hypothesis:
Our hypothesis is that when adding paper clips on a paper helicopter it will increase the speed that it falls at. in order to test this we will create an experiment that will only change an independent variable (the amount of paper clips on the helicopter).
Equipment and what it will be used for:
paper clips, ruler, clamp, stand, stopwatch and paper. The ruler is to measure the height of which the paper helicopter drops at. Paper clips is to add onto the the weight of the helicopter. The clamp and stand is to support and hold the ruler in an accurate position. The stopwatch is to measure the time at which the helicopter falls. The paper is to make the helicopter and to record the results.
establishing causality:
All the variables that must be controlled are: the shape of the helicopter, the height of the drop (altitude) and the way in which it is dropped. the reason for controlling these variables is that without keeping each of them the same the experiment would no longer be accurate. if the height was changed the distance of the plane would increase, affecting the time. if the shape of the helicopter was changed it may change speed of which it falls, and finally the way it is dropped , if it is thrown the first time then lightly let go the second it is precise therefore inaccurate. in order to keep these variables the same i will introduce equipment to stop any changes.
summary:
My summary on this experiment is that the more paper clips added the faster the fall.
risk assessment:
the potential risks that may be involved in the experiments are: getting paper cuts, and the paper being teared meaning that i will need to make the exact replica (weight,shape..) to not affect changes in results.
June 23, 2016 at 10:47 am
Great start. You’ve state what equipment you need and what you need it for. But you haven’t stated WHY you need that particular piece of equipment and explained this in term of accuracy and precision. An example of this would be to say that you need a metre ruler graduated in millimetres because this will increase the precision of you measurements. See Nefer-Ras Student Journal for more ideas. He’s done some of this really well. Drop him a comment too.
June 30, 2016 at 7:34 pm
Now this is what I’m talking about!
First- I love the sections. Makes it really clear.
Next- you’ve accurately stated the controlled variables and said they why the will affect the outcomes. In order to unlock Establishing Causality, though, you’ll need to state HOW they might affect your measurements. For example: if variable x increases, will measurement Y go up? Or will it go down? Perhaps you’ll need to chat to me about that. Or do some more research!
As ever- let’s beaten up the sentences and do some proof reading. Can’t wait to see it finished.
Critchley out!