Bigger - Science Exploration for Unit 3, Day 5

[cozyfamily]

I can only assume that one of my paper plates was faulty. We set up the experiment last night and this morning the plate with fresh water was completely empty. It appears to have soaked into the plate (and the cloth under the plate). The paper plate with salt water has not absorbed any of the water. I don't think this was the result we were looking for? We'll try the experiment with our regular dishes, but they are white so I don't think this will show us the result we are looking for - it will be better than the paper plates, though.

[my3sons]

I can only assume that one of my paper plates was faulty. We set up the experiment last night and this morning the plate with fresh water was completely empty. It appears to have soaked into the plate (and the cloth under the plate). The paper plate with salt water has not absorbed any of the water. I don't think this was the result we were looking for? We'll try the experiment with our regular dishes, but they are white so I don't think this will show us the result we are looking for - it will be better than the paper plates, though.

I wonder if the paper plates just soaked up the water? It's weird the other plate with salt water didn't though. We used plastic plates and had a sunny day, and it worked fine. Maybe you could try it again with hard plastic plates? Otherwise, you can always just chalk it up to "uncontrolled variables" in science experiments.

In Christ,
Julie

[Daisy]

We used plastic dollar store plates. This experiment took 20 minutes at my house. We have less than 15% humidity on most days. Amazing how fast it worked.

[RachelB]

I used plastic plates too. But, we had a dreary, rainy day, so let them sit out overnight. We observed them briefly the next morning - we could see lots of salt buildup. But, while I was gone to a Dr. appt. the babysitter washed the plates! So, we didn't quite get to fully talk about it!

[cozyfamily]

Just now getting back to ya'll -

We're still observing our salt-water plate, but our temps have dropped here in Minnesota and the process is going slowly. We finally noticed tonight that we're seeing more salt around the perimeter.

I'm mainly opting for the "variables sometimes effect science experiments" idea and, hence, won't be buying plastic plates for a do-over.