Scientific Method activity

Scientific Method “I’m All Thumbs”Introduction:
What makes a “Class Champion” thumb wrestler? Does thumb diameter, length, or wrist diameter have an effect on the overall chances of winning a thumb wrestling match? In this investigation we will develop a hypothesis based on physical data collected from our classmates. We will then test this hypothesis by conducting a thumb wrestling tournament to determine an overall “Class Champion”.

Materials:
Metric ruler, metric tape measure (see bottom of lab), scissors, string, calculator

Objectives:

• Students will take and record accurate measurements of their wrist, and their thumb’s circumference and length.
• Students will analyze the data collected and determine if their hypothesis is correct.
• Correctly line graph the collected data.
• Learn the rules of thumb wrestling.
• Conduct a thumb wrestling tournament.

Procedures:

• Choose a partner and perform the following measurements using the metric tape measure found at the bottom of this lab. Then have your partner perform them on you.
• Measure the circumference of the thumb, in centimeters, at its widest point. Record this data on the following line ___________cm. and on the table on the chalk board.
• Measure the length of the thumb, using the metric ruler in centimeters, from its tip to the end of its second joint. Record this data on the following line ___________cm. and on the table on the chalk board.
• Measure the circumference of the wrist over the ulnar knob, in centimeters, and record this data on the following line ____________ and on the table on the chalk board.
• Copy the data, on the board, on to the table in the results section of the lab.
• The class will form and record a hypothesis based on the collected data.
• The Hypothesis:
  ______________________________________________________________

        ______________________________________________________________

• Rules of thumb wrestling: Two players grasp hands shown in the illustration; they touch thumbs to the opposite sides of the other person’s hand three times, then come out wrestling. The object, of course, is to hold the other person’s thumb down, for a count of three, using only your thumb.

 

• Boys will wrestle boys and girls will wrestle girls.
• A tournament schedule will be set up to match opponents.
• After the completion, a champion will be declared in both categories, (male and female).

Results:
Complete the following data table:

Graph Title: ____________________________________________________________

Analysis and Conclusion :

1. Restate your hypothesis: __________________________________________________

2. Which students won? (male) __________________________ and (female)_____________________

3. What were their measurements:

male: thumb circumference: ____________, thumb length ______________, and wrist circumference ______________;

female: thumb circumference:__________, thumb length _________, and wrist circumference ______________.

4. What was the mean thumb circumference of the class? _____________cm

5. What was the mean wrist circumference of the class? ______________cm

6. Did all those with larger measurements win their matches? ____________.

7. Was you hypothesis correct? ______________.

8. If not, explain what was different. 

_____________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________

9. What is the independent variable? _____________________________________

10. What is the dependent variable? ______________________________________

11. List the controlled variables in this experiment. 

         __________________________________________________

__________________________________________________       

11. Would this be considered a controlled experiment? ____________.

12. Explain your answer.

_____________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________

Here is a sample tournament grid : Cut and turn sideways.

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Cut and use.

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