the format listed below, each group will create a lab report that will be presented to the class.

Informal Lab Report Format

·  Title

·  Purpose

o  Examples:

§  Good: “To measure the effect environmental variables such as light intensity, humidity, and wind on the rate of transpiration in plants”.

§  Not so good “To look at the effect various conditions on water loss in plants.”

·  Hypothesis

o  State what you think will happen using an If … Then…. statement.

·  Procedure

o  In paragraph form, describe what you did.

o  Do not copy the procedure word for word.

o  Provide a thorough overview and explain what you are doing.

·  Data

o  Include data tables and any charts and graphs.

o  Requirements for a good graph:

§  Title

§  Label axes with title and units

·  Analysis

o  Answer all analysis questions.

o  Answer in complete sentences.

·  Conclusion

o  What did you learn by doing this experiment?

o  Discuss your data here.

o  Use data to reject or accept hypothesis.