Paw Baked Milk Lab

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Abstract Hypothesis Procedure Observation Analysis concusion

Abstract
An experiment was conducted to learn and demonstrate the steps involved in the scientific method. The steps of the scientific method were used to identify six substances that were labeled “unknown.” The substances were put through a series of tests an observations to determine their identities.
Hypotheses
The identities of the unknown substances are as follows:
Substance #1 – Plant Fertilizer
Substance #2 – Potting Soil
Substance #3 – Brown Sugar
Substance #4 – Baking Soda
Substance #5 – Powdered Sugar
Substance #6 – Powdered Milk
Procedure
Each substance was observed inside their containers and the hypotheses were based on these observations. The volumes of each substance was then measured inside their containers. Each substance was then weighed and density calculated. After, each substance was observed under magnifying glass, smelled and touched to determine texture. Lastly, each substance was tested for solubility.
ObservationS | #1 | #2 | #3 | #4 | #5 | #6 | Hypothesis | Plant Fertilizer | Potting Soil | Brown Sugar | Baking Soda | Powdered Sugar | Powdered Milk | Color | Brown | Brown | Gold | White | White | White | Texture | Hard | Gritty | Gritty | Smooth | Dry | Smooth | Shape | Irregular | Irregular | Crystalline | Too Small | Too Small | Too Small | Smell | Somewhat Sweet | Earthy | Sweet | Sweet | No Smell | No Smell | Soluble | Soluble | Insoluble | Insoluble | Insoluble | Soluble | Insoluble | Density | .5 | .47 | 1.0 | .95 | .67 | .87 | Conclusion | Coffee | Potting Soil (Correct) | Brown Sugar (Correct) | Baby Powder | Baking Soda | Flour |

Sample | Mass of full vial & bag (g) | Mass of empty vial & bag (g) | Mass of unknown sample (g) | Volume (cm3) | Density (g/cm3) | #1 | 2.0 | 1.5 | .5 | 1.0 | .5 | #2 | 2.2 | 1.5 | .7 | 1.5 | .47 | #3 | 3.0 | 1.5 | 1.5 | 1.5 | 1.0
| #4 | 2.8 | 1.5 | 1.3 | 1.4 | .93 | #5 | 2.5 | 1.5 | 1.0 | 1.5 | .67 | #6 | 2.8 | 1.5 | 1.3 | 1.5 | .87 |

ANALYSIS
Only two of the hypotheses were proven to be correct. Based on the texture and smell of Substance #1, it was determined that it is coffee, not plant fertilizer. Based of the texture, smell, insolubility and debris mixed with the substance, the hypothesis was proven and Substance #2 was identified as potting soil. Substance #3 was proven to be brown sugar based on its smell, insolubility, and its crystalline appearance under the magnifying glass. Substance #4 was proven to be baby powder by its smell. Substance #5 was proven to be baking soda, based on how it reacted when put in water. Substance #6 is flour based on its texture and how it reacted to water.
COnculsion
There is a benefit to following the Scientific Method when trying to prove that an idea or thought is indeed true. Things appear one way in the beginning but, upon further examination, they may be something else. It is good to start with a point of reference (i.e. what we already know, prior research, initial observations) but observing objects and ideas from different angles and in different ways (ie. Under a magnifying glass, touch, smell) we will learn more and come to better conclusions.