Starburst Lab

Starburst Lab

This lab activity consists of 3 consecutive sections.    

Defining the Parameters of Your Experiment

1. Your overall goal in this lab is to determine the number of starbursts wrapped up in the paper towel.  

2. Define two variables about the starbursts that you will measure and compare in this lab.  Use a complete sentence to describe your group’s goal (sample sentences below). 

   • Create a scientific model that predicts the _____________ of starbursts in a container when you know its total ______________. 

   • How is ________________________ influenced by ________________________________?  

   • Determine the relationship between  _______________________ and ____________________

3. Identify your independent and dependent variable.  The independent variable is the one you will alter over the course of the experiment.  The dependent variable is the one that you will be measuring as a result. 

4. Assign algebraic letters to represent your independent and dependent variables and determine what unit of measurement will be used for each (grams, centimeters, etc).  

5. Write down a list of procedures that your group will follow to complete your experiment.  The very last step will be to predict the number of starbursts inside of a container without counting them.  

6. Create a data table with a column where you will write down the measurements of your dependent and independent variables for each trial.  You will need at least 10 trials. 

Collecting Data for Your Experiment

1. Follow the procedures that you created above.  Measure your variables in each trial and record them in your data table.  Include units of measurement. 

2. Construct a graph using the data points you collected.  Label it appropriately. Remember that your independent variable is graphed on the x axis.  

3. Using a ruler, draw a best fit line that goes through the approximate center of your graphed data points.  Do NOT connect the dots.  Determine the slope of this line.  

4. Use the slope to write a formula of the form y = kx + b, where k is the slope and b is the y-intercept.  

5. Replace the terms y and x in your equation with the algebraic variables that you designated to represent your dependent and independent variables.  This is the mathematical model you will create to represent the starbursts. 

Analysis

1. Examine the model you created to describe the starbursts.  In order for your model to be valid, you have assumed certain things to be true, even without having measured them.  List the assumptions that must be true for your model to be valid.  (These are sometimes called “limitations” of a scientific model”).  

2. Examine how well your model agrees with the scientific data you have already collected by algebraically solving for the number of starbursts you were given.  Are there any discrepancies?  If so, what might be causing these discrepancies?

3. Observe the starbursts wrapped in a paper towel.  Use your mathematical model to predict the number of starbursts in the container.  Write down your prediction.  

4. Obtain the true value from Mr Kipp.  Determine the % error of your mathematical model.  Write a conclusion where you examine how useful your model will be and what steps could be taken to improve its accuracy.  

5. Make a prediction.  If you were given 100 starbursts, would your model be able to accurately predict the (mass/length/area/volume) of those 100 starbursts?  Explain.  

6. How many starbursts would it take before your model became inaccurate?  Explain.  

7. Mars is the name of the company that manufactures starbursts.  What inferences can we make about the measuring equipment that is used by their factory to produce starburst candy?  

8. We will be constructing a practice laboratory report based on the information we collected in this lab.  Make sure your page(s) communicate clearly and completely the information above.  Use this rubric as a guide.   

Review your answers to the POGIL here.