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TABLE OF CONTENT
1. Touch and Tell
2. Is There A similarity In My Family's Fingerprints?
3. What Color Absorbs More Heat?
4. The pH Level of Bodies of Water Near My House
5. How Much Plant Food Is Best?
6. Incline Planes
7. Comparing the pH Levels of Apples and Oranges
8. Traction
9. Testing Household Cleaners
10. Hot Water
TITLE: Touch and Tell
STUDENT RESEARCHER: Katie May
SCHOOL: Pine View Middle School
Covington, Louisiana
GRADE: 5
TEACHER: Maria Phillips
I. STATEMENT OF PURPOSE AND HYPOTHESIS:
I want to know if a person can tell what an object is just by
using their sense of touch. I think 50% of the people I test
will be able to identify at least 5 out of 8 items correctly by
using just their sense of touch.
II. METHODOLOGY:
First, I will choose eight everyday items. I will then make a
blindfold for the subjects to wear. Next, I will have each
subject put on the blindfold and give them one item at a time.
I will allow the subjects to feel the item and see if they can
identify each just by using their sense of touch. I will then
record the results on a data collection form which I have
created. These results will be graphed at a later date. I
will test twenty individuals in this experiment.
III. ANALYSIS OF DATA:
In my experiment, I tested twenty people. Of these people, six
identified four out of eight items correctly, six people
identified five correctly, three people identified six
correctly, and a total of three people identified all eight
items correctly. Therefore, six people identified 63%
correctly, three people identified 50% correctly, three people
identified 75% correctly, five people identified 71% correctly,
and a total of three people identified 100% correctly.
IV. SUMMARY AND CONCLUSION:
I accept my hypothesis. I found that well over 50% of the
people I tested identified at least 63% (five out of eight)
items correctly. These results occurred because certain people
are used to feeling certain objects. Some of the objects used
in the experiment were very basic (candle, penny, plastic
baby), while others were very hard to guess (the wooden letter
"K"). There- fore, the probability of ten out of twenty people
guessing five out of eight (63%) objects correctly was high.
V. APPLICATION:
The discoveries made in this experiment help to explain why
some blind people can tell what objects are very easily. Blind
people who could identify objects correctly just by touch alone
may represent people who haven't been blind their entire life.
Blind people who could not identify objects correctly may
represent people who have been blind their entire life.
TITLE: Is There A Similarity In My Family's Fingerprints?
STUDENT RESEARCHER: Patrick Schwaner
SCHOOL: Pine View Middle School
Covington, Louisiana
GRADE: 6
TEACHER: Maria Phillips
I. STATEMENT OF PURPOSE AND HYPOTHESIS:
I want to know if the people in my family have close to the
same fingerprints. My hypothesis states that the people in my
family will have close to the same fingerprints.
II. METHODOLOGY:
First, I will take the fingerprint kit and get the
fingerprints. Then I will record them. Lastly, I will compare
them and find any differences.
III. ANALYSIS OF DATA:
I observed that six of the people in my family had whirl
fingerprints, none had arch and one person had loop
fingerprints.
IV. SUMMARY AND CONCLUSION:
I accept my hypothesis. I feel that having similarities of
fingerprints in a family is common. 85.8% of the people in
family had whirl fingerprints, 14.37% had loop fingerprints,
and 0% had arch fingerprints. My family's fingerprints were
the same because parents with one type of fingerprints usually
have children with the same type of fingerprints.
V. APPLICATION:
Fingerprints can help us in life by seeing if a criminal
committed a crime or was involved in a crime. They will help
in keeping violence off our streets. Fingerprints can aid
policemen in solving a crime. If they find fingerprints at the
scene of a crime, they could see if the crook could be related
to the family.
TITLE: What Color Absorbs More Heat?
STUDENT RESEARCHER: Leslie Silbernagel
SCHOOL: Pine View Middle School
Covington, Louisiana
GRADE: 5
TEACHER: Maria Phillips
I. STATEMENT OF PURPOSE AND HYPOTHESIS:
I wanted to know what colors absorb the most heat because I
wanted to know what to wear in different weather conditions or
what colors people should paint their houses. My hypothesis
stated that light colors would absorb less heat than dark
colors.
II. METHODOLOGY:
First, I took two baking pans the same size and lined one with
dark colored plastic (black garbage bag) and one with light
colored plastic (white garbage bag). Next, I filled them with
water of the same temperature. Then I put them outside in the
sun for five minutes. I then checked and recorded the
temperature of the water in each pan. I repeated the procedure
and recorded the results for five days.
III. ANALYSIS OF DATA:
On day 1, the temperature of the water without the dark liner
was 72 degrees F and with it was 73 degrees F. On day 2, the
temperature was 75 degrees F without and 76 degrees F with. On
day 3, the temperature was 72 degrees F without and 73 degrees
F with. On day 4, the temperature was 78 degrees F without and
79 degrees F with. On day 5, the temperature was 78 degrees F
without and 80 degrees F with. The temperature of the water in
the pan with the dark liner was higher than the water in the
pan with the light liner every time I measured the temperature.
IV. SUMMARY AND CONCLUSION:
I accept my hypothesis. The water in the pan with the dark
liner always measured a little higher temperature than the pan
with the light liner. This shows that dark colors absorb more
heat than light colors. In conclusion, that is why it is more
comfortable to wear dark colors in winter and light colors in
summer.
V. APPLICATION:
My experiment can be applied to everyday life by helping us
choose what colors to wear during different times of the year
and what colors to paint our houses depending on the climate of
where we live.
TITLE: The p.H. Level of Bodies of Water Near My House
STUDENT RESEARCHER: Brett Wadsworth
SCHOOL: Mandeville Middle School
Mandeville, Louisiana
GRADE: 6
TEACHER: Ellen Marino, M.Ed.
I. STATEMENT OF PURPOSE AND HYPOTHESIS:
I wanted to do a scientific research project on the p.H. level
of bodies of water around my house. My hypothesis states that
the bayou and river water will be more basic than the ponds.
II. METHODOLOGY:
First, I stated my purpose, developed my hypothesis, and
reviewed the literature. Then I went to several different
bodies of water near my house; Meadowbrook's Pond, Bayou
Chinchuba, Greenleaves Lakes pond and the Tchefuncta River, and
tested them with p.H. paper to find their p.H. levels. Next, I
recorded the p.H. levels on my data collection form. I tested
the water at each location 3 times. Then I analyzed the data,
wrote a summary and conclusion, and applied my findings.
III. ANALYSIS OF DATA:
Two of the samples from the Meadowbrook Pond had a p.H. level
of 7. The third sample had a p.H. level of 6. The average
p.H. was 6.7.
The three samples from Bayou Chinchuba all had a p.H. level of
6.
The p.H. level for all three samples from the Greenleaves Lakes
pond was 5.
The Tchefuncta River water had a p.H. level of 6 for all three
samples.
IV. SUMMARY AND CONCLUSION:
Bayou Chinchuba, Tchefuncta River, Meadowbrook Pond, and
Greenleaves Lakes pond were all acidic. Therefore I rejected
my hypothesis which stated that the bayou and river would be
more basic than the
ponds.
V. APPLICATION:
I can apply this to the real world by knowing that acid rain
may be affecting bodies of water around my home. If they
become to acidic, they will not support life.
TITLE: How Much Plant Food?
STUDENT RESEARCHER: Drew McLaughlin
SCHOOL: Mandeville Middle
Mandeville, Louisiana
GRADE: 6
TEACHER: Ellen Marino, M.ED.
I. STATEMENT OF PURPOSE AND HYPOTHESIS:
I wanted to do a scientific research project to find out if the
recommended amount of fertilizer mixed with water is best for
plants. My hypothesis states that plants watered with the
recommended amount of fertilizer in water will grow faster and
healthier than plants watered with plain tap water, water with
less than the recommended amount of fertilizer, or water with
more than the recommended amount.
II. METHODOLOGY:
First, I stated my purpose, reviewed the literature, and
developed my hypothesis. I then planted 12 beans in 12
separate cups filled with the same kind of soil. I grouped
the plants in 4 groups of 3. My control plants were those
watered with tap water. I mixed the recommended amount of
fertilizer in one gallon of water and use this to water 3 of
the plants. I then mixed more than the recommended amount with
water and water 3 different plants with it. Next, I mixed less
than the recommended amount with water and water 3 more plants.
I then checked the plants daily and recorded any growth on my
Data Collection Form. Each plant was watered every other day
and all were located in the same place and received the same
amount of sunlight. My next step was to analyze my data, write
a summary and conclusion, and then apply what I have learned to
the real world.
III. ANALYSIS OF DATA:
At the end of week one, plants watered with tap water grew to
an average height of 16.25 cm and had an average of 1.3 leaves.
The color was good for all the plants. Also at the end of week
one, plants watered with half of the recommended amount of
fertilizer grew to an average height of 20.21 cm and had an
average of 2 leaves. The color was also good. At the end of
week one, plants watered with the recommended amount of
fertilizer had an average height of 25.21 cm and had an average
of 2 leaves. In week one, plants watered with twice the
recommended amount of fertilizer grew to an average height of
23.25 cm. There was an average of 2 leaves on each plant and
the color was good.
At the end of week two, plants watered with tap water had an
average height of 32.5 cm and the average amount of leaves was
4. The color remained good. Plants watered with half the
recommended amount of fertilizer grew to an average height of
40.0 cm at the end of week two. They had an average of 5
leaves and had good color. An average height of 42.5 cm was
reached at the end of week two by plants watered with the
recommended amount of fertilizer. Each plant had an average of
5 leaves and had good color. Plants watered with two times the
recommended amount of fertilizer had an average height of 40.0
cm when week two ended. There was an average of 5 leaves on
each plant and the color was good.
IV. SUMMARY AND CONCLUSION:
In week one, plants watered with the recommended amount of
fertilizer grew the tallest. Those watered with twice the
recommended amount were second tallest. Those watered with
half the recommended amount were third tallest, and those
watered with tap water were the shortest. In week two, plants
watered with the recommended amount of fertilizer were the
tallest. Plants watered with half the recommended amount and
with twice the amount were tied as the second tallest. Plants
watered with tap water were the shortest. Based on these
results I therefore accept my hypothesis which stated that
plants watered with the recommended amount of fertilizer would
grow the tallest.
V. APPLICATION:
This project can help people know if the recommended amount of
fertilizer works the best.
TITLE: Incline Roller
STUDENT RESEARCHER: Drew McLaughlin
SCHOOL: Mandeville Middle School
Mandeville, Louisiana
GRADE: 6
TEACHER: Ellen Marino, M.Ed.
I. STATEMENT OF PURPOSE AND HYPOTHESIS:
I wanted to do a research project to see if the size of the
wheel affects the distance a car rolls when started on an
incline plane. If I designed a car built for speed, I would
want to know if the size of the tire affected the speed. My
hypothesis states that a vehicle with larger tires will roll
farther when rolled down an incline plane than one with smaller
tires.
II. METHODOLOGY:
First, I wrote my statement of purpose, reviewed the
literature, and developed my hypothesis. Next, I built two
vehicles out of Legos. The variable changed was the size of
the wheel. The weights of the vehicles stayed the same. The
smaller wheel had a diameter of 2.8 cm. and the larger wheel a
diameter of 4.0 cm. At the peak of the incline plane, the
height was 12 centimeters, and the length was one yard. Next,
I rolled each vehicle off the incline plane three times and
measured the distance each vehicle rolled. Finally, I analyzed
my data, wrote my summary and conclusion, and applied my
findings to the world.
III. ANALYSIS OF DATA:
In trial one, the vehicle with the wheel diameter of 2.8 cm.
rolled a distance of 63 cm. In trial two, it rolled 60 cm. In
trial three, the vehicle rolled 67 cm., for an average of 63.33
cm.
In trial one, the vehicle with the wheel diameter of 4 cm.
rolled 73 cm. In trial two, it rolled a distance of 67 cm. In
trial three, it rolled 81 cm., for an average of 73.67 cm.
IV. SUMMARY AND CONCLUSION:
Since the vehicle with larger wheels rolled an average of 73.67
cm. and the one with smaller wheels rolled an average of 63.33
cm., I therefore accept my hypothesis which stated that a
vehicle with larger tires will roll farther when rolled down an
incline plane than one with smaller tires.
V. APPLICATION:
If you design a car for speed, you would know if the size of
the wheel affected the speed of the vehicle.
TITLE: Comparing the pH Levels of Apples and Oranges
STUDENT RESEARCHER: Jeff Carollo
SCHOOL: Mandeville Middle School
Mandeville, Louisiana
GRADE: 6
TEACHER: Ellen Marino, M.Ed.
I. STATEMENT OF PURPOSE AND HYPOTHESIS:
I wanted to do a scientific research project on the pH of apple
juice and orange juice and to see which is less acidic. My
hypothesis stated that the average pH of all orange juice
brands will be more acidic than the average pH of all apple
juice brands.
II. METHODOLOGY:
First, I stated my purpose, reviewed the literature, and
developed my hypothesis. Next, I collected 3 apple juices;
Veryfine, Lucky Leaf, and Tropicana, and 3 orange juices;
Veryfine, Minute Maid, and Food Club. I then dipped pH paper
into the six juices and recorded the color and pH of each juice
onto my data collection form. I repeated the entire procedure
2 more times. I analyzed my data, drew my conclusions, and
applied my findings to the world outside of the classroom.
III. ANALYSIS OF DATA:
Veryfine apple juice had a pH of 6 in trials 1, 2, and 3.
Lucky Leaf apple juice had a pH of 4 in trials 1, 2, and 3.
Tropicana apple juice had a pH of 4 in trials 1, 2, and 3.
Veryfine orange juice had a pH of 2 in trials 1 and 3, and a
pH of 3 in trial 2, for an average of 2.33. Minute Made orange
juice had a pH of 5 in trials 1 and 3 and a pH of 6 in trial 2,
for an average of 5.33. Food Club orange juice had a pH of 5
in trials 1 and 3 and a pH of 6 in trial 2, for an average of
5.33.
IV. SUMMARY AND CONCLUSION:
In my experiment, apple juice had an average pH of 4.66.
Orange juice had an average pH of 4.33. Therefore I accept my
hypothesis, which stated that the average pH of all orange
juice brands would be more acidic than the average pH of all
apple juice brands.
V. APPLICATION:
The next time I'm thirsty after playing outside, I will know to
drink apple juice, because it's less acidic, and the next time
I have a stomach ache I will know to drink apple juice opposed
to orange juice because it will be easier on my stomach since
it's less acidic.
TITLE: Traction
STUDENT RESEARCHER: Jonathan Landry
SCHOOL: Mandeville Middle School
Mandeville, Louisiana
GRADE: 6
TEACHER: Ellen Marino, M.Ed.
I. STATEMENT OF PURPOSE AND HYPOTHESIS:
I would like to do a scientific research project to see if a
rubber balloon, a plastic bag, or paper will provide the most
traction. My hypothesis states that rubber will provide the
more traction than paper or plastic.
II. METHODOLOGY:
First, I stated my purpose and did a review of literature on
traction and friction. Next, I developed my hypothesis. Then
I listed my materials and made a Data Collection Form. After
that I began my experiment. First, I cut a balloon in half and
saved the round end. Then I cut out a 5x5 centimeters square
of the other end of the balloon and saved the round end. I cut
out a 5x5 centimeters square of paper and of plastic. Then I
put my index finger on the paper. I slid it across a smooth
surface, then pushed harder and harder. Then I did the same
with the rubber and the plastic squares. I repeated this
procedure two more times. Then I cut a circle of paper and
plastic about 20 centimeters in diameter. I taped the paper on
to the tip of my shoe. I pushed off the front of my shoe like
I was starting a race. I repeated this with the rubber and the
plastic two more times. Then I recorded how each moved. Next,
I analyzed my data and wrote a summary and conclusion. Then I
applied my findings to the world outside the classroom and
completed my report.
III. ANALYSIS OF DATA:
Out of all three tries using my finger, paper was the easiest
to move, next was plastic, and the hardest was rubber. Using
my foot, I came up with the exact same results. Paper was the
easiest, then plastic, and rubber was the hardest.
IV. SUMMARY AND CONCLUSION:
I found that the balloon was the hardest to move with both foot
and finger. Paper was the easiest to move with both the foot
and the finger. Therefore I accept my hypothesis which stated
that rubber will provide the most traction out of rubber,
plastic, and paper.
V. APPLICATION:
Now that I have all my information I can apply it to the real
world outside the classroom. I know if I want something to
slide easily I can use paper.
TITLE: Testing Household Cleaners
STUDENT RESEARCHER: Matt McLindon
SCHOOL: Mandeville Middle School
Mandeville, Louisiana
GRADE: 6
TEACHER: Maryanne W. Smith, M.Ed.
I. STATEMENT OF PURPOSE AND HYPOTHESIS:
I wanted to find which of three cleaning products has the
greatest cleaning ability on four different stains: mustard,
mud, Koolaid, and oil. My hypothesis states that Clorox will
work the best on oil and the dirt, Tide on the mustard, and
Dawn on the Koolaid. Because Clorox is a bleach it will work
better on the tough stains. Tide and Dawn don't have bleach so
they will work better on the lighter stains.
II. METHODOLOGY:
For my procedure, I first mixed two ounces of each cleaner with
ten ounces of water. Then I filled four bowls with cleaner.
Next, I cut twelve pieces of white material and on three I made
mustard stains. Then, on the next three, I made oil stains.
On the next three, I made Koolaid stains. Then I placed a mud
stains on the last three. Then I put each stain in each of the
cleaners and let them soak for ten minutes. The materials used
were Tide, Dawn, Clorox, twelve bowls, twelve pieces of white
cloth, Koolaid, mustard, oil, mud, and a measuring cup.
III. ANALYSIS OF DATA:
This experiment was to find out which cleaner Clorox, Tide, or
Dawn works the best on four common stains. Clorox worked the
best on mustard, mud, and Koolaid. All the cleaners worked the
same on the oil.
IV. SUMMARY AND CONCLUSION:
Clorox worked the best because it is a bleach and it goes
through an oxidizing process which removes the color from
stains. Detergents like Tide and Dawn work by reducing the
surface tension of the water. This allows the stain to be
separated from the fabric by wetting both the fabric and the
stain. Once a stain is separated by a detergent, however it
must be carried away, as in a washing machine. Bleach works
better for soaking.
V. APPLICATION:
I could use this information in real life when I am getting out
a stain in the laundry. Now I know which cleaner to use.
TITLE: Hot Water
STUDENT RESEARCHER: Teresa Kloepfer
SCHOOL: Mandeville Middle School
Mandeville, Louisiana
GRADE: 6
TEACHER: Ellen Marino, M.Ed.
I. STATEMENT OF PURPOSE AND HYPOTHESIS:
I would like to find out about how fast hot water will come out
of the faucet. My hypothesis states that hot water will come
out of the faucet faster when it is turned on at one complete
rotation instead of half a turn way.
II. METHODOLOGY:
First I stated my purpose, reviewed the literature, and
developed a hypothesis. Then I took a thermometer, a bucket, a
stopwatch, and my data collection sheet. After that I put the
thermometer in the bucket and the bucket under the faucet.
Then I turned the water on full blast, started my stopwatch,
and waited for the water to get 40 degrees C. When it got to
that temperature I stopped my watch and recorded how long it
took and how much water was used on my data collection sheet.
That night I did the same thing but with the water faucet
turned on half way. I did that every day until I did both
speeds at least three times. Then I analyzed my data,
summarized my data, and applied my findings to the world
outside the classroom. Finally, I turned in my complete report
to be sent out on the NSRC's school district to students around
the world.
III. ANALYSIS OF DATA:
On the first trial I did with the water turned on all the way,
it took 1:35.03 seconds for the temperature of the water to
reach 40 degrees C and used up eight quarts of water. On the
second trial, it took 53.03 seconds and used up six quarts of
water. On the third trial, it took 50.86 seconds and used up
five quarts. The average time was 79.65 seconds. An average of
6.1 quarts of water was used.
On the first trial I did with the water turned half way, it
took 55.48 seconds and used up seven quarts of water. On the
second trial, it took 1:06.08 seconds and used eight quarts of
water. On the third trial, it took 71.89 seconds and used up
six quarts of water. The average time for water was 71.89
seconds. An average seven quarts of water was used.
IV. SUMMARY AND CONCLUSION:
Since the hot water came out faster when the hot water faucet
was turned all the way than when it was turned half way, I can
accept my hypothesis which stated that hot will come out the
faucet faster when the water is put on complete rotation
instead of half way.
V. APPLICATION:
I can apply my findings to the world outside the classroom by
telling my parents and friends that if they need hot water for
anything to turn the hot water on all the way.
TITLE: Which Color Absorbs The Most Heat?
STUDENT RESEARCHER: Casey Blanchette
SCHOOL: Mandeville Middle
Mandeville, Louisiana
GRADE: 6
TEACHER: Ellen Marino M.Ed
I. STATEMENT OF PURPOSE AND HYPOTHESIS:
I want to do a scientific research project on heat absorption.
I want to find out which color absorbs the most heat. My
hypothesis states that when placed on top of a thermometer and
put out in the sun, the black cloth will absorb more heat than
the other colors, as evidence by a higher temperature shown on
the thermometer.
II. METHODOLOGY:
First, I stated my purpose, did a review of literature, and
developed a hypothesis. Then I placed a thermometer at room
temperature on a paper plate, and laid a piece of black cloth
over it. I placed it out in the sun. After it had sat there
for 15 minutes, I read the temperature on the thermometer and
recorded it on my data collection form. I repeated this two
more times. Then I changed the color of the cloth to white,
then to red, and then to green, and repeated the entire
procedure three times. I recorded the temperature shown on the
thermometer each time. Finally, I analyzed the data, wrote a
summary and conclusion, and applied my findings to the real
world.
III. ANALYSIS OF DATA:
On trial one using the black cloth the temperature reached 41
degrees C., on trial two it reached 42 degrees C., on trial
three it reached 39 degrees C., for an average of 40.7 degrees
C. On trial one using the white cloth the temperature reached
39 degrees C., on trial two it reached 39 degrees C., and on
trial three it reached 37 degrees C., for an average of 37.3
degrees C. On trials one and three using the red cloth the
temperature reached 37 degrees C., and on trial two it reached
39 degrees C., for an average of 37.7 degrees C. On trials one
and two using the green cloth the temperature reached 39
degrees C., and on trial three it reached 41 degrees C., for an
average of 39.7 degrees C.
IV. SUMMARY AND CONCLUSION:
The average temperature using the black cloth was 40.7 degrees
C., the white cloth was 37.3 degrees C., the red cloth was 37.7
degrees C., and the green cloth was 39.7 degrees C. Therefore,
I accept my hypothesis which stated that when placed on top of
a thermometer and put out in the sun, the black cloth will
absorb more heat than the other colors as evidenced by a higher
temperature recorded on the thermometer.
V. APPLICATION:
Now that I've completed this experiment I know not to wear
black clothing on hot days when the sun is out.
© 1995 John I. Swang, Ph.D.