A technically complete science fair project in ONE HOUR
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Getting Started
Scientific Method Types of students Words you need Stuff you need Fatal flaws Graphing 101
Types of students
Words you need
Stuff you need
Fatal flaws
Graphing 101
Designing your own project Practice Experiment Measure something! Presenting Results Tips for Judging It’s due when ?!?!? My Guest Blogs
Practice Experiment
Measure something!
Presenting Results
Tips for Judging
It’s due when ?!?!?
My Guest Blogs
Meet the coach
science-fair-coach.com Helping parents help kids with a Science Fair Project
This project is not going to win any fair, but if you are in a jam and just need SOMETHING and a decent grade, then this project might help:
Science Fair Project in One Hour
WHAT YOU NEED: maple syrup (cheap fake stuff is best), tall thin glass container like a flower vase (taller is better), at least 30 pennies, pot with 3 inches of water on stove, stopwatch, thermometer (but can do the project without one – see below).
QUESTION: How does temperature affect viscosity? RESEARCH: look up “viscosity” and learn what viscosity is. NOTE if you actually have more than one hour, then also learn about how viscosity affects very small organisms like phytoplankton and fish larvae and think about how global climate changes could impact the viscosity of the oceans and what that might mean for marine ecosystems.
HYPOTHESIS (pick one, but only one): —-If temperature increases, then viscosity will increase —-If temperature increases, then viscosity will decrease —-If temperature increases, then viscosity will stay the same
CHANGE THIS, MEASURE THAT
VARIABLES Independent variable (the one you will change) = temperature; measured with a thermometer or as a function of time with heat applied (called Heat Time; see below)
Dependent variable (the one you will measure) = viscosity; measured as the time it takes for an object to fall through a fluid (called Fall Time below). Low viscosity = Short fall time
Controlled variables (the ones you don’t care about but must stay the same between trials) = size/shape of container, maple syrup, pennies
PROCEDURE: 1. Fill the glass container with maple syrup, put container in pot with about 3 inches of water; do not turn on heat yet.
2. Drop in one penny and time (use stop watch) how long it takes to hit the bottom of the container, listen for the sound of the penny hitting the glass. Repeat 2 more times making sure you drop the penny from the same height each time; record data in a table.
3. Turn heat on to medium; start another timer or look at clock to mark Heat Time = 0
4. Every 2 minutes drop in another 3 pennies (one at a time, timing each one). If you have a thermometer, you should also record the actual temperature. NOTE: as time goes on, more heat is applied and temperature increases. In this case, time is easier to measure than temperature because where the thermometer sits in the maple syrup will affect your temperature reading.
CONTROL: the viscosity at room temperature, before any temperature increase is applied; so the Fall Times for the first three pennies dropped in.
DATA/ANALYSIS: Make a table showing Heat Time (0, 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18, etc. in minutes); Temperature in degrees if you took it; and the three fall times, one for each penny. Then make a column for the average fall time.
Make a LINE GRAPH with Heat Time (a measure of Temperature) on the x-axis and FALL TIME (a measure of Viscosity) on the y-axis. Graph the average fall times for each heat time data point.
If you took real temperatures, make a second line graph with Temperature on the x-axis.
What does the line look like? Is it straight or curved? If you did both are the two lines the same or different?
CONCLUSION: Now you must accept or reject your hypothesis. So determine if the data match your hypothesis. If yes, then accept. If no, then reject.
Hints: Does the line go up? Then the data show that as Heat Time (= temperature) increased, the Fall Time (= viscosity) increased. Is that the hypothesis you chose? Then accept your hypothesis, otherwise reject it.
Does the line go down? Then the data show that as Heat Time (= temperature) increased, the Fall Time (=viscosity) decreased. Is that the hypothesis you chose? Then accept your hypothesis, otherwise reject it.
Is the line straight across (not going upward or downward)? Then the data show as Heat Time (=temperature increased, the Fall Time (=viscosity) did not change. Is that the hypothesis you chose? Then accept your hypothesis, otherwise reject it.
IF you have more time, you can also do the experiment by putting container in refrigerator to change the temperature in the opposite direction.
MAKE IT YOUR OWN: Repeat with different types of syrup (rank by cost) or with other fluids like corn syrup or molasses.
January 5 2014 Ariella Thank you so much! Reply
Thank you so much!
November 30 2017 Ani'J i know right.i was just sitting here,a day before the science fair and i said ”crap,i need to do my project”.so i researched it and i actually got a b.THANK YOU SO MUCH.YOU ARE A LIFE SAVER. Reply
i know right.i was just sitting here,a day before the science fair and i said ”crap,i need to do my project”.so i researched it and i actually got a b.THANK YOU SO MUCH.YOU ARE A LIFE SAVER.
December 17 2017 Bel THANK YOUUUUUUUUU Reply
THANK YOUUUUUUUUU
January 25 2014 hanna what exactly is the maple syrup doing? What is the purpose of the container of maple syrup? Reply
what exactly is the maple syrup doing? What is the purpose of the container of maple syrup?
January 28 2014 Dr. Maille Lyons The container holds the syrup, the pot heats the container of syrup. The syrup is a relatively cheap fluid with high viscosity when cold and low viscosity when hot. Reply
The container holds the syrup, the pot heats the container of syrup. The syrup is a relatively cheap fluid with high viscosity when cold and low viscosity when hot.
January 10 2017 Collin Would I get an A on this? Reply
Would I get an A on this?
January 13 2017 Dr. Maille Lyons Others have… depends on how well you do it 🙂 Reply
Others have… depends on how well you do it 🙂
March 19 2017 josh What grade level is this
What grade level is this
March 20 2017 Dr. Maille Lyons Hard to say… the more you do and the better researching/writing that you do – the higher the level you can use it at.
Hard to say… the more you do and the better researching/writing that you do – the higher the level you can use it at.
April 19 2015 taylor How much maple syrup do you put in the glass? Reply
How much maple syrup do you put in the glass?
April 19 2015 Dr. Maille Lyons The more you have, the easier it is to time the penny falling Reply
The more you have, the easier it is to time the penny falling
January 27 2014 Adama Wann When you say to drop the penny inside, do you mean in the maple syrup or the pot on the stove (around the glass container in pot). Reply
When you say to drop the penny inside, do you mean in the maple syrup or the pot on the stove (around the glass container in pot).
January 28 2014 Dr. Maille Lyons Drop the penny into the container with the syrup so that you are measuring the time it takes the penny to fall through the syrup with different viscosities. Reply
Drop the penny into the container with the syrup so that you are measuring the time it takes the penny to fall through the syrup with different viscosities.
February 13 2014 Ironzwagg Thank you so much you are a life saver. Reply
Thank you so much you are a life saver.
February 18 2014 john rodriguez Can you do the graph? Im a senior takinhg ap bio and i need to comllete this please help!!! I procrastinated ughhhh help! Reply
Can you do the graph? Im a senior takinhg ap bio and i need to comllete this please help!!! I procrastinated ughhhh help!
February 19 2014 Dr. Maille Lyons I can not do a graph without data, but once you have your data, make a line graph with time/temperature on the x-axis (horizontal one) and average time on the y-axis (vertical one). Reply
I can not do a graph without data, but once you have your data, make a line graph with time/temperature on the x-axis (horizontal one) and average time on the y-axis (vertical one).
February 21 2014 procastinator I LOVE THIS SO MUCH OMG THANK YOU SO MUCH YOU’RE AN ANGEL Reply
I LOVE THIS SO MUCH OMG THANK YOU SO MUCH YOU’RE AN ANGEL
March 4 2016 4 day procastinater Same my project is due in 4 days and i haven’t even started thx for the idea it is a reel life savior and original idea Reply
Same my project is due in 4 days and i haven’t even started thx for the idea it is a reel life savior and original idea
March 3 2014 Rosie Worrie What if we can’t present the experiment without the pot of hot water could I just use a bowl and fill it with hot water Reply
What if we can’t present the experiment without the pot of hot water could I just use a bowl and fill it with hot water
March 5 2014 Dr. Maille Lyons Probably not, the water needs to be hot to change the viscosity of the syrup. If you are trying to use this as a demonstration you MIGHT be able to set up 3 containers – 1 with hot water, 1 with ice water, and 1 at room temperature and you MIGHT be able to detect a difference – good luck Reply
Probably not, the water needs to be hot to change the viscosity of the syrup. If you are trying to use this as a demonstration you MIGHT be able to set up 3 containers – 1 with hot water, 1 with ice water, and 1 at room temperature and you MIGHT be able to detect a difference – good luck
March 4 2014 Katherine where is the water suppose to be in the container or in the pot for step one Reply
where is the water suppose to be in the container or in the pot for step one
March 5 2014 Dr. Maille Lyons Water is in the pot; Syrup is in the container; the container of syrup is in the pot of water; pot is on the stove Reply
Water is in the pot; Syrup is in the container; the container of syrup is in the pot of water; pot is on the stove
March 15 2014 Trish Would this be considered physical science? Reply
Would this be considered physical science?
March 19 2014 Dr. Maille Lyons Technically yes – you are looking at how temperature affects viscosity which falls under physical science. If you REALLY focus on the impact the changes might have on tiny organisms like phytoplankton you might be able to sell it as an environmental science or life science project, but it would best be described as a physical science project. Reply
Technically yes – you are looking at how temperature affects viscosity which falls under physical science. If you REALLY focus on the impact the changes might have on tiny organisms like phytoplankton you might be able to sell it as an environmental science or life science project, but it would best be described as a physical science project.
March 28 2014 Trish Sorry another question… how would I explain internal validity? Thank you for your help and previous answer! Reply
Sorry another question… how would I explain internal validity? Thank you for your help and previous answer!
April 4 2014 Dr. Maille Lyons It is the extent to which you minimize the bias. Think of all the variables you are holding the same and the ones that change even slightly. Comment on the items dropped are the same (all pennies) to the extent practical, but technically each penny could be very, very, very slightly different. Also the temperature of the syrup is kept as close to the same as possible but acknowledge that there could be differences from when the first and last penny are dropped at each time point. Reply
It is the extent to which you minimize the bias. Think of all the variables you are holding the same and the ones that change even slightly. Comment on the items dropped are the same (all pennies) to the extent practical, but technically each penny could be very, very, very slightly different. Also the temperature of the syrup is kept as close to the same as possible but acknowledge that there could be differences from when the first and last penny are dropped at each time point.
April 3 2014 Sagar How much maple syrup are we supposed to put in the glass container? Reply
How much maple syrup are we supposed to put in the glass container?
April 4 2014 Dr. Maille Lyons As much as you can. The more, the better because that will allow you to better measure the differences in time for the pennies. Get the tallest glass container you can find (vase, spaghetti holder, etc.) Reply
As much as you can. The more, the better because that will allow you to better measure the differences in time for the pennies. Get the tallest glass container you can find (vase, spaghetti holder, etc.)
April 5 2014 Sagar Does it have to be 3in of water in the pot Reply
Does it have to be 3in of water in the pot
May 27 2014 yosuf OMG! thnkx so much! now im not frustrated because i now have a idea. thank you so much Dr. Lyons Reply
OMG! thnkx so much! now im not frustrated because i now have a idea. thank you so much Dr. Lyons
June 25 2014 aniesha well I only have 4 days until my summer project is due ( June the 30th ) so how long do you think it will take to do the project and decorate a board with only 4 days to go. And another important question is: Do you know if there is a specific kind of maple syrup we need to buy? If so how much do you think all of this will cost if I have no supplies what-so-ever? I know these are a-lot of questions, but I will appreciate it if you responded in time. Thanks!!!! Reply
well I only have 4 days until my summer project is due ( June the 30th ) so how long do you think it will take to do the project and decorate a board with only 4 days to go. And another important question is: Do you know if there is a specific kind of maple syrup we need to buy? If so how much do you think all of this will cost if I have no supplies what-so-ever?
I know these are a-lot of questions, but I will appreciate it if you responded in time.
Thanks!!!!
November 14 2014 john Thx. You saved me, your a great help. Reply
Thx. You saved me, your a great help.
November 20 2014 Dr. Maille Lyons Cheaper the better – real syrup is expensive Reply
Cheaper the better – real syrup is expensive
November 15 2014 jayleen When you say to drop the pennys into the syrup do i drop all thirty or one buly one. And do i take them out after i drop them? Reply
When you say to drop the pennys into the syrup do i drop all thirty or one buly one. And do i take them out after i drop them?
November 16 2014 Dr. Maille Lyons Yes, one by one, recording the time each time – and no not until you are done dropping all of them will you need to “clean up” and get the pennies back out Reply
Yes, one by one, recording the time each time – and no not until you are done dropping all of them will you need to “clean up” and get the pennies back out
November 18 2014 Devdass badhan So my teacher is asking “what is the purpose of the project ” I don’t know what to say plZzzz help Reply
So my teacher is asking “what is the purpose of the project ” I don’t know what to say plZzzz help
November 20 2014 Dr. Maille Lyons Seriously… if you waited so long that you only have time to do a 1 hour project… then the purpose is to “not fail” your assignment. Dropping pennies in maple syrup has very little “real world” significance – but if you need SOMETHING – look up viscosity and find something that is viscous (e.g. oil) and then speculate on what would happen if that thing gets really hot or really cold why it might be important to be able to predict changes in viscosity as a function of temperature. Reply
Seriously… if you waited so long that you only have time to do a 1 hour project… then the purpose is to “not fail” your assignment.
Dropping pennies in maple syrup has very little “real world” significance – but if you need SOMETHING – look up viscosity and find something that is viscous (e.g. oil) and then speculate on what would happen if that thing gets really hot or really cold why it might be important to be able to predict changes in viscosity as a function of temperature.
November 30 2014 Dr. Maille Lyons Purpose: to measure the effects of temperature on viscosity. It has important implications for cleaning up oil spills in polar vs. tropical locations – think about why… Reply
Purpose: to measure the effects of temperature on viscosity. It has important implications for cleaning up oil spills in polar vs. tropical locations – think about why…
December 1 2016 queen of procrastination OMG THANK YOU YOUR A LIFE SAVER 🙂 Reply
OMG THANK YOU YOUR A LIFE SAVER 🙂
November 20 2014 Jasmine I have a question. Um What is the name of this project? Reply
I have a question. Um What is the name of this project?
November 20 2014 Dr. Maille Lyons You can name it anything you want… If you can’t think of anything better use: “The effect of temperature on viscosity” – make sure you know what viscosity means 🙂 Reply
You can name it anything you want… If you can’t think of anything better use: “The effect of temperature on viscosity” – make sure you know what viscosity means 🙂
November 20 2014 Jasmine also what is the problem for this experiment sorry for all of the questions Reply
also what is the problem for this experiment sorry for all of the questions
November 20 2014 Dr. Maille Lyons No real problem – it is just meant to help those that waited to long to do another project. – see comments under the “purpose” question if you need something to turn in Reply
No real problem – it is just meant to help those that waited to long to do another project. – see comments under the “purpose” question if you need something to turn in
December 3 2014 quinnie hey Dr.Mallie Lyons i have a question for my science fair it says i have to put an abstract ? can u plzz help Reply
hey Dr.Mallie Lyons i have a question for my science fair it says i have to put an abstract ? can u plzz help
December 4 2014 Dr. Maille Lyons An abstract is just a one paragraph summary of the whole project. Use one sentence to state the problem you are addressing or observation made; then one sentence to describe the question; one sentence to indicate your hypothesis; one sentence to describe how you will test the hypothesis (i.e. a broad statement of the procedure, not all the steps); one sentence summarizing your most important results; and a conclusion sentence. You could also add a final sentence describing why your result/conclusion is important Reply
An abstract is just a one paragraph summary of the whole project. Use one sentence to state the problem you are addressing or observation made; then one sentence to describe the question; one sentence to indicate your hypothesis; one sentence to describe how you will test the hypothesis (i.e. a broad statement of the procedure, not all the steps); one sentence summarizing your most important results; and a conclusion sentence. You could also add a final sentence describing why your result/conclusion is important
December 4 2014 Dynz Tumulak If the coins lower does that mean that the viscosity is lower? Reply
If the coins lower does that mean that the viscosity is lower?
December 4 2014 Dr. Maille Lyons Viscosity is a measure of “thickness” – so something that is viscous is “thick” – like molasses or cold maple syrup. So if the coin falls faster (i.e. takes less time to hit bottom), then the fluid is “thinner” or less viscous; if the coin falls slower (i.e. takes more time to hit bottom) then the fluid is “thicker” or more viscous. So longer times = higher viscosity and short times = lower viscosity Reply
Viscosity is a measure of “thickness” – so something that is viscous is “thick” – like molasses or cold maple syrup. So if the coin falls faster (i.e. takes less time to hit bottom), then the fluid is “thinner” or less viscous; if the coin falls slower (i.e. takes more time to hit bottom) then the fluid is “thicker” or more viscous.
So longer times = higher viscosity and short times = lower viscosity
December 4 2014 Dynz Tumulak I have one more question. Am i required to use a glass vase? I only have one that’s not see- through. Can i use a glass or something else? And if i can how many inches of water? Reply
I have one more question. Am i required to use a glass vase? I only have one that’s not see- through. Can i use a glass or something else? And if i can how many inches of water?
December 4 2014 Dr. Maille Lyons As long as you can either see the penny reach the bottom of the syrup or hear the penny hit the bottom, you can use any variation of the set up based on what you have available. The key is that you must be able to time the “fall” of the penny through the syrup. The water is used to change the temperature (and therefore viscosity) of the syrup. Reply
As long as you can either see the penny reach the bottom of the syrup or hear the penny hit the bottom, you can use any variation of the set up based on what you have available. The key is that you must be able to time the “fall” of the penny through the syrup. The water is used to change the temperature (and therefore viscosity) of the syrup.
December 5 2014 Alex I am so thankful for this. My project is do tomorrow and I had nothing. Reply
I am so thankful for this. My project is do tomorrow and I had nothing.
December 14 2014 kevin thank you soooooo much, I procrastinated my project for 3 months and this helped alot Reply
thank you soooooo much, I procrastinated my project for 3 months and this helped alot
January 4 2015 Claire How much maple syrup do we need and how tall does the glass container have to be? Also do you know of any good websites and books I could go to to do research and use for my works citied? I have to have 5 source and only 2 can be website and 3 can be books. Reply
How much maple syrup do we need and how tall does the glass container have to be? Also do you know of any good websites and books I could go to to do research and use for my works citied? I have to have 5 source and only 2 can be website and 3 can be books.
January 4 2015 Dr. Maille Lyons You need enough maple syrup to fill the glass container; in general, the taller the better because it will be easier to detect changes in the rate at which the pennies fall. For websites, you should be citing mine – other than that, you should do research on viscosity. Look for books and websites that discuss the importance of viscosity as a property of a fluid (e.g. water, oil, etc.) and speculate on why changes in viscosity (regardless of what causes the change) is good or is bad and why. Reply
You need enough maple syrup to fill the glass container; in general, the taller the better because it will be easier to detect changes in the rate at which the pennies fall. For websites, you should be citing mine – other than that, you should do research on viscosity. Look for books and websites that discuss the importance of viscosity as a property of a fluid (e.g. water, oil, etc.) and speculate on why changes in viscosity (regardless of what causes the change) is good or is bad and why.
November 29 2015 Lel How do I put the independent, dependent and controlled variables in the project? Reply
How do I put the independent, dependent and controlled variables in the project?
November 29 2015 Dr. Maille Lyons Not clear what you are asking here… read the posts and comments – all variables are identified. Reply
Not clear what you are asking here… read the posts and comments – all variables are identified.
January 4 2015 Anonymous Do I have to remove the pennies after each time I add more because then won’t it make the time less if the pennies are higher? Should I then use a wider vase? Reply
Do I have to remove the pennies after each time I add more because then won’t it make the time less if the pennies are higher? Should I then use a wider vase?
January 5 2015 Dr. Maille Lyons The difference shouldn’t be measurable unless the pennies are falling a very short distance and falling exactly on top of each other. Taking each penny out is cumbersome and messy!! Yes, find a slightly wider and probably taller vase. Reply
The difference shouldn’t be measurable unless the pennies are falling a very short distance and falling exactly on top of each other. Taking each penny out is cumbersome and messy!! Yes, find a slightly wider and probably taller vase.
January 5 2015 Claire Can we use Light pancake syrup or honey? Does it have to be Maple syrup? What can we substitute for the Maple syrup? Reply
Can we use Light pancake syrup or honey? Does it have to be Maple syrup? What can we substitute for the Maple syrup?
January 5 2015 Dr. Maille Lyons Yes, you can use anything that is “thick” at room temperature: lite maple syrup, corn syrup, molasses, even shampoo!! Reply
Yes, you can use anything that is “thick” at room temperature: lite maple syrup, corn syrup, molasses, even shampoo!!
January 5 2015 Master Procrastinator Do you by a chance have a reason? I need to write a reason on why I did this project and I honestly have no ideas. I’m just doing it to get a grade. Reply
Do you by a chance have a reason? I need to write a reason on why I did this project and I honestly have no ideas. I’m just doing it to get a grade.
January 6 2015 Dr. Maille Lyons That seems like your reason… “to get a grade” Reply
That seems like your reason… “to get a grade”
January 6 2015 Jamie Hubbell My son had set up a great project using plants, unfortunately the frost killed them all! This project is going to be a life saver for him, well, grade saver, but you get the idea. We are so grateful we found yout site. Reply
My son had set up a great project using plants, unfortunately the frost killed them all! This project is going to be a life saver for him, well, grade saver, but you get the idea. We are so grateful we found yout site.
January 10 2015 Claire I do not understand why we will need 30 pennies. I would think we would only need 6 pennies because I am only doing 3 trails and one trail consist of two pennies. One penny for the room temperature test and hot temperature test. If you multiply 2 times three then you get 6. Can you please explain why we need 30 pennies. Reply
I do not understand why we will need 30 pennies. I would think we would only need 6 pennies because I am only doing 3 trails and one trail consist of two pennies. One penny for the room temperature test and hot temperature test. If you multiply 2 times three then you get 6. Can you please explain why we need 30 pennies.
January 10 2015 Dr. Maille Lyons This is a very simple experiment in terms of effort required (drop penny, measure time) so it is better to have as many replicates as practical. You should drop 10 pennies for each of three temperatures (room temperature, colder than room temperature, and hotter than room temperature OR room temperature, warm and hot); so 3 x 10 = 30 Reply
This is a very simple experiment in terms of effort required (drop penny, measure time) so it is better to have as many replicates as practical. You should drop 10 pennies for each of three temperatures (room temperature, colder than room temperature, and hotter than room temperature OR room temperature, warm and hot); so 3 x 10 = 30
January 17 2015 Ripudaman my question is related to the one asked by “claire” do we HAVEto have 3 different temperatures and if so then how do we get it to the cold one? Reply
my question is related to the one asked by “claire” do we HAVEto have 3 different temperatures and if so then how do we get it to the cold one?
January 18 2015 Dr. Maille Lyons You MUST do at least two temperatures so that you have a comparison. The cold one could be done by sticking the tall container of maple syrup in the refrigerator. Reply
You MUST do at least two temperatures so that you have a comparison. The cold one could be done by sticking the tall container of maple syrup in the refrigerator.
January 10 2015 Claire Will a 6 and a half tall inch glass cup be ok for this experiment? Reply
Will a 6 and a half tall inch glass cup be ok for this experiment?
January 10 2015 Dr. Maille Lyons If you can measure a difference it worked. Otherwise, you need to drop the penny further so that you can measure differences between the three conditions. If it is the tallest container you can find… just try it. Reply
If you can measure a difference it worked. Otherwise, you need to drop the penny further so that you can measure differences between the three conditions. If it is the tallest container you can find… just try it.
January 10 2015 Claire Can you please respond as soon as possible because I have to turn in a lot of stuff on Monday and I still need to do my experiment. Reply
Can you please respond as soon as possible because I have to turn in a lot of stuff on Monday and I still need to do my experiment.
January 10 2015 Dr. Maille Lyons Sounds like you have everything you need. Do the experiment. Get the numbers and let me know what else you need help with. Reply
Sounds like you have everything you need. Do the experiment. Get the numbers and let me know what else you need help with.
January 11 2015 Adam Can somebody help me come up with a witty Title or clever Title for this project? not too long. Reply
Can somebody help me come up with a witty Title or clever Title for this project? not too long.
January 11 2015 Adam And possibly a Problem to go at the start of the project Reply
And possibly a Problem to go at the start of the project
January 11 2015 Claire What would be a creative title for this project? Reply
What would be a creative title for this project?
January 11 2015 emily hong I don’t get how to do the table can you explain and do we have to do the table? Reply
I don’t get how to do the table can you explain and do we have to do the table?
January 11 2015 Dr. Maille Lyons TABLE: For each temperature, list the times each penny took to fall through the syrup. GRAPH: x-axis temperature and y-axis time Reply
TABLE: For each temperature, list the times each penny took to fall through the syrup. GRAPH: x-axis temperature and y-axis time
January 12 2015 emily hong thanks but I don’t have a thermometer how am I going to do the table or is the temp. hot cold or room Reply
thanks but I don’t have a thermometer how am I going to do the table or is the temp. hot cold or room
January 13 2015 Dr. Maille Lyons Use three categories: put them in logical order: cold, room temp, hot Reply
Use three categories: put them in logical order: cold, room temp, hot
January 12 2015 emily hong also is it suppose to be a line graph can we do a bar graph Reply
also is it suppose to be a line graph can we do a bar graph
January 12 2015 Dr. Maille Lyons A line graph is correct if you measured actual temperature and time. A bar graph would be correct if you have qualitative metrics like (room temp, colder than room temp, and hotter than room temp). Reply
A line graph is correct if you measured actual temperature and time. A bar graph would be correct if you have qualitative metrics like (room temp, colder than room temp, and hotter than room temp).
January 13 2015 emily what do we label in the side of the bar gr
what do we label in the side of the bar gr
January 13 2015 Dr. Maille Lyons What is the number? Should be time, so label: “Time (seconds)”
What is the number? Should be time, so label: “Time (seconds)”
January 12 2015 emily may you please reply soon today before 6-7 pm please. I know its my fault for waiting till the last minute and then do it but I really appreciate all your help. Reply
may you please reply soon today before 6-7 pm please. I know its my fault for waiting till the last minute and then do it but I really appreciate all your help.
January 12 2015 Dr. Maille Lyons Sorry – wasn’t on computer then Reply
Sorry – wasn’t on computer then
January 13 2015 Clarissa Hello, I need help with this project. I dont know what you mean by how to do the line graph. Can you walk me through it? an you also tell me how to make a line graph on the computer? Can you please respond today. I need to finish this becasue my project is due tomorrow. Reply
Hello, I need help with this project. I dont know what you mean by how to do the line graph. Can you walk me through it? an you also tell me how to make a line graph on the computer? Can you please respond today. I need to finish this becasue my project is due tomorrow.
January 13 2015 Dr. Maille Lyons Google “Create a Graph” – you will find: http://nces.ed.gov/nceskids/createagraph/ Use this to make a line graph (if you measured temperature) or a bar graph (if you have relative temperature categories). Put temperature on x-axis (horizontal one) Put time on y-axis (vertical one) Reply
Google “Create a Graph” – you will find: http://nces.ed.gov/nceskids/createagraph/
Use this to make a line graph (if you measured temperature) or a bar graph (if you have relative temperature categories).
Put temperature on x-axis (horizontal one) Put time on y-axis (vertical one)
January 15 2015 Kate What grade would this be suitable for? I want to do it because I don’t really have time to do another but I don’t want to get yelled at for choosing something not intended for someone in grade level. (I’m a junior in high school) Reply
What grade would this be suitable for? I want to do it because I don’t really have time to do another but I don’t want to get yelled at for choosing something not intended for someone in grade level. (I’m a junior in high school)
January 18 2015 Dr. Maille Lyons This can be done for several grade levels – the amount of research and the complexity of the project should vary. Reply
This can be done for several grade levels – the amount of research and the complexity of the project should vary.
January 17 2015 ripudaman I need to fiish my science fair by monday and its half my mark so do u think ill be doen by then because im in grade nine andi have like a day and a half plz reply as soon as possible. Reply
I need to fiish my science fair by monday and its half my mark so do u think ill be doen by then because im in grade nine andi have like a day and a half plz reply as soon as possible.
January 18 2015 Dr. Maille Lyons Get started. You should be able to complete it by Monday Reply
Get started. You should be able to complete it by Monday
January 17 2015 ripudaman im in grade 9 and i have 1 day and a half becasue its due monday so do u think ill be done by than? Reply
im in grade 9 and i have 1 day and a half becasue its due monday so do u think ill be done by than?
January 18 2015 Dr. Maille Lyons Yes Reply
Yes
January 17 2015 Ripudaman Why do we hve to do three pennies like for the room temperature and the cold and hot why not just the hot one becasue wont you need a lot of maple syrup for that? Reply
Why do we hve to do three pennies like for the room temperature and the cold and hot why not just the hot one becasue wont you need a lot of maple syrup for that?
January 18 2015 Dr. Maille Lyons You should be using the SAME maple syrup for every temperature – only the temperature (and therefore the viscosity) changes. Three is the standard level of replication in a science experiment. If you don’t do three it will not be technically correct. Reply
You should be using the SAME maple syrup for every temperature – only the temperature (and therefore the viscosity) changes. Three is the standard level of replication in a science experiment. If you don’t do three it will not be technically correct.
January 18 2015 Ripudaman Okay thank you plus I Need a title for this project and I have no idea what to call it plz help! Reply
Okay thank you plus I Need a title for this project and I have no idea what to call it plz help!
January 18 2015 Dr. Maille Lyons The effect of temperature on the viscosity of a fluid (MAKE SURE YOU KNOW WHAT VISCOSITY MEANS) Reply
The effect of temperature on the viscosity of a fluid
(MAKE SURE YOU KNOW WHAT VISCOSITY MEANS)
January 18 2015 Ripudaman Also what if we didn’t take the temperature is that okay will it effect the experiment results? Reply
Also what if we didn’t take the temperature is that okay will it effect the experiment results?
January 18 2015 Dr. Maille Lyons Label the temperature treatments qualitatively…. Room Temp vs. Warm OR Colder than room temperature, Room temperature, and Warmer than Room Temperature or Hot vs. Cold – depending on what you did Reply
Label the temperature treatments qualitatively…. Room Temp vs. Warm OR Colder than room temperature, Room temperature, and Warmer than Room Temperature or Hot vs. Cold – depending on what you did
January 19 2015 Dr. Maille Lyons If you measured “Heat Time” you can also graph heating time (x-axis – proxy for “Temperature”) vs. “Fall Time” (y-axis – time it takes penny to fall). This would be a line graph Reply
If you measured “Heat Time” you can also graph heating time (x-axis – proxy for “Temperature”) vs. “Fall Time” (y-axis – time it takes penny to fall).
This would be a line graph
January 19 2015 Kakashi In what order do i drop the 30 pennies into the syrup Reply
In what order do i drop the 30 pennies into the syrup
January 21 2015 Dr. Maille Lyons Drop and time 3 pennies as fast as you can at each of 10 time points (or 10 temperatures) OR drop and time 10 pennies as fast as you can at each of 3 very different temperatures Reply
Drop and time 3 pennies as fast as you can at each of 10 time points (or 10 temperatures)
OR drop and time 10 pennies as fast as you can at each of 3 very different temperatures
February 18 2015 UMMI What is viscosity Reply
What is viscosity
February 18 2015 Dr. Maille Lyons It’s like “thickness” – fluids that are more viscous, are seen as thicker Reply
It’s like “thickness” – fluids that are more viscous, are seen as thicker
February 18 2015 UMMI What is viscosity please Reply
What is viscosity please
February 23 2015 Sam how does this project contribute to the world??? Reply
how does this project contribute to the world???
February 23 2015 Dr. Maille Lyons It will help you get a good grade which will make you happier which will make the world a nicer place Reply
It will help you get a good grade which will make you happier which will make the world a nicer place
March 8 2015 Adil In this project the control is the trial which is not heated. Do i need to put that somewhere on my board and if i do where? Reply
In this project the control is the trial which is not heated. Do i need to put that somewhere on my board and if i do where?
March 10 2015 Dr. Maille Lyons Yes, I recommend putting that on the board somewhere. Perhaps have a section identifying your independent, dependent and control variables. Reply
Yes, I recommend putting that on the board somewhere. Perhaps have a section identifying your independent, dependent and control variables.
March 14 2015 Joan How many trials would this project have? Reply
How many trials would this project have?
March 14 2015 Amy What would be the average time to drop 3 pennies in 2 minutes and 4 minutes and all the way up to 20 minutes? I cant actually do the experiment so i want your advice. Reply
What would be the average time to drop 3 pennies in 2 minutes and 4 minutes and all the way up to 20 minutes? I cant actually do the experiment so i want your advice.
March 15 2015 Dr. Maille Lyons You need to measure the amount of time it takes for the penny to fall thru the syrup. You drop 3 quickly, then wait a few minutes and drop 3 again. You wait, so the heat has time to change the viscosity and there is a difference in the time it takes the pennies to fall thru it Reply
You need to measure the amount of time it takes for the penny to fall thru the syrup. You drop 3 quickly, then wait a few minutes and drop 3 again. You wait, so the heat has time to change the viscosity and there is a difference in the time it takes the pennies to fall thru it
March 15 2015 Dr. Maille Lyons Each penny you drop is a trial Reply
Each penny you drop is a trial
April 19 2015 taylor Will this project be acceptable for 7th grade Reply
Will this project be acceptable for 7th grade
April 19 2015 Dr. Maille Lyons Depends on your teacher’s expectations and how much research/variation you complete Reply
Depends on your teacher’s expectations and how much research/variation you complete
April 19 2015 taylor Does the pot have to boil before you drop pennies in it Reply
Does the pot have to boil before you drop pennies in it
April 19 2015 Dr. Maille Lyons you don’t want it boiling, just simmering so that it is heating up the maple syrup Reply
you don’t want it boiling, just simmering so that it is heating up the maple syrup
April 20 2015 taylor On the graph what goes on the x and what goes on the y. How would you number it. Reply
On the graph what goes on the x and what goes on the y. How would you number it.
April 20 2015 taylor What is the correct answer because I don’t want my data to be wrong Reply
What is the correct answer because I don’t want my data to be wrong
May 10 2015 Daelen Boggs What are the constants? Reply
What are the constants?
May 12 2015 Dr. Maille Lyons Everything that is not changed between trials/runs during the experiment Reply
Everything that is not changed between trials/runs during the experiment
May 11 2015 Kelly Thank you so much. Got in a pickle when my sons first science project was an epic fail. This saved the day!! One suggestion. Use clear Karo syrup. It’s very thick and inexpensive. You can use the bottle as it comes….You can see the pennies drop and heat the bottle up by setting it in hot water. If you’re will to get rid of a few pennies just throw the whole thing away when you’re done. Much less sticky mess to clean. Good luck. Reply
Thank you so much. Got in a pickle when my sons first science project was an epic fail. This saved the day!! One suggestion. Use clear Karo syrup. It’s very thick and inexpensive. You can use the bottle as it comes….You can see the pennies drop and heat the bottle up by setting it in hot water. If you’re will to get rid of a few pennies just throw the whole thing away when you’re done. Much less sticky mess to clean. Good luck.
May 11 2015 Dr. Maille Lyons Excellent suggestions!! Reply
Excellent suggestions!!
May 15 2015 Daelen This won the overall best project in my whole 8th grade! I spiffed it up a bit, a used corn syrup. Thanks for everything!!! Reply
This won the overall best project in my whole 8th grade! I spiffed it up a bit, a used corn syrup. Thanks for everything!!!
December 17 2016 batman3.0 how did you research for the background info? Reply
how did you research for the background info?
December 18 2016 Dr. Maille Lyons Use the internet to determine why we want to know the effects of temperature on viscosity Reply
Use the internet to determine why we want to know the effects of temperature on viscosity
May 16 2015 samira any alternatives to maple syrup??? Reply
any alternatives to maple syrup???
May 17 2015 Dr. Maille Lyons Yes – see the other comments (e.g. corn syrup; Karo syrup) Reply
Yes – see the other comments (e.g. corn syrup; Karo syrup)
May 25 2015 Ayeeeee-itss-naylaa Can we use Honey also instead of Maple Syrup??????? 🙂 Reply
Can we use Honey also instead of Maple Syrup??????? 🙂
May 26 2015 Dr. Maille Lyons Yes – honey, corn syrup, and/or any other “thick” liquid Reply
Yes – honey, corn syrup, and/or any other “thick” liquid
May 30 2015 Kelly Wanted to thank you again. Got an A. Would have gotten 100 but forgot to list materials on the display board. Lesson learned. Reply
Wanted to thank you again. Got an A. Would have gotten 100 but forgot to list materials on the display board. Lesson learned.
August 23 2015 Quez Thank you 🙂 Reply
Thank you 🙂
October 27 2015 Elijah What do you put in the x axis if your using room temperature to get many different trials Reply
What do you put in the x axis if your using room temperature to get many different trials
October 27 2015 Dr. Maille Lyons Will be temperature if you measured it (e.g. 10, 15, 20, 25 degrees Celsius) it is quantitative and you could be making a bar graph or a line graph; if not (e.g. cold, warm, hot) it is qualitative so you’d be making a bar graph Reply
Will be temperature if you measured it (e.g. 10, 15, 20, 25 degrees Celsius) it is quantitative and you could be making a bar graph or a line graph; if not (e.g. cold, warm, hot) it is qualitative so you’d be making a bar graph
October 27 2015 teyana how would i make the chart or table Reply
how would i make the chart or table
October 28 2015 Dr. Maille Lyons Here is a free program that allows you to print a graph: https://nces.ed.gov/nceskids/createagraph/ Reply
Here is a free program that allows you to print a graph:
https://nces.ed.gov/nceskids/createagraph/
November 3 2015 Dan Ramirez Could you tell me what the problem statement would be for this project? Reply
Could you tell me what the problem statement would be for this project?
November 4 2015 Dr. Maille Lyons Read some of the other responses – it will depend on what your teacher is asking for. The basic “problem” is you don’t really know the relationship between viscosity and temperature, so you will be investigating it. You can write about oil spills in different geographical areas (Alaska vs. Gulf of Mexico) for an important application of the experiment. Reply
Read some of the other responses – it will depend on what your teacher is asking for. The basic “problem” is you don’t really know the relationship between viscosity and temperature, so you will be investigating it. You can write about oil spills in different geographical areas (Alaska vs. Gulf of Mexico) for an important application of the experiment.
November 8 2015 Daniel howell What if we don’t have a Thermometer?? Reply
What if we don’t have a Thermometer??
November 9 2015 Dr. Maille Lyons You can also use “time” on the x-axis, because the longer you heat the syrup, the “warmer” it will become. Reply
You can also use “time” on the x-axis, because the longer you heat the syrup, the “warmer” it will become.
November 21 2015 S.URE I know this is very bad but my science fair project is due Monday and I haven’t started whatsoever. I know that this project will work, but I am confused. You fill a glass container with maple syrup and then put that container on simmering water over the stove. Do you want the water to be like half way up the glass container? Or… Anyways, after putting the container in the water do you put the penny in the container and time then? Reply
I know this is very bad but my science fair project is due Monday and I haven’t started whatsoever. I know that this project will work, but I am confused. You fill a glass container with maple syrup and then put that container on simmering water over the stove. Do you want the water to be like half way up the glass container? Or… Anyways, after putting the container in the water do you put the penny in the container and time then?
November 22 2015 Dr. Maille Lyons The water does not need to be half way up; only 2 inches or so. The idea is that the syrup starts out cold (or room temp) and will be “thick” (or viscous). As the water in the pan heats the syrup in the glass container the syrup will slowly “thin out” (reduce viscosity). The difference in the time it takes the pennies to fall through the syrup is a measure of how thick/thin the syrup is. So you can evaluate the effect of temperature (if you have a thermometer, if not this variable is time because the longer the syrup is heated, the “more” temperature – i.e. the warmer – the syrup is) on viscosity. Graph either temperature (or time heated) on the x-axis and time for falling on the y-axis – does the line go up? or down? or is it flat? or is it random (no trend)?? Reply
The water does not need to be half way up; only 2 inches or so. The idea is that the syrup starts out cold (or room temp) and will be “thick” (or viscous). As the water in the pan heats the syrup in the glass container the syrup will slowly “thin out” (reduce viscosity).
The difference in the time it takes the pennies to fall through the syrup is a measure of how thick/thin the syrup is. So you can evaluate the effect of temperature (if you have a thermometer, if not this variable is time because the longer the syrup is heated, the “more” temperature – i.e. the warmer – the syrup is) on viscosity.
Graph either temperature (or time heated) on the x-axis and time for falling on the y-axis – does the line go up? or down? or is it flat? or is it random (no trend)??
November 28 2015 maria What category would this project be classified under? thanks!! Reply
What category would this project be classified under? thanks!!
November 29 2015 Dr. Maille Lyons Physical Science Reply
Physical Science
November 29 2015 Sam Harris Hi Dr. Lyons, I understand the experiment for the most part but I was wondering if you could help me come up with a reason this would matter in the real world (besides helping my grade lol). I understand what viscosity is and you said something about how it can affect plankton but I just need more insight on that. I get that plankton are very small and the ocean is viscous to them but I just dont know what temperature has to do with it. You also said something about oil spills I just need to know how knowing the relation between temp and vis. can help with that. You are my last hope and any help is greatly appreciated!! Reply
Hi Dr. Lyons, I understand the experiment for the most part but I was wondering if you could help me come up with a reason this would matter in the real world (besides helping my grade lol). I understand what viscosity is and you said something about how it can affect plankton but I just need more insight on that. I get that plankton are very small and the ocean is viscous to them but I just dont know what temperature has to do with it. You also said something about oil spills I just need to know how knowing the relation between temp and vis. can help with that. You are my last hope and any help is greatly appreciated!!
November 29 2015 Dr. Maille Lyons OK – think about the plankton – they need sunlight to photosynthesize – the sunlight only penetrates the top layers of the ocean – so if global temperatures were to rise, the ocean would be warmer. And if it were warmer, then it would be less viscous. And if the water is less viscous, then the plankton – who need it to be viscous in order to say in those upper layers, might fall out of the top layers – then they can’t photosynthesize – so they die. And the primary production that supports the base of the food web, would lessen. No photosynthesis… no zooplankton… no fish larvae… no fish. For oil spills – compare the environmental impacts of the Exxon Valdez spill (in very cold water in Alaska) to the BP platform disaster in the Gulf of Mexico (very warm water). Where did oil do more damage? Where is oil still present? Why is it harder to clean one spot compared to other?? Reply
OK – think about the plankton – they need sunlight to photosynthesize – the sunlight only penetrates the top layers of the ocean – so if global temperatures were to rise, the ocean would be warmer. And if it were warmer, then it would be less viscous. And if the water is less viscous, then the plankton – who need it to be viscous in order to say in those upper layers, might fall out of the top layers – then they can’t photosynthesize – so they die. And the primary production that supports the base of the food web, would lessen. No photosynthesis… no zooplankton… no fish larvae… no fish.
For oil spills – compare the environmental impacts of the Exxon Valdez spill (in very cold water in Alaska) to the BP platform disaster in the Gulf of Mexico (very warm water). Where did oil do more damage? Where is oil still present? Why is it harder to clean one spot compared to other??
December 12 2016 kayla you have no clue how you saved my life i only had 2 days to complete and did got an A THANK YOU SOO MUCH Reply
you have no clue how you saved my life i only had 2 days to complete and did got an A THANK YOU SOO MUCH
November 29 2015 ig @plaiin.shxne ;) Thank you sooo much you are a phenomenal human being you have no idea how much you helped:))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))) Reply
Thank you sooo much you are a phenomenal human being you have no idea how much you helped:)))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))
November 30 2015 Pedro Enriquez What is being compared? Reply
What is being compared?
December 1 2015 Dr. Maille Lyons The rate at which the penny falls for different temperatures (i.e. different viscosity) Reply
The rate at which the penny falls for different temperatures (i.e. different viscosity)
December 1 2015 Laci I did this experiment a month ago, just trying to finish up the board for it. My AP Environmental teacher gave us a layout, and there are two sections I am struggling with. Normally the Background Research is easy to write up, but since I am writing it after the fact, any research I search for contradicts the hypothesis I chose (purposefully chose the incorrect hypothesis to have errors to talk about in the conclusion). Any suggestions? Maybe I could put in information on research between cheaper syrups vs. more expensive syrups, but is that adequate enough? Also Future Directions, it is the last thing on the layout, and I have never heard of it and can’t find much for it. Do you have a better understanding of what goes under this subheading? Thanks, Laci Reply
I did this experiment a month ago, just trying to finish up the board for it. My AP Environmental teacher gave us a layout, and there are two sections I am struggling with. Normally the Background Research is easy to write up, but since I am writing it after the fact, any research I search for contradicts the hypothesis I chose (purposefully chose the incorrect hypothesis to have errors to talk about in the conclusion). Any suggestions? Maybe I could put in information on research between cheaper syrups vs. more expensive syrups, but is that adequate enough? Also Future Directions, it is the last thing on the layout, and I have never heard of it and can’t find much for it. Do you have a better understanding of what goes under this subheading?
Thanks, Laci
December 1 2015 Dr. Maille Lyons Do your best on the background… there is a reason it is done “first” – scientists don’t usually pick the counter-intuitive option just to have something to write about… You could describe the background information and claim you just didn’t believe it – so you wanted to confirm it ??? Future Directions: The teacher is most likely looking for what would be the next experiment, based on what you did. It shows you understand all science is based on previously done science – it’s a slow, methodical, iterative process. Here you could talk about evaluating cheap vs. expensive syrups. That would be a good “next” experiment. You could also talk about different fluids or different ways to change viscosity or dropping different objects. Reply
Do your best on the background… there is a reason it is done “first” – scientists don’t usually pick the counter-intuitive option just to have something to write about… You could describe the background information and claim you just didn’t believe it – so you wanted to confirm it ???
Future Directions: The teacher is most likely looking for what would be the next experiment, based on what you did. It shows you understand all science is based on previously done science – it’s a slow, methodical, iterative process. Here you could talk about evaluating cheap vs. expensive syrups. That would be a good “next” experiment. You could also talk about different fluids or different ways to change viscosity or dropping different objects.
December 1 2015 LateStarter From what height above the maple syrup should I drop the penny from? And also can I make that a part of my project – dropping it at different heights? Reply
From what height above the maple syrup should I drop the penny from? And also can I make that a part of my project – dropping it at different heights?
December 1 2015 Dr. Maille Lyons Start by dropping it from just above the surface of the syrup. You could try different heights, I am not sure if you will be able to measure a difference but it would be an interesting variation. Reply
Start by dropping it from just above the surface of the syrup. You could try different heights, I am not sure if you will be able to measure a difference but it would be an interesting variation.
December 1 2015 Oscar what would be the summary of all of the project from beginning to end? Reply
what would be the summary of all of the project from beginning to end?
December 1 2015 Dr. Maille Lyons summarize the project – yes the whole thing – as a summary Reply
summarize the project – yes the whole thing – as a summary
December 1 2015 Oscar Diaz Hey, can you please tell me what the abstract is ? I believe is like a summary Reply
Hey, can you please tell me what the abstract is ? I believe is like a summary
December 1 2015 Dr. Maille Lyons yes – it is a fancy word for summary Reply
yes – it is a fancy word for summary
December 3 2015 Help me please am I able to use a plastic container Reply
am I able to use a plastic container
December 6 2015 Dr. Maille Lyons I would not recommend plastic. Reply
I would not recommend plastic.
December 7 2015 tamya so do you have to actually do that procedures if your in a rush or do you just write it down and if you do just write it down can you show your results and the data take and some reasearch Reply
so do you have to actually do that procedures if your in a rush or do you just write it down and if you do just write it down can you show your results and the data take and some reasearch
December 9 2015 Dr. Maille Lyons No; you need to do the experiment to get the data 🙂 Reply
No; you need to do the experiment to get the data 🙂
December 13 2015 Dr. Matthew Huff I would like to commend you on the creativity of the project considering it takes only an hour 🙂 Reply
I would like to commend you on the creativity of the project considering it takes only an hour 🙂
January 3 2016 Brooke Morgan Thank you for all the information! Really a life-saver. I have a question, I am in 7th grade and in my science fair requirements it is stated that I need to list any formulas that are used in this project. What would they be? Reply
Thank you for all the information! Really a life-saver. I have a question, I am in 7th grade and in my science fair requirements it is stated that I need to list any formulas that are used in this project. What would they be?
January 3 2016 Dr. Maille Lyons You could include a formula for how to actually calculate viscosity, but it’s fairly complicated and then you’d have to explain it… You could include: Speed of penny falling = Distance fell (size of column of syrup) divided by time to hit bottom (if you calculated it). Otherwise, you didn’t rely on any formulas like a chemistry project might (e.g. chemical equation) Reply
You could include a formula for how to actually calculate viscosity, but it’s fairly complicated and then you’d have to explain it…
You could include: Speed of penny falling = Distance fell (size of column of syrup) divided by time to hit bottom (if you calculated it).
Otherwise, you didn’t rely on any formulas like a chemistry project might (e.g. chemical equation)
January 3 2016 kaylin when you say the more reaserch you do the higher the grade level, what do you recomend to reserch? Reply
when you say the more reaserch you do the higher the grade level, what do you recomend to reserch?
January 5 2016 Dr. Maille Lyons Google viscosity, learn about viscosity and temperature, figure out why this data would be important and to whom, etc. The older you are the more background reading you should do. Reply
Google viscosity, learn about viscosity and temperature, figure out why this data would be important and to whom, etc. The older you are the more background reading you should do.
January 4 2016 Somaya I did not hear a clink when the penny dropped no matter how hard I tried… is there any other way i could time the fall? Reply
I did not hear a clink when the penny dropped no matter how hard I tried… is there any other way i could time the fall?
January 5 2016 Dr. Maille Lyons Try clear corn syrup and stop timing when you see the penny get to the bottom. Reply
Try clear corn syrup and stop timing when you see the penny get to the bottom.
February 1 2016 Amanda We have used this idea as a basis for my son’s project. We replaced the syrup with salt water and the pennies with smaller, lighter beads. The purpose is to find out if Global warming heating up the water affects how small organisms such as baby fish swim or sink. When water heats up it becomes harder for the small organisms to float or swim causing them to sink. This affects marine life because these small organisms cannot survive in the deeper water where there are more predictors and less food such as plankton due to a lack of sunlight. Do you think we are on the right track? Reply
We have used this idea as a basis for my son’s project. We replaced the syrup with salt water and the pennies with smaller, lighter beads. The purpose is to find out if Global warming heating up the water affects how small organisms such as baby fish swim or sink. When water heats up it becomes harder for the small organisms to float or swim causing them to sink. This affects marine life because these small organisms cannot survive in the deeper water where there are more predictors and less food such as plankton due to a lack of sunlight. Do you think we are on the right track?
February 2 2016 Dr. Maille Lyons Great ideas… but it will be VERY, VERY difficult to measure the differences in viscosity of salt water as a function of temperature. You should use the syrup because the idea is the same (warmer = less viscous) and then relate the results to the small organisms. However, keep in mind that with LESS viscosity (i.e. less thick) it will not be “harder” to swim. In theory it will be easier (think about it on human scale – would it be easier to run through water (less thick) or syrup (more thick). The issue will be the sink/float. In theory it could be much harder for small organisms to stay in the sun-light upper waters of the ocean if they keep sinking because the fluid is less thick. For phytoplankton (need sun to photosynthesize) this could spell death. And then if no (or less) phytoplankton that serve as the base of the aquatic food web… it could lead to less zooplankton, less larval fish, etc….. which could eventually lead to less fish and less top predators. Reply
Great ideas… but it will be VERY, VERY difficult to measure the differences in viscosity of salt water as a function of temperature. You should use the syrup because the idea is the same (warmer = less viscous) and then relate the results to the small organisms.
However, keep in mind that with LESS viscosity (i.e. less thick) it will not be “harder” to swim. In theory it will be easier (think about it on human scale – would it be easier to run through water (less thick) or syrup (more thick). The issue will be the sink/float. In theory it could be much harder for small organisms to stay in the sun-light upper waters of the ocean if they keep sinking because the fluid is less thick. For phytoplankton (need sun to photosynthesize) this could spell death. And then if no (or less) phytoplankton that serve as the base of the aquatic food web… it could lead to less zooplankton, less larval fish, etc….. which could eventually lead to less fish and less top predators.
February 3 2016 Amanda Thank you so much for your response. Before I heard back from you we had already done the project using salt water made with sea salt. It actually worked really well and showed a steady increase in the speed at which objects sank to the bottom as the liquid got hotter. My son is 10 and had so much fun with this project. Thank you so much for the ideas. Reply
Thank you so much for your response. Before I heard back from you we had already done the project using salt water made with sea salt. It actually worked really well and showed a steady increase in the speed at which objects sank to the bottom as the liquid got hotter. My son is 10 and had so much fun with this project. Thank you so much for the ideas.
April 18 2017 Dankegg what if I do Amanda’s idea but add ice to show the viscosity am I going to do fine am I on track and is this an ok safe substitute project can you try my project and at the bottom reply to my other questions and comments and say if this experiment still shows viscosity please answer this question by Friday, April 20- 2017 thanks and seriously any time before would be so much easier though because I must start my project soon for my results for the graph and my hopefully A+ diorama pls answer soon. #Busy stressed #science fair #thanks Dr. Maille Lyons Reply
what if I do Amanda’s idea but add ice to show the viscosity am I going to do fine am I on track and is this an ok safe substitute project can you try my project and at the bottom reply to my other questions and comments and say if this experiment still shows viscosity please answer this question by Friday, April 20- 2017 thanks and seriously any time before would be so much easier though because I must start my project soon for my results for the graph and my hopefully A+ diorama pls answer soon. #Busy stressed #science fair #thanks Dr. Maille Lyons
April 19 2017 Dr. Maille Lyons Yes – complete the experiment with room temperature syrup and compare it with syrup that has been in the refrigerator for at least one day. There should be a big enough difference in viscosity to slow down the pennies. You will make a bar graph (not a line graph) with the two conditions (room temp and cold) on the x-axis and average time of pennies on the y-axis. Reply
Yes – complete the experiment with room temperature syrup and compare it with syrup that has been in the refrigerator for at least one day. There should be a big enough difference in viscosity to slow down the pennies. You will make a bar graph (not a line graph) with the two conditions (room temp and cold) on the x-axis and average time of pennies on the y-axis.
February 1 2016 Nicole Carnero I think that most of us who are in high school can say that you’re more than a life saver, you are my absolute favorite person in the entire universe, thank you too very much Reply
I think that most of us who are in high school can say that you’re more than a life saver, you are my absolute favorite person in the entire universe, thank you too very much
February 2 2016 Dr. Maille Lyons You are welcome 🙂 Reply
You are welcome 🙂
February 1 2016 NeedHelpQuick Someone, please help! My project’s deadline was moved to tomorrow! I can’t do the experiment. My parents won’t let me. They’re too busy to do it for me too. They keep telling me to do something else that doesn’t include using a stove. What should I do? It’s 9:20 p.m and I am supposed to sleep before 11. Reply
Someone, please help! My project’s deadline was moved to tomorrow! I can’t do the experiment. My parents won’t let me. They’re too busy to do it for me too. They keep telling me to do something else that doesn’t include using a stove. What should I do? It’s 9:20 p.m and I am supposed to sleep before 11.
February 2 2016 Dr. Maille Lyons Look at the paper airplanes project Reply
Look at the paper airplanes project
April 13 2016 Dankegg How doew this experiment effect the world Reply
How doew this experiment effect the world
April 14 2016 Dr. Maille Lyons You will get decent grade, you become happy, world is better 🙂 If that’s not enough … research cleaning up oil spills in cold vs. warm climates/areas – for example the BP Oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico vs. the Exxon Valdez Oil Spill in Alaska – which was easier to clean ? why? … why is temperature and viscosity important as applied to that? Reply
You will get decent grade, you become happy, world is better 🙂
If that’s not enough … research cleaning up oil spills in cold vs. warm climates/areas – for example the BP Oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico vs. the Exxon Valdez Oil Spill in Alaska – which was easier to clean ? why? … why is temperature and viscosity important as applied to that?
April 17 2016 hhhh hello can you tell what you got for the graph, like did the line go up or down FOR YOU? i just want to compare what you got and what i got thank you Reply
hello can you tell what you got for the graph, like did the line go up or down FOR YOU? i just want to compare what you got and what i got thank you
April 18 2016 Dr. Maille Lyons No – do the work and the graph will be obvious Reply
No – do the work and the graph will be obvious
April 21 2016 calo i luv this web it helped me a lot Reply
i luv this web it helped me a lot
April 28 2016 Marissa Hi, so my project is due tomorrow, like most of the people on here, and I have done the project and I have my numbers, but I am just so confused on how I am supposed to do the graph. I understand how to do a line graph, but how do I place my information? Do I put the average time out of each trail or should I make like 5 different graphs? I know this is supposed to be easy, but I just don’t get the set up graph… please help me! Reply
Hi, so my project is due tomorrow, like most of the people on here, and I have done the project and I have my numbers, but I am just so confused on how I am supposed to do the graph. I understand how to do a line graph, but how do I place my information? Do I put the average time out of each trail or should I make like 5 different graphs? I know this is supposed to be easy, but I just don’t get the set up graph… please help me!
May 8 2016 Dr. Maille Lyons Put the average time Reply
Put the average time
April 28 2016 Marissa what is “heat time” Reply
what is “heat time”
May 8 2016 Dr. Maille Lyons The amount of time the syrup has been heating Reply
The amount of time the syrup has been heating
May 8 2016 Marissa I can’t hear the penny dropping!! help Reply
I can’t hear the penny dropping!! help
May 8 2016 Dr. Maille Lyons Then watch it… Reply
Then watch it…
November 6 2016 emerson i need to put the purpose of my experiment and i don’t know what it is. so whats the purpose of this experiment Reply
i need to put the purpose of my experiment and i don’t know what it is. so whats the purpose of this experiment
November 7 2016 Dr. Maille Lyons To determine the effect of temperature on viscosity of fluids. Research: oil spills in polar vs. tropical environments Reply
To determine the effect of temperature on viscosity of fluids. Research: oil spills in polar vs. tropical environments
November 17 2016 Heidee what could be a good science fair tittle for this project I need an answer asap please thank you very much for your help Reply
what could be a good science fair tittle for this project I need an answer asap please thank you very much for your help
November 18 2016 Dr. Maille Lyons The effect of temperature on viscosity of a fluid. Reply
The effect of temperature on viscosity of a fluid.
November 29 2016 spooderman Thank you so much!! you’re a life saver!!! I’m absolutely terrible at hands on assignments i appreciate this very much. There is also step by step instructions omg!!!!!! Reply
Thank you so much!! you’re a life saver!!! I’m absolutely terrible at hands on assignments i appreciate this very much. There is also step by step instructions omg!!!!!!
December 12 2016 Adnahs I have just read through all of the comments. You must excel at patience! I have been amazed, and am grateful for this idea and all of the suggestions and help you have given since posting this idea. Thank you so much for helping parents of forgetful and procrastinating kids everywhere! Reply
I have just read through all of the comments. You must excel at patience! I have been amazed, and am grateful for this idea and all of the suggestions and help you have given since posting this idea. Thank you so much for helping parents of forgetful and procrastinating kids everywhere!
December 12 2016 Dr. Maille Lyons 🙂 Reply
December 17 2016 batman3.0 for the background informatíon of my scince fair project what should i do? Reply
for the background informatíon of my scince fair project what should i do?
December 18 2016 Dr. Maille Lyons Google viscosity. Find out why it’s important with regards to oil spills in cold vs. warm ecosystems (e.g. Valdez Oil spill vs. Gulf of Mexico pipeline blowout). Reply
Google viscosity. Find out why it’s important with regards to oil spills in cold vs. warm ecosystems (e.g. Valdez Oil spill vs. Gulf of Mexico pipeline blowout).
December 18 2016 batman3.0 thank you your a life saver Reply
thank you your a life saver
December 17 2016 batman3.0 when we drop each penny do we take it out before dropping another one? Reply
when we drop each penny do we take it out before dropping another one?
December 18 2016 Dr. Maille Lyons No need to Reply
No need to
December 18 2016 Anonymous4099 What are the pennies doing in the experiment Reply
What are the pennies doing in the experiment
December 19 2016 Dr. Maille Lyons The pennies are timed as they fall through the syrup at different viscosities. They are a way to show temperature has an effect on viscosity. It does not have to be a penny – you could use marbles, washers, dimes, etc. Whatever you drop, must be the same for the basic experiment. Reply
The pennies are timed as they fall through the syrup at different viscosities. They are a way to show temperature has an effect on viscosity. It does not have to be a penny – you could use marbles, washers, dimes, etc. Whatever you drop, must be the same for the basic experiment.
January 8 2017 Dood Question. If you dont have a thermometer what do u do? Reply
Question. If you dont have a thermometer what do u do?
January 9 2017 Dr. Maille Lyons Pick a different project Reply
Pick a different project
February 22 2017 Kami My project was due today and I got another day to do it. I procrastinated and forgot to do it and this was a LIFE SAVER. Thank you! Reply
My project was due today and I got another day to do it. I procrastinated and forgot to do it and this was a LIFE SAVER. Thank you!
March 3 2017 Chelsea im just tryna get through grade 12 here with my buddy, and you just saved our lives with this science fair project. Thanks man, you da real MVP. Reply
im just tryna get through grade 12 here with my buddy, and you just saved our lives with this science fair project. Thanks man, you da real MVP.
March 5 2017 Dr. Maille Lyons Glad to help (FYI… I am not a man :)) Reply
Glad to help (FYI… I am not a man :))
April 16 2017 Jordan I’m really in a rush and won’t be able to the actual experiment. If possible, could you please give me the information to put into the graph?? Reply
I’m really in a rush and won’t be able to the actual experiment. If possible, could you please give me the information to put into the graph??
April 19 2017 Dr. Maille Lyons no Reply
April 18 2017 yoda how can you make this safer and what are the materials for this I want the a and that’s why I’m wondering sorry Reply
how can you make this safer and what are the materials for this I want the a and that’s why I’m wondering sorry
April 19 2017 Dr. Maille Lyons Instead of using a stove to heat up the syrup, you could use time in the refrigerator to cool the syrup down. You should still see a difference between room temperature and refrigerator cold. Reply
Instead of using a stove to heat up the syrup, you could use time in the refrigerator to cool the syrup down. You should still see a difference between room temperature and refrigerator cold.
May 1 2017 Alex “This project is not going to win any fair” Just got Teacher’s Choice. All in the presentation folks Reply
“This project is not going to win any fair” Just got Teacher’s Choice. All in the presentation folks
May 2 2017 Dr. Maille Lyons Well done – it’s a unique project and if you did it well, you deserve the accolades! Reply
Well done – it’s a unique project and if you did it well, you deserve the accolades!
May 3 2017 Alex Thanks so much, btw! Reply
Thanks so much, btw!
May 15 2017 Caleb how many times do you test this? Reply
how many times do you test this?
May 16 2017 Dr. Maille Lyons You can do the experiment 1 time, the pennies represent the level of replication Reply
You can do the experiment 1 time, the pennies represent the level of replication
October 26 2017 G Rae You are wonderfully patient with questions, I just giggled when reading many of them. Kudos to you for helping many struggling students without being snarky. Reply
You are wonderfully patient with questions, I just giggled when reading many of them.
Kudos to you for helping many struggling students without being snarky.
October 29 2017 Dr. Maille Lyons 🙂 Reply
November 10 2017 Jordan What is the purpose of this project? Reply
What is the purpose of this project?
November 10 2017 Dr. Maille Lyons generally the purpose was to provide you will something that should get you a passing grade Reply
generally the purpose was to provide you will something that should get you a passing grade
November 10 2017 Anon I’m trying to find information on how viscosity affects small marine life bit i’m having trouble finding any information on that subject. Also, thank you for all your help, this saved me. Reply
I’m trying to find information on how viscosity affects small marine life bit i’m having trouble finding any information on that subject. Also, thank you for all your help, this saved me.
November 10 2017 Dr. Maille Lyons google: viscosity and plankton; several links come up. Also try plankton, sinking, shapes, and viscosity Reply
google: viscosity and plankton; several links come up. Also try plankton, sinking, shapes, and viscosity
January 21 2018 Paige I dont know if you answered this but what science fair category would this project be related to? Reply
I dont know if you answered this but what science fair category would this project be related to?
January 21 2018 Dr. Maille Lyons Physical Sciences Reply
Physical Sciences
January 21 2018 Paige Thank you so much you helped a ton 🙂 Reply
Thank you so much you helped a ton 🙂
February 5 2018 anooooooon pro How should i write out the hypothesis with the second choice of options. (Project due tomorrow, need to be answered quickly) Reply
How should i write out the hypothesis with the second choice of options. (Project due tomorrow, need to be answered quickly)
February 8 2018 Dr. Maille Lyons sorry I try to answer quickly, but I don’t monitor comments every day Reply
sorry I try to answer quickly, but I don’t monitor comments every day
May 7 2018 biggie cheese what would i have to do with my data should a penny go down faster then that would make my data go up in an line graph Reply
what would i have to do with my data should a penny go down faster then that would make my data go up in an line graph
May 7 2018 Dr. Maille Lyons If the penny goes down faster, then the liquid was less viscous (i.e. “thinner” so easier for the penny to drop through). If the penny goes FASTER, the time should be LESS, so your line should go DOWN not up. Reply
If the penny goes down faster, then the liquid was less viscous (i.e. “thinner” so easier for the penny to drop through). If the penny goes FASTER, the time should be LESS, so your line should go DOWN not up.
May 8 2018 what a guy question wouldn’t the maple syrup just stick to the glass or the pot as it gets heated??? Reply
question wouldn’t the maple syrup just stick to the glass or the pot as it gets heated???
May 8 2018 Dr. Maille Lyons When? after the experiment? – maybe but just wash it out with soap and water… Not during… the syrup is in the glass and the glass is in the pot. Reply
When? after the experiment? – maybe but just wash it out with soap and water…
Not during… the syrup is in the glass and the glass is in the pot.
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About my blog… The Science Fair has become a competitive sport and well-coached kids increase their odds of success. This blog is designed to help parents, teachers, and other mentors become better coaches for students wanting to successfully compete in a Science Fair. Throughout the website, you’ll see many sports-themed analogies because I want to connect science with something that might be more familiar – sports. You can follow me on Twitter @ScienceFairInfo
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