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Paper Towel Strength Experiment: A Scientific Inquiry

Explore the strength and absorbency of different paper towel brands using the scientific method. Practice designing an experiment, collecting data, and drawing conclusions. Compare physical properties to determine the strongest brand.

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Paper Towel Strength Experiment: A Scientific Inquiry

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  1. Scientific Method to the Rescue Will the best towel please stand up!

  2. Purpose • To practice using the scientific method to design and conduct an experiment • To think like a scientist

  3. Problem/Question • Many brands of paper towels claim to be the strongest or most absorbent. • Which brand of paper towel is the strongest or absorbent? • Choose which question you will test.

  4. Research In research laboratories, papermakers test the paper they make for physical properties such as : • strength, absorbency, stretch, tear resistance, folding endurance, and stiffness. They also test for optical properties like: • transparency, opacity, brightness, color, and gloss.

  5. Research • Wet strength is the strength of paper when wet. • This can be measured by the amount of mass that a wet paper towel can hold. • Use the internet to learn what makes paper towels different from each other. Maybe look up prices as well

  6. Hypothesis • If different paper towels are tested for strength (__________, _______________, and ____________), then _____________ will be the strongest.

  7. Experiment Gather materials: • 3 brands of paper towels • Graduated cylinder • basin • Washers or pennies • Water (how much in mL) • Balance scale • scissors

  8. Variables • Independent Variable: what you will change (the ‘if’ part of the hypothesis) • Dependent Variable: what changes based upon the independent variable. (the ‘then’ part of the hypothesis). • Constants: things that remain the same each time you perform the test.

  9. Procedure • Step by step process to follow • Number the steps • Use complete sentences. • Be specific! • Indicate number of trials

  10. Procedure 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6.

  11. Sample procedure idea Picture credit: www.tappi.org/paperu/fun_science/testStrength.htm

  12. Analyze Data • Create a data table that includes the trials and the average of all trials (the reduced data). • Create a graph, using of the average information (the reduced data). • Remember to label X and Y axis and give a specific title that relates to the purpose of the lab

  13. Data Table Include a number Always include an appropriate title Include labels for columns; include units!

  14. Graph Use average, or reduced data Include a title and number Labels should include units where needed

  15. Conclusion Follow the directions to complete the conclusion template.

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