The National Student Research Center
E-Journal of Student Research: Consumerism
Volume 6, Number 2, January, 1998
The National Student Research Center
is dedicated to promoting student research and the use of the
scientific method in all subject areas across the curriculum,
especially science and math.
For more information contact:
- John I. Swang, Ph.D.
- Founder/Director
- National Student Research Center
- 2024 Livingston Street
- Mandeville, Louisiana 70448
- U.S.A.
- E-Mail: nsrcmms@communique.net
- http://youth.net/nsrc/nsrc.html
TABLE OF CONTENTS
- What Brand of Popcorn Leaves
the Least Kernels Unpopped?
- Which Floss Frays The Most?
- What Bubblebath Makes The Most
Suds?
- Which Batteries Last Longer?
- Which Air Freshener Last the
Longest?
- Which Sleeping Bag Is The Warmest?
- Which Kitty Litter Clumps The
Best?
- What Paper Towel Picks Up More
Liquid?
- Which Detergent Removes Stains
From 100% Cloth the Best?
TITLE: What Brand of Popcorn Leaves the Least Kernels Unpopped?
STUDENT RESEARCHER: Rabiah McCaskey
SCHOOL ADDRESS: Hillside Middle School
1941 Alamo
Kalamazoo, MI 49007
GRADE: 7
TEACHER: Barbara A. Minar
I. Purpose and Hypothesis:
I wanted to find out which brand of popcorn leaves the least
kernels unpopped. If I compare different popcorn brands, then I
thought that the Magic Pop popcorn would leave the least kernels
unpopped, followed by Meijer brand, and then Jolly Time.
II. Methodology:
I used the following materials: pot, stove, clock, vegetable oil,
and bowl. My methodology included the following steps: 1) I
placed a cooking pot on a stove burner at high power. 2) I poured
a teaspoon of vegetable oil into the pot. 3) I used 500 kernels
of each brand of popcorn. 4) I cooked each brand for 5-10
minutes. 5) I cooked each popcorn brand while shaking the pot
every 30 seconds. 6) After all the brands were cooked, I poured
them into a bowl and counted the seeds that were not cooked. 6)
I recorded the amount of uncooked popcorn kernels for each brand
of popcorn.
III. Analysis of Data:
Meijer brand popcorn left 200 kernels unpopped. Magic Pop popcorn
left 15 kernels unpopped. Jolly Time popcorn left 14 kernels
unpopped.
IV. Summary nd Conclusion:
The Meijer brand popcorn had a lot of unpopped kernels. Jolly
Time had the least popcorn kernels unpopped. I accepted my
hypothesis which predicted that Magic Pop popcorn would leave the
least kernels unpopped.
V. Application:
The results of this experiment would be helpful for owners of a
movie theater that need lots of popcorn. If they used Jolly Time
brand, it would leave less kernels unpopped and the owners would
have more popcorn for their happy customers.
Title: Which Floss Frays The Most?
Student Researcher: Mark Muenchrath
School Address: Cedar Hollow School
4900 South Engleman Rd.
Grand Island, NE 68801
Grade: Seventh
Teacher: Barbara Moran
I. Statement of Purpose and Hypothesis:
I wanted to find out which dental floss frayed the most; Johnson
and Johnson Waxed, Johnson and Johnson Unwaxed, or Oral B Waxed.
My hypothesis stated that Johnson and Johnson Unwaxed would fray
the most, Johnson and Johnson Waxed would fray the second most,
and Oral B Waxed would fray the least.
II. Methodology:
First you get out at least 2 different types of dental floss and
a sharp object. Then cut one piece of floss for each type. After
that you scrape each piece of dental floss the same amount of
times (5 times). After you are done with that, count how many
times each piece frayed. When you are done record the results.
III. Analysis of Data:
Johnson and Johnson Waxed frayed 15 times. Johnson and Johnson
Unwaxed frayed 25 times. Oral B Waxed frayed 27 times.
IV. Summary and Conclusion:
I rejected my hypothesis which stated that Johnson and Johnson
Unwaxed would fray the most. Oral B Waxed frayed the most.
Johnson and Johnson Waxed frayed the least.
V. Application:
My findings would help so people know what dental floss is better
quality and which kind to buy.
Title: What Bubblebath Makes The Most Suds?
Student Researcher: Katie Mierau
School Address: Cedar Hollow School
4900 South Engleman Rd.
Grand Island, NE 68801
Grade: 7
Teacher: Barbara Moran
I. Statement of Purpose and Hypothesis:
I wanted to find out which bubblebath made the most suds. I used
one expensive brand, Victoria's Secret, and one less expensive
brand, Vaseline Intensive Care. My hypothesis stated that
Victoria's Secret would make more suds because it was more
expensive.
II. Methodology:
When I did my experiment I got everything I needed to test my
hypothesis. I took two five gallon buckets and poured a teaspoon
of Victoria's Secret into a bucket. I did the same thing with
Vaseline Intensive Care. Then I poured 8 cups of warm water into
each bucket and watched them for about two minutes and observed
which bucket had the most suds left.
III. Analysis of Data:
I recorded my data after my experiment was over. I took 5 cup
full of suds from the bucket with Vaseline Intensive Care and only
2 cups from the bucket with Victoria's Secret.
IV. Summary and Conclusion:
I rejected my hypothesis which said that Victoria Secret's would
be the one to make the most suds. The Vaseline Intensive Care was
the one that had much more suds.
Title: Which Batteries Last Longer?
Student Researcher: Bryan Kutschkau
School Address: Cedar Hollow School
4900 Engleman Road
Grand Island, Nebraska
Grade: Seventh
Teacher: Barbara Moran
I. Purpose and Hypothesis
I wanted to find out which batteries last longer in a Gameboy:
Energizer or Duracell. My hypothesis states that Energizer will
last longer.
II. Methodology
When I performed my experiment, I made sure that everything was
correct. These were the procedures that I went through to do this
experiment. First, I bought two packages of batteries, one of
each kind. Then I put batteries of each kind into two separate
Gameboys. I turned the Gameboys on at the same time. I observed
the Gameboys every hour until both kinds of batteries were dead.
Then I recorded and analyzed my data.
III. Analysis of Data
I found that the Duracell battery was the first to run out of
"juice". The Energizer battery lasted the longest.
IV. Summary and Conclusion
I accepted my hypothesis that the Energizer battery would last the
longest. The Duracell was the first to wear out. The Energizer
battery lasted the longest.
V. Application
My findings about batteries will help some kids to find out which
batteries last longer and make a wise decision about which kind to
purchase. Kids want batteries to last longer in their toys that
require batteries. It is also more economical to purchase
batteries that last longer,
Title: Which Air Freshener Last the Longest?
Student Researcher: Megan McWilliam
School Address: Cedar Hollow School
4900 South Engleman Rd.
Grand Island, NE 68801
Grade: Seventh
Teacher: Mrs. Barbara Moran
I. Purpose and Hypothesis
I wanted to find out which air freshener would last the longest.
A Re-Use-It gel form or a Re-Use-It candle. My hypothesis stated
that the gel form will last longer than the candle because the
candle wax will decrease faster.
II. Methodology
When I performed my experiment I made sure that the gel freshener
was closed when the candle was not burning. I made sure that the
room sizes were approximately the same size. Both rooms are on
the south side of my house, therefore they both have the same room
temperature.
III. Analysis of Data
After a week, there seems to be less of the candle than the gel.
l discovered that when the candle is burning, it has a stronger
smell than the gel form.
IV. Summary and Conclusion
My hypothesis is correct. It stated that gel air freshener would
last longer and I believe this to be true.
V. Application
My findings could be useful in the "real world". Both fresheners
need to be kept out of the reach of small children and pets. The
gel form scent can be controlled and used continually. The candle
scent is uncontrolled and one needs to be around while it is
burning.
Title: Which Sleeping Bag Is The Warmest?
Student Researcher: Kyle Rupp
School Address: Cedar Hollow School
4900 S. Engleman Rd.
Grand Island, NE 68803
Grade: Seventh
Teacher: Barbara Moran
I. Purpose and Hypothesis:
I wanted to find out which sleeping bag would be the warmest to
sleep in; a Polyester light sleeping bag or a Coleman heavy duty
camping sleeping bag. My hypothesis stated the Coleman heavy duty
sleeping bag would be the warmest to sleep in because it is a very
heavy and well insulated bag.
II. Methodology:
When I started my experiment I took special precautions to make
sure everything was accurate. First, I got two sleeping bags, one
Polyester and one heavy duty Coleman sleeping bag. Next, I laid
the Polyester sleeping bag on a bed or floor. Next, I put the
thermometer inside the sleeping bag until morning. While I was
sleeping in the sleeping bag, the thermometer read the temperature
of the bag. The next night, I used the Coleman bag for a night
while the thermometer was reading the temperature in the bag.
III. Analysis of Data:
After the first night, the temperature in the Polyester sleeping
bag was 89 degrees F. After the second night, the temperature in
the Coleman heavy duty sleeping bag was 94 degrees F. Therefore
the Coleman sleeping bag was the warmest of the two.
IV. Summary and Conclusion:
I tried my experiment several times and found that the Coleman Bag
sleeping bag ended up being the warmest of the two every time.
Therefore, I accept my hypothesis which stated that the Coleman
heavy duty sleeping bag would be the warmest to sleep in because
it is a very heavy and well insulated bag.
V. Application:
My experiment could be really useful because people would know
which sleeping bag would be the warmest when camping or just
sleeping out in the back yard.
Title: Which Kitty Litter Clumps The Best?
Student Researcher: Megan Ring
School Address: Cedar Hollow School
4900 South Engleman Road
Grand Island, Nebraska 68801
Grade: 7th
Teacher: Mrs. Barbara Moran
I. Statement of Purpose and Hypothesis:
I wanted to figure out which kitty litter clumped better, Fresh
Step Scoop or Tidy Cat. My hypothesis stated that Fresh Step
Scoop would clump the best because it is a sandy substance.
II. Methodology:
When I performed my experiment I made sure everything was
controlled. I filled the litterbox with Fresh Step Scoop, gave my
cat food and water, and left it there for 1 day. After 1 day, I
took 1 clump from the litterbox and put in a closed container. I
cleaned out the litterbox and put in Tidy Cat. I made sure that
my cat had food and water and I waited 1 day. After 1 day, I put
1 clump from the litterbox in a container and compared.
III. Analysis of Data:
When all the clumps were in the containers and had been compared,
I found that Tidy Cat's clump fell right apart and Fresh Step
Scoop stayed all together.
IV. Summary and Conclusion:
I accepted my hypothesis which stated that Fresh Step Scoop would
clump well and Tidy Cat wouldn't.
V. Application:
My findings could be useful to all cat owners everywhere. It
would make for easier cleaning of the cat box.
Title: What Paper Towel Picks Up More Liquid?
Student Researcher: Melissa Terrill
School Address: Cedar Hollow School
4900 South Engleman Rd.
Grand Island, NE 68801
Grade: Seventh
Teacher: Barbara Moran
I. Statement of Purpose and Hypothesis
I wanted to find out what paper towel, Bounty or U-Save Brand,
would pick up more liquid. My hypothesis stated that Bounty would
pick up more liquid than U-Save Brand.
II. Methodology
When I performed my experiment I took careful measurements to make
sure that my paper towels were the same size and that each glass
had the same amount of water. First, I got a couple of glasses
and put 1/2 cup of water in each glass. Then I put one drop of
food coloring in each glass of water. After that I put one paper
towel in each glass. Then I waited 30 seconds. Then I pulled the
paper towels out of the water, one at a time, and squeezed the
colored water out of the paper towel into a measuring cup. I
recorded the amount of water squeezed out on my data table.
Then I repeated this procedure placing two sheets of each paper
towel in each glass. I repeated the experiment again placing
three sheets of each paper towel in each glass.
III. Analysis of Data
One sheet of Bounty picked up 1 and 1/2 oz. of water. One sheet
of U-Save picked up 1 oz. of water. Two sheets of Bounty picked
up 3 oz. of water. Two sheets of U-Save picked up 2 oz. Three
sheets of Bounty picked up the whole 1/2 cup of water. Three
sheets of U-Save picked up 3 oz of water.
IV. Summary and Conclusion
Bounty picks up almost 50% more water than the U-Save Brand of
paper towels. Therefore, I accept my hypothesis which stated that
Bounty would pick up more liquid than U-Save Brand.
V. Application
My findings could be used in the world outside the classroom by
parents. If they spill something like a chemical, they should use
Bounty to wipe it up because Bounty is very absorbent. If they
use another brand, they may not wipe all the chemical up. Then
their baby might crawl into it and get it on their hands and then
rub their eyes or get it in their mouth and they could get very
sick and even die.
TITLE: Which Detergent Removes Stains From 100% Cloth the Best?
STUDENT RESEARCHERS: Whitney Stoppel And Amber French
SCHOOL: Mandeville Middle School
Mandeville, Louisiana
GRADE: 6
TEACHER: John I. Swang, Ph.D.
I. STATEMENT OF PURPOSE AND HYPOTHESIS:
We would like to do a scientific research project on the effect
of different detergents on stains on 100% cotton cloth. Our
hypothesis states that Era Plus will remove stains from 100%
cotton cloth better than Tide, Cheer, and All.
II. METHODOLOGY:
First, we chose our topic. Next, we wrote our statement of
purpose. Then we wrote a review of literature about soaps,
detergent, cotton cloth, the clothing industry, and stains. Then
we developed a hypothesis.
Then we wrote a methodology to test our hypothesis. Next, we
conducted our research. First, we gathered our materials. We
cut out the middle of a butter container lid (11 1/2 centimeters
in diameter) and laid it on 12 white cotton dish towel that were
21 cm by 16 cm, one at a time. We put five milligrams (one
teaspoon) of grape juice inside the hole on each towel. We let
the towels sit and dry over night.
In the morning, we prepared the washer, following the directions
on the detergents' containers. Then we put one towel in the
washer. The washer had one of the four detergents in it. The
washing machine washed the towel in warm water for twelve minutes
and rinsed the towel in cold water. Then it spun it semi-dry on
the Ultra Clean cycle. We then took it out of the washer and let
it hang dry overnight. We did this procedure three times with
each of the four detergents.
Next, we took one of the towels from each of the four different
detergents. We laid them in random order in a horizontal line.
Then we numbered them one through four. We made two more Lines
in the same way. Next, we gave 12 people a survey and ashed them
to rank the color of the stain for each towel in one Line. The
judges did not know which detergent the stains were washed in.
They did the same thing for the other two Lines.
Next, we recorded our information on our data collection sheet.
On our data collection sheet, we put the judges' ranking
horizontally with the detergents above them. We totaled the
rankings at the bottom. The higher the number, the lighter the
stain. Then we analyzed our data on charts and graphs. Next, we
wrote our summary and conclusion where we accepted/rejected our
hypothesis our hypothesis. Finally, we applied our findings to
the world outside the classroom.
The control variables for this experiment were; the washer, the
washing cycle, the type of dish towel, and the same amount of
detergent. Our manipulated variable was the types of detergent.
Our responding variable was degree to which the detergent removed
the stain.
Our materials were: plain white dish towels, Tide, Era Plus,
Cheer, All, grape juice, a washer, a parent, measuring utensils,
and a data collection sheet.
III. ANALYSIS OF DATA:
We have found that most people thought that the stain washed in
Tide was the lightest. On Line A, Tide got seven votes for the
lightest stain. On Line B, there was one vote for Tide as the
lightest. On Line C, Tide got seven votes for the lightest
stain. This totals up to 15 first place votes. The average
ranking was 2.88.
Era Plus had four votes for the lightest stain on Line A. It got
three votes for the lightest stain on Line B. On Line C, it got
two votes for the lightest stain. This totals up to 10 first
place votes. The average ranking was 2.36.
On Line A, All got one vote for the lightest stain. It got four
votes for the lightest stain on Line B. All got two votes for
being the lightest on Line C. This totals up to seven first
place votes. The average ranking was 1.80.
Cheer got zero votes for being the lightest on Line A. Cheer got
four votes for being the lightest on Line B. On Line C, it got
zero votes for being the lightest. This totals up to four first
place votes. The average rank was 2.63.
Average Rankings of Detergents
| ERA + | CHEER | ALL | TIDE |
Line A
Average: | 2.58 | 2.67 | 1.83 | 2.91 |
Line B
Average | 2.58 | 2.33 | 1.75 | 2.66 |
Line C
Average | 1.92 | 2.91 | 1.83 | 3.08 |
Overall
Average | 2.36 | 2.63 | 1.80 | 2.88 |
IV. SUMMARY AND CONCLUSION:
Tide had the best overall average ranking with 2.88. The judges
felt it got the grape juice stain out of the cotton cloth towels
the best.
We have found that when washing 100% cotton cloth with a stain,
it would be best to use Tide. Therefore we reject our hypothesis
which stated that Era Plus will remove stains from 100% cotton
cloth better than Tide, Cheer, and All.
V. APPLICATION:
We can apply our findings to the world outside the classroom by
telling others to use Tide to remove stains from 100% cotton
cloth. We know our mothers will appreciate this information.
© 1998 John I. Swang, Ph.D.