Portfolio+-+Experimental+Design

** Portfolio 2011 ** =First Term=
 * STEM Middle Academy Science **

Experimental Design
From the following lists, write a hypothesis and experiment to answer the question stated. You do not have to conduct the experiment nor include any conclusions. Completed work must be proofed by a fellow student and then included in your portfolio. You may include up to 40 points worth of questions in this term’s portfolio.

Easy Experiments (minimum of 6 steps) 5 points each
 * 1) Which type of ball bounces highest?
 * 2) Does the distance a ball drops affect how high the ball will bounce?
 * 3) How does the amount of light a plant is exposed to affect its growth?
 * 4) Which color clothing absorbs the most heat?
 * 5) Does the weight of water change when it freezes?
 * 6) How does the width of a paper airplane’s wings affect the distance the plane will fly?
 * 7) Does altitude affect the temperature at which water boils?
 * 8) Do mercury and alcohol thermometers measure the same temperature?
 * 9) Does the length of a metal rod change when it gets hotter or colder?
 * 10) Does the acidity of cola change if the soda is left in a glass outside of the refrigerator?

Medium Difficulty Experiments (minimum of 12 steps) 8 points each
 * 1) How much light is best for plant growth?
 * 2) What material will keep a soft drink coldest longest?
 * 3) If a ball is rolled down a track, how does the steepness (angle to the ground) of the track affect the speed of the ball?
 * 4) Which metal gets hottest fastest?
 * 5) How does the weight attached to a small parachute affect the speed at which the parachute falls?
 * 6) Are right-handed people smarter than lefties?
 * 7) How does the density of water change as the temperature changes?

Difficult Experiments (minimum of 18 steps) 10 points each
 * 1) Which 3 factors most influence the growth of plants?
 * 2) How does the length and mass of a pendulum affect the period (timing) of its swing?
 * 3) During which year of a person’s life is their rate of growth the greatest?
 * 4) In which proportion does antifreeze, mixed with water, allow the mixture to have the lowest boiling point?
 * 5) Does practice make someone better at something?