Example Experiment

Question:

Which shape of balloon will launch a straw rocket the farthest, round or oblong?

Hypothesis:

If 3 pumps of air are added to an oblong and round balloon, the balloon will launch the straw rocket the farthest.

Materials:

2 chairs Fishing line

Plastic Straw Round balloon

Oblong balloon Balloon pump

Tape Meter wheel

Variables:

Manipulated variable: the shape of the balloon

Responding variable: the length the balloon launches

Controlled variables: straw rocket track, the number of puffs of air

Procedure:

1. Gather materials

2. Make a rocket track by tying fishing line with a straw on it to 2 chairs about 8 meters apart

3. Put 3 pumps of air into the round balloon

4. Hold the balloon closed and tape it to the straw on the fishing line

5. Let the air go and measure how far the straw goes down the line

6. Test the round straw rocket 3 times

7. Repeat the testing with the oblong balloon.

Data:

Results:

Averages should be graphed with title and labels. This data would be best understood using a bar graph.

Conclusion:

My results (prove/do not prove) my hypothesis. The balloon launched the straw rocket the farthest.

Give a scientific explanation for the results you get.

Real life connection: