Investigation
The key to a good and manageable investigation is to choose a topic of interest, then ask what is called a “testable question.” Testable questions are those that can be answered through hands-on investigation by the student. The key difference between a general interest science question and a testable question is that testable questions are always about changing one thing to see what the effect is on another thing.
Select a Life Science, Earth Science or Physical Science category below to be presented with starter investigations.
Plants
What factors affect seed germination?
What is tested? Factors (e.g. seeds in microwave, soaked seeds, etc.)
Select this investigation: What factors affect seed germination? Continue to the next step.
What stays the same? Amount of water, light and soil nutrients
Data collected: Amount of growth over timeWhat amounts of light promote algae growth in a fish tank?
What is tested? Hours of light in tank each day (e.g. 24 hours, 12 hrs, 6hrs, 2hrs, 0hrs.)
Select this investigation: What amounts of light promote algae growth in a fish tank? Continue to the next step.
What stays the same? Set up fish tank (e.g. gravel, plants, fish)
Data collected: Amount of algae visible on sides of tankWhat medium is best for seeds to sprout?
What is tested? Medium for planting (e.g. soil, cotton, rock wool, peat plugs, sand)
Select this investigation: What medium is best for seeds to sprout? Continue to the next step.
What stays the same? Amount of light, water, plant type
Data collected: Growth of plant over timeHow does temperature affect the water uptake of celery plants?
What is tested? Temperature of water
Select this investigation: How does temperature affect the water uptake of celery plants? Continue to the next step.
What stays the same? Size of celery plant, amount of water
Data collected: Water uptake over timeWhich parts of a bean seed are needed to grow a healthy bean plant?
What is tested? Seed parts (e.g. 1 cotyledon vs. 2 cotyledons, embryo, full seed)
Select this investigation: Which parts of a bean seed are needed to grow a healthy bean plant? Continue to the next step.
What stays the same? Soil, amount of light, temperature, location
Data collected: Growth and health of bean plant over timeHow are transpiration rates affected by the measured area of a leaf?
What is tested? Size area of leaves, type of leaf
Select this investigation: How are transpiration rates affected by the measured area of a leaf? Continue to the next step.
What stays the same? Number of leaves in transpiration collection bag, environmental conditions
Data collected: Amount of transpiration
Animals
How does size affect the breathing rates of tropical fish?
What is tested? Size of fish
Select this investigation: How does size affect the breathing rates of tropical fish? Continue to the next step.
What stays the same? Species of fish, time interval for observation
Data collected: Average number of times different sized fish open and close their mouths over a given time periodHow does temperature impact the activity of ants
What is tested? Temperature (eg. room temperature, refrigerator for 8 minutes)
Select this investigation: How does temperature impact the activity of ants Continue to the next step.
What stays the same? Number of ants in enclosed observatory
Data collected: Pace and type of ant activityHow does time of day affect the problem solving ability of a hamster in a maze?
What is tested? Time of day (e.g. morning, noon, night)
Select this investigation: How does time of day affect the problem solving ability of a hamster in a maze? Continue to the next step.
What stays the same? Maze, incentive
Data collected: Time it takes to complete the mazeHow does surface affect the travel rate of a caterpillar?
What is tested? Surfaces (e.g. bumpy, smooth, shiny, scratchy)
Select this investigation: How does surface affect the travel rate of a caterpillar? Continue to the next step.
What stays the same? Time, caterpillar
Data collected: Distance traveled over timeWhat foods do worms prefer in a compost bin?
What is tested? Type of food (e.g. watermelon rind, coffee grounds, bread, corncobs)
Select this investigation: What foods do worms prefer in a compost bin? Continue to the next step.
What stays the same? Number of and type of worm
Data collected: Amount of food eaten over timeWhich conditions attract the most insect pests (mosquitos, flies, gnats)?
What is tested? Conditions (e.g. dark or light clothing, sweet smelling or fragrance free plants, lactic acid/sweat)
Select this investigation: Which conditions attract the most insect pests (mosquitos, flies, gnats)? Continue to the next step.
What stays the same? Time of day, length of time observed
Data collected: Number of insect pests attracted to conditionWhat natural products are best at repelling insect pests (mosquitos, flies, gnats)?
What is tested? Natural products (e.g. citronella oil, eucalyptus oil, castor oil , peppermint oil, olive oil or vegetable cooking oil)
Select this investigation: What natural products are best at repelling insect pests (mosquitos, flies, gnats)? Continue to the next step.
What stays the same? Amount of oil, time of day, length of time observed
Data collected: Number of insect pests attracted to productWhat conditions affect the sleep of domesticated puppies?
What is tested? Conditions (e.g. ticking alarm clock, classical music, large stuffed dog, etc.)
Select this investigation: What conditions affect the sleep of domesticated puppies? Continue to the next step.
What stays the same? Species of puppy, age of puppy
Data collected: Amount of time it takes puppy to fall asleepHow does temperature affect the development of a caterpillar?
What is tested? Temperature
Select this investigation: How does temperature affect the development of a caterpillar? Continue to the next step.
What stays the same? Age of caterpillar
Data collected: Amount of time for metamorphosisWhat type of food and feeder will attract the most cardinals?
What is tested? Bird food and feeder type
Select this investigation: What type of food and feeder will attract the most cardinals? Continue to the next step.
What stays the same? Location, time of year
Data collected: Number of cardinals attending each type of bird feeder with different foods at a specified time each dayHow does moisture affect the tunneling ability of ants?
What is tested? Sand (dry and moist), Soil (dry and moist), Clay (dry and moist)
Select this investigation: How does moisture affect the tunneling ability of ants? Continue to the next step.
What stays the same? Number of ants; type of closed observatory; temperature, light, food
Data collected: Time it takes for ants to build a tunnelHow do laws/policies on deer affect deer populations?
What is tested? Laws/deer policies in different areas or states
Select this investigation: How do laws/policies on deer affect deer populations? Continue to the next step.
What stays the same? Time, data collection methods
Data collected: Number of deerHow do the behaviors of domesticated cats compare to the behaviors of wild cats in zoo captivity?
What is tested? Type of domesticated cat (e.g. calico, Siamese, etc.), type of wild cat (e.g. lion, tiger, bobcat, etc.)
Select this investigation: How do the behaviors of domesticated cats compare to the behaviors of wild cats in zoo captivity? Continue to the next step.
What stays the same? Amount of time observed
Data collected: Behaviors observedAre natural sponges more absorbent than synthetic sponges?
What is tested? Type of natural sponge, type of synthetic sponge
Select this investigation: Are natural sponges more absorbent than synthetic sponges? Continue to the next step.
What stays the same? Amount of liquid absorbed, sponging method
Data collected: Remaining liquid
Health / Human Body
What conditions impact productivity while doing homework?
What is tested? Conditions (e.g. tv, music, etc.)
Select this investigation: What conditions impact productivity while doing homework? Continue to the next step.
What stays the same? Time, age/skill level of participants
Data collected: Amount of work completedHow does smell affect taste?
What is tested? Foods
Select this investigation: How does smell affect taste? Continue to the next step.
What stays the same? Nose plugs, time
Data collected: Ability to identify foods while blindfoldedHow do different style pencils or grips affect writing fatigue?
What is tested? Different style pencils or grips
Select this investigation: How do different style pencils or grips affect writing fatigue? Continue to the next step.
What stays the same? Writing phrase, age/skill of participants
Data collected: Amount of time writing before fatigueWhich brand of skin moisturizer lasts the longest?
What is tested? Brand of body lotion
Select this investigation: Which brand of skin moisturizer lasts the longest? Continue to the next step.
What stays the same? Location, amount of lotion
Data collected: Skin dryness over timeDo reflexes change with age?
What is tested? Age of participants
Select this investigation: Do reflexes change with age? Continue to the next step.
What stays the same? Reflex test
Data collected: Participant success at completing reflex taskHow does photo-editing affect perception?
What is tested? Photo-editing techniques (e.g. lighting change, cropping, expanding a picture)
Select this investigation: How does photo-editing affect perception? Continue to the next step.
What stays the same? Original picture
Data collected: Participants perceptions of how a picture makes them feelHow do different liquids affect the health of a simulated tooth?
What is tested? Liquids (e.g. coffee, tea, juice, soda, vinegar, water, flavored water)
Select this investigation: How do different liquids affect the health of a simulated tooth? Continue to the next step.
What stays the same? Simulated tooth (e.g. chicken bone), amount of liquid, amount of time submersed in liquid
Data collected: Characteristics of simulated tooth (e.g. firmness, brittleness, color, etc.)How do different types of movement activity affect human heart rate?
What is tested? Activity (e.g. walking vs.running, etc.)
Select this investigation: How do different types of movement activity affect human heart rate? Continue to the next step.
What stays the same? Same person or people in each trial, starting heart rate, exercise route, temperature)
Data collected: Heart rate of the person(s)What conditions improve short term memory?
What is tested? Conditions (e.g. mnemonics, rehearsal, association, music)
Select this investigation: What conditions improve short term memory? Continue to the next step.
What stays the same? Test, age and initial skill of participants
Data collected: Achievement on memory testHow does air moisture affect healing time of a stuffy nose?
What is tested? Type of moisture (e.g. cool mist, warm mist, no mist), hours of mist (e.g. 2 hrs., 8 hrs.)
Select this investigation: How does air moisture affect healing time of a stuffy nose? Continue to the next step.
What stays the same? Age of participants, time onset of stuffy nose
Data collected: Cleansing of nasal passage over time
Microorganisms
What is the best way to reduce odor in shoes?
What is tested? Odor reducing methods (e.g. open air, baking soda, etc.)
Select this investigation: What is the best way to reduce odor in shoes? Continue to the next step.
What stays the same? Type of shoe, initial odor of shoes
Data collected: Odor of shoe over timeAt what temperature does a yogurt culture grow best?
What is tested? Temperature
Select this investigation: At what temperature does a yogurt culture grow best? Continue to the next step.
What stays the same? Type and amount of milk, yogurt bacteria, container size
Data collected: Time it takes for the milk to turn to yogurtHow does the location of water samples affect the number of micro-organisms observed?
What is tested? Location
Select this investigation: How does the location of water samples affect the number of micro-organisms observed? Continue to the next step.
What stays the same? Amount of water
Data collected: Number and type of micro-organismsWhat conditions keep bread mold from growing on bread?
What is tested? Conditions of containment, temperature, moisture
Select this investigation: What conditions keep bread mold from growing on bread? Continue to the next step.
What stays the same? Bread mold, type of bread
Data collected: Spread of bread mold over timeHow does the bacteria in the mouth of a human, dog, cat, or hamster compare?
What is tested? Animal (human, dog, cat, hamster)
Select this investigation: How does the bacteria in the mouth of a human, dog, cat, or hamster compare? Continue to the next step.
What stays the same? Number of scrapes from tongue, time for bacteria to grow
Data collected: Amount of bacteria in culture after specified timeWhat conditions improve bread yeast growth?
What is tested? Water temperature, nutrient amount (sugar), nutrient type (type of sugar or other nutrient)
Select this investigation: What conditions improve bread yeast growth? Continue to the next step.
What stays the same? Container size and shape, amount of water, type of yeast, amount of yeast
Data collected: Height of foam in container
Environment
Does recycled paper decompose more quickly than non-recycled paper?
What is tested? Type of paper
Select this investigation: Does recycled paper decompose more quickly than non-recycled paper? Continue to the next step.
What stays the same? Time, location (e.g. depth buried in ground)
Data collected: Condition of the paperWhich type of inside window covering is best for saving energy?
What is tested? Type of window treatment
Select this investigation: Which type of inside window covering is best for saving energy? Continue to the next step.
What stays the same? Amount of sunlight, outside temperature, time
Data collected: Inside temperatureHow does oil affect the growth of aquatic plants?
What is tested? Concentration or amount of oil
Select this investigation: How does oil affect the growth of aquatic plants? Continue to the next step.
What stays the same? Amount or water, number/type of aquatic plants
Data collected: Condition of plantHow does acid rain affect plant growth?
What is tested? Various concentrations of vinegar
Select this investigation: How does acid rain affect plant growth? Continue to the next step.
What stays the same? Type of plant, amount of light, soil nutrients
Data collected: Condition of the plant over time
Weather
How does a surface affect the rate it is warmed?
What is tested? Surfaces (e.g. soil, water, sand)
Select this investigation: How does a surface affect the rate it is warmed? Continue to the next step.
What stays the same? Amount and direction of heat, time observed
Data collected: Temperature of surfaces at different time intervalsDoes the sun heat saltwater and freshwater at the same rate?
What is tested? Salinity of water (grams of salt per liter)
Select this investigation: Does the sun heat saltwater and freshwater at the same rate? Continue to the next step.
What stays the same? Container starting temperature
Data collected: Temperature over time (1 hour)How does topography affect wind speed?
What is tested? Topography/location (e.g. open field, city, forested area)
Select this investigation: How does topography affect wind speed? Continue to the next step.
What stays the same? Time tested
Data collected: Wind speedHow does air temperature affect the rate of evaporation?
What is tested? Temperature
Select this investigation: How does air temperature affect the rate of evaporation? Continue to the next step.
What stays the same? Initial amount of water
Data collected: Amount of water evaporated over timeHow does weather affect mood?
What is tested? Weather (e.g. rainy, sunny, cloudy, cool, hot)
Select this investigation: How does weather affect mood? Continue to the next step.
What stays the same? Age of participants
Data collected: Participants daily responses (3-4 weeks) to survey question: On a scale of 1-5 How do you feel today (Participants should complete survey prior to being told that it is about weather.)Which method is best for melting icy pavement?
What is tested? Materials (e.g. types of salt, sand, kitty litter mixtures), methods: e.g amount of time material sits on ice, crushing ice before putting on ice melting material, etc.)
Select this investigation: Which method is best for melting icy pavement? Continue to the next step.
What stays the same? Thickness of ice, temperature of air and ice
Data collected: Amount of ice after 10 min and 20 min.
Geology
Which type of soil can hold the most water?
What is tested? Type of soil
Select this investigation: Which type of soil can hold the most water? Continue to the next step.
What stays the same? Amount of soil, amount of water, container
Data collected: Amount of water lossWhich conditions stop erosion the best?
What is tested? Conditions of soil (e.g. plant cover, trench or terrace, no cover)
Select this investigation: Which conditions stop erosion the best? Continue to the next step.
What stays the same? Amount of water, slope, type of soil
Data collected: Mass of filtered soil that erodedHow do different liquid solutions with varying pH levels affect rocks?
What is tested? Type of solution (e.g. vinegar, water, or mixture)
Select this investigation: How do different liquid solutions with varying pH levels affect rocks? Continue to the next step.
What stays the same? Rocks tested (be sure to include chalk), amount of liquid
Data collected: Effect on rock (e.g. bubbles or no bubbles)What conditions are best for making the tallest sandcastle?
What is tested? Construction methods
Select this investigation: What conditions are best for making the tallest sandcastle? Continue to the next step.
What stays the same? Amount of sand
Data collected: Height of castleWhat factors are best to grow sugar crystals?
What is tested? Temperature OR saturation (how much was dissolved in the water)
Select this investigation: What factors are best to grow sugar crystals? Continue to the next step.
What stays the same? Type of crystal, amount of water, temperature
Data collected: Mass of crystals, number of crystals, length of time to form crystalsDo major earthquakes cause minor earthquakes nearby?
What is tested? Location of major earthquakes (e.g. check national geological service data)
Select this investigation: Do major earthquakes cause minor earthquakes nearby? Continue to the next step.
What stays the same? Distance from the major earthquake, time period, earthquake magnitude
Data collected: Number of minor earthquakes that occur nearby during the time periodWhich structure of model house is best at withstanding a model earthquake?
What is tested? Size of house, type of construction of house
Select this investigation: Which structure of model house is best at withstanding a model earthquake? Continue to the next step.
What stays the same? Amount/time shaken, shaking mechanism
Data collected: Condition of shaken houseWhat is the best way to clean or remove deposits from a copper penny (or other precious metal)?
What is tested? Cleaning methods
Select this investigation: What is the best way to clean or remove deposits from a copper penny (or other precious metal)? Continue to the next step.
What stays the same? Initial color of penny, amount of copper in penny
Data collected: Color of penny
Space
How do fins on a rocket affect its flight?
What is tested? Size of fins
Select this investigation: How do fins on a rocket affect its flight? Continue to the next step.
What stays the same? Shape and number of fins, fin placement, type and size of rocket, propulsion system (amount of push), air movement, temperature, launch site
Data collected: Distance the rocket flies or trajectory (how straight the rocket flies)What conditions produce craters?
What is tested? Type of surface (e.g. sand, gravel, clay, silt or flour, mass of falling sphere
Select this investigation: What conditions produce craters? Continue to the next step.
What stays the same? Height from which sphere is dropped
Data collected: Pattern of craterHow do fins on a straw rocket affect its flight?
What is tested? Size, shape and number of fins
Select this investigation: How do fins on a straw rocket affect its flight? Continue to the next step.
What stays the same? Type and size of rocket, propulsion system (amount of push), air movement, temperature, launch site
Data collected: Distance the rocket flies or trajectory (how straight the rocket flies)
Chemistry
Which egg substitutes are best for different recipes?
What is tested? Type of egg substitute
Select this investigation: Which egg substitutes are best for different recipes? Continue to the next step.
What stays the same? Recipe procedures except for egg
Data collected: Taste, texture of foodHow does temperature affect the rate of a simple reaction?
What is tested? Temperature
Select this investigation: How does temperature affect the rate of a simple reaction? Continue to the next step.
What stays the same? Size of antacid tablet, amount of water
Data collected: Amount of time for antacid tablet to dissolveHow does particle size affect the rate of a reaction?
What is tested? Particle size (whole, half, and powder) of an antacid tablet
Select this investigation: How does particle size affect the rate of a reaction? Continue to the next step.
What stays the same? Amount of water, temperature of water
Data collected: Amount of time for antacid tablet to dissolveHow does temperature affect the brewing of tea?
What is tested? Temperature
Select this investigation: How does temperature affect the brewing of tea? Continue to the next step.
What stays the same? Amount of water, type/size tea bag
Data collected: Brew strength over timeWhich detergent is best for removing stains?
What is tested? Detergent
Select this investigation: Which detergent is best for removing stains? Continue to the next step.
What stays the same? Size, type, and age of stain, fabric or carpet, physical process of stain removal
Data collected: Color of fabric (e.g. stained, faded, completely disappeared)What conditions are best to prevent soda from losing carbonation?
What is tested? Conditions [e.g. temperature- (refrigerated/room temp) and containers-glass, thermos, open cup, closed cup)]
Select this investigation: What conditions are best to prevent soda from losing carbonation? Continue to the next step.
What stays the same? Brand of soda
Data collected: Carbonation bubbles observed over time
Energy / Force
What type of paper makes the best paper airplane?
What is tested? Type of paper
Select this investigation: What type of paper makes the best paper airplane? Continue to the next step.
What stays the same? Design of plane, size of paper, thrust, air currents
Data collected: Distance plane travels using the same amount of thrustHow does mass affect a pendulum swing?
What is tested? Mass (Number of washers/weights)
Select this investigation: How does mass affect a pendulum swing? Continue to the next step.
What stays the same? Length of string, time tested
Data collected: Number of swing periodsWhat is the best shock absorber for dropping an egg?
What is tested? Shock observers (e.g. feathers, foam, towels, etc.)
Select this investigation: What is the best shock absorber for dropping an egg? Continue to the next step.
What stays the same? Height of drop, size of egg
Data collected: Wholeness of the egg (How much did the egg crack?)How does the angle of impact affect patterns observed in falling water balloons?
What is tested? Angle (e.g. straight 90 degree vs. angled 45 degree)
Select this investigation: How does the angle of impact affect patterns observed in falling water balloons? Continue to the next step.
What stays the same? Size of water and procedures for making water balloon, force, height of drop
Data collected: Pattern observed at impact siteWhat type of ball bounces the highest?
What is tested? Type of ball
Select this investigation: What type of ball bounces the highest? Continue to the next step.
What stays the same? Size of ball, height from which ball is dropped
Data collected: Bounce heightHow does changing the height from which a ball is dropped impact its bounce?
What is tested? Drop height
Select this investigation: How does changing the height from which a ball is dropped impact its bounce? Continue to the next step.
What stays the same? Ball
Data collected: Bounce heightHow does mass affect the distance of a catapulted object?
What is tested? Mass of object
Select this investigation: How does mass affect the distance of a catapulted object? Continue to the next step.
What stays the same? Design of catapult
Data collected: Distance object travelsWhat is the best shape for a parachute?
What is tested? Shape of the parachute
Select this investigation: What is the best shape for a parachute? Continue to the next step.
What stays the same? Drop height, wind, area of parachute
Data collected: Time for parachute to complete descentWhat is the best material to use for a parachute?
What is tested? Different materials
Select this investigation: What is the best material to use for a parachute? Continue to the next step.
What stays the same? Drop height, size and shape of parachute, wind
Data collected: Time for parachute to complete descentHow does temperature affect a magnet’s strength?
What is tested? Temperature of magnet
Select this investigation: How does temperature affect a magnet’s strength? Continue to the next step.
What stays the same? Type, shape, and size of magnet, type of thermometer, placement of thermometer on the magnet
Data collected: Magnet’s ability to hold an objectWhat is the best insulator to keep ice from melting?
What is tested? Type of insulation in a container
Select this investigation: What is the best insulator to keep ice from melting? Continue to the next step.
What stays the same? Amount of ice, starting temperature
Data collected: Time for ice to completely meltHow does the size of a vibrating surface affect pitch?
What is tested? Size of object (e.g. length of a ruler)
Select this investigation: How does the size of a vibrating surface affect pitch? Continue to the next step.
What stays the same? Method for vibrating the object
Data collected: Pitch (e.g. high, medium, and low)What materials conduct heat the best?
What is tested? Spoons made of different materials
Select this investigation: What materials conduct heat the best? Continue to the next step.
What stays the same? Amount of water, temperature of the water and air, amount of butter attaching a bead indicator to each spoon
Data collected: Time it takes for heat to rise up the spoon causing the butter to melt and the bead indicator to detach from the spoonHow does the position of a fulcrum affect the ability of a lever to do work?
What is tested? Position of fulcrum
Select this investigation: How does the position of a fulcrum affect the ability of a lever to do work? Continue to the next step.
What stays the same? Mass of load
Data collected: EffortWhich conditions produce the best echo?
What is tested? Locations
Select this investigation: Which conditions produce the best echo? Continue to the next step.
What stays the same? Sound making instrument
Data collected: Loudness of echoHow do pulleys affect the amount of mass that can be lifted?
What is tested? Types of pulleys
Select this investigation: How do pulleys affect the amount of mass that can be lifted? Continue to the next step.
What stays the same? Mass
Data collected: Ease of lifting massHow does the surface area of a drum affect its pitch?
What is tested? Surface area of drum
Select this investigation: How does the surface area of a drum affect its pitch? Continue to the next step.
What stays the same? Material and construction of drum, shape of drum, drumstick, and force for hitting drum
Data collected: PitchWhat materials are best for conducting electricity?
What is tested? Materials
Select this investigation: What materials are best for conducting electricity? Continue to the next step.
What stays the same? Battery, circuit arrangement
Data collected: Ability of light bulb to light upWhat conditions make for the fastest sailboat?
What is tested? Area of sail, material of sail, shape of boat, mass of boat
Select this investigation: What conditions make for the fastest sailboat? Continue to the next step.
What stays the same? Wind speed on fan
Data collected: Distance traveled over timeWhat conditions make a top that spins the longest?
What is tested? Mass of the top, length of the axle
Select this investigation: What conditions make a top that spins the longest? Continue to the next step.
What stays the same? Procedures for constructing the top
Data collected: Spinning timeHow do different surfaces affect friction?
What is tested? Different surfaces
Select this investigation: How do different surfaces affect friction? Continue to the next step.
What stays the same? Slope of ramp, mass/shape/material of object slid on ramp
Data collected: Time it takes object to slide down the rampHow does the diameter of the hose affect the speed of water in a siphon?
What is tested? Diameter of water hose
Select this investigation: How does the diameter of the hose affect the speed of water in a siphon? Continue to the next step.
What stays the same? Siphoning procedure
Data collected: Speed of water
Matter
Which paper towel absorbs the fastest?
What is tested? Brand of paper towel
Select this investigation: Which paper towel absorbs the fastest? Continue to the next step.
What stays the same? Amount of paper towel, amount of water
Data collected: Time it takes for water to flow from one end of the paper towel to the otherHow does temperature affect air pressure in a tire?
What is tested? Temperature
Select this investigation: How does temperature affect air pressure in a tire? Continue to the next step.
What stays the same? Brand and type of tire
Data collected: Air pressureHow does a container’s size and shape affect evaporation rates?
What is tested? Containers of varying size and shape (e.g. tall, short and wide, etc.)
Select this investigation: How does a container’s size and shape affect evaporation rates? Continue to the next step.
What stays the same? Initial amount of water, heat source
Data collected: Amount of evaporation over timeHow does exposure to sunlight affect the strength of a plastic bag?
What is tested? Plastic bags exposed to varying amounts of sunlight (e.g. 2 weeks, 1 week, 1 day, 1 hour etc.)
Select this investigation: How does exposure to sunlight affect the strength of a plastic bag? Continue to the next step.
What stays the same? Type of plastic bag, size of plastic bag
Data collected: Amount of mass the bag can hold without breakingWhich types of paper have the least amount of fading in sunlight?
What is tested? Types of paper (e.g. construction paper, newspaper, advertisements, etc.)
Select this investigation: Which types of paper have the least amount of fading in sunlight? Continue to the next step.
What stays the same? Area and thickness of paper
Data collected: Fading over timeWhich is the best liquid solvent for separating a marker stain?
What is tested? Solvents
Select this investigation: Which is the best liquid solvent for separating a marker stain? Continue to the next step.
What stays the same? Marker stain, amount of solvent, time, filter paper
Data collected: Number/colors observed on filter paperWhich type of microwave popcorn pops the best?
What is tested? Brand of microwave popcorn
Select this investigation: Which type of microwave popcorn pops the best? Continue to the next step.
What stays the same? Time in microwave, microwave power level, container, position in microwave
Data collected: Percentage of popcorn popped (number of popped kernels compared to number of unpopped kernels)How does the type of liquid impact the time it takes for the liquid to freeze?
What is tested? Liquid type (e.g. water, syrup, detergent)
Select this investigation: How does the type of liquid impact the time it takes for the liquid to freeze? Continue to the next step.
What stays the same? Size of container, temperature
Data collected: Time it takes to freezeHow does salinity affect th freezing point of liquids?
What is tested? Water with varying amounts of salt
Select this investigation: How does salinity affect th freezing point of liquids? Continue to the next step.
What stays the same? Temperature, size of container
Data collected: Time it takes to freezeWhat is the best way to remove wrinkles from fabric?
What is tested? Varying moisture amounts
Select this investigation: What is the best way to remove wrinkles from fabric? Continue to the next step.
What stays the same? Type of fabric, amount of heat
Data collected: Number of wrinkles observedHow does density affect the buoyancy of objects?
What is Tested? Objects of different mass and sizes
Select this investigation: How does density affect the buoyancy of objects? Continue to the next step.
What Stays the Same? Objects tested, liquid
Data Collected: Level at which the object floats, is suspended or sinks.Which brand of paper towels is the strongest when wet?
What is Tested? Brand of Paper Towels
Select this investigation: Which brand of paper towels is the strongest when wet? Continue to the next step.
What Stays the Same? Amount of weight tested on each towel, size and position of paper towel
Data Collected: Amount of weight it takes for the paper towel to breakHow does temperature affect the drying time of paint?
What is Tested? Varying temperatures, type of paint
Select this investigation: How does temperature affect the drying time of paint? Continue to the next step.
What Stays the Same? Amount and surface of paint
Data Collected: Dryness over time
