The Scientific Method
Amber Steadham
October 31, 2012
Abstract: We conducted several experiments using the Scientific Method. We made observations, recorded them and used our observations to propose a hypothesis. The experiments included chemical and physical reactions dealing with torn news paper, appearance of rock salt crystals, the appearance of sand, oil and water on plastic, and making iodine in water and mineral oil. We found that all these included four physical changes and two chemical changes. This was important in determining the substance or mixture that dealt with physical and chemical properties as well as homogeneous and heterogeneous mixtures.
Purpose/Hypothesis: The purpose of this experiment was to record observations concerning chemical and physical changes using common household materials. We also practiced using the scientific method, which including making observations, hypotheses, and conclusions based on data.
Procedures: We experimented with: newspaper, rock salt, sand, oil, water, and several chemicals. We did the following: * Newspaper- We tore the paper vertically and then horizontally and observed the edges with a hand lens to determine if there was a difference in the type of tear. * Rock salt-We examined the salt before and after crushing it with a blunt object, then what the shards looked like in water. * Sand-We observed the sand with a small hand lens while it was dry then while it was wet adding several drops of water. * Oil and Water-We studied the difference between mineral oil and water using a hand lens. * Making iodine in water- We added one drop of potassium iodide and sodium hypochlorite (bleach) then mixed the two together producing iodine. * Making iodine in oil-We added two drops of mineral oil, one drop of water on the mineral oil, then added one drop of potassium iodide and sodium hypochlorite. Producing Iodine.
Results: In class we conducted four experiments on