Parts of a Fair Test
How do we know an experiment is fair?
By seeing that only ONE thing was changed. Change only one variable.
How would you design a fair test, that answers the question "Will one large pillar support more mass than 4 smaller pillars?"
When making the pillars you will use the same size of paper to make one pillar, then to make 4 pillars. The amount of tape would stay the same. The pillars would stay the same height. Also, the type of mass would be the same (ie. Dog Man books).
What method for joining two popsicle sticks together was the strongest (white glue, glue stick, masking tape, scotch tape) and why?
White glue was the strongest method for joining two popsicle sticks together because once it hardens it leaves no gap between the popsicle sticks.
Why does an arch support more mass than a square shape?
An arch shape uses compression to hold its shape while a square has weak points in the center between each corner.
True or False: Builders must think about the materials they use before building structures so that the materials are strong enough.
True
How would you design a fair test, that answers the question "Will popsicle sticks held together with different adhesives support the same mass?"
The popsicle sticks would be the same type and size. The mass would be the same (ie.dominos). The amount of adhesive would be the same. The space between both desks would be the same. The bucket used to hold the mass would stay the same.
During our nail experiment, which nail had little to no rust over two weeks?
The galvanized nail
What was your favourite experiment we conducted in class?
Answers may vary
How would you design a fair test, that answers the question "Are all Kleenex brands equally strong?"
The amount of water dropped onto each Kleenex would be the same. The amount of tissue being held would be the same. The type of mass would stay the same (ie. unifix cubes).
During our nail experiment, what were the constant variables (the things that stayed the same)?
The size of cup stayed the same. The amount of water in the cups stayed the same. The time placed in the water stayed the same for each nail.
Name two places you might find a pillar.
1. Under a bridge
2. In a house or school
List 6 things you need to include in an experiment.
Question
Hypothesis
Materials
Procedure
Observation
Results/Conclusion
How would you design a fair test, that answers the question "Will dominoes stacked in different arrangements be equally stable?"
The amount and size of dominos would stay the same. The type of mass would stay the same (ie. Dog Man books).
During our nail experiment, what was the manipulated variable (the thing that changed)?
The type of nail placed in the water.
True or False: Triangle is one of the strongest shapes.
True
Tell what a truss shape is made from and explain why trusses help to make structures stronger.
A truss shape is made out of triangle shapes and it helps making structures stronger because a triangle is able to hold the most mass.
What do you write in the Results/Conclusion section?
The results of your experiment which will give you an answer and explanation to your inital question.
Your teacher asks you to test the strength of two different paper shapes. She gives you one index card to make an arch and one piece of printer paper to make a square shape. She gives you the same amount of pasticine to support the ends of each index card. She gives you a set of weights to put on top of each shape to test their strength and reminds you to put the weights in the same spot on each shape. She gives you your science duotang and pencil to record your observations. Tell whether or not this is a fair test and explain why.
This is not a fair test. You needed to use the same type of paper for each shape. You needed to make both shapes with either an index card or printer paper, not both.
True or False: When recording (drawing) our observations, we do not need to label since we drew what we saw?
False. You should always label and add detail when recording your observations.
How can we add strength to a structure?
Add a truss
Name the two types of variables we talked about during this Science unit.
1. Manipulate (things that change)
2. Constant (things that stayed the same)