📖

Paper Towel Challenge

The Scientific Method

Day 8of 180
Week 2of 36
40Minutes
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🖨️ Download Worksheet (PDF)
🎯 What You'll Learn

Learning Objectives

1

Understand and apply all steps of the scientific method

2

Conduct a controlled experiment to test absorbency

3

Develop careful observation and measurement skills

📖 Scripture Connection

Proverbs 2:6

“For Yahweh gives wisdom. Out of his mouth comes knowledge and understanding.”

— Proverbs 2:6 (WEB)

Just as God provides wisdom for scientific discovery, careful observation and logical thinking help us understand His created world

📦 Materials Needed

  • 3-4 different brands of paper towels
  • Measuring cup
  • Water
  • Ruler
  • Science journal
  • Pencil
  • Tray or large plastic container
📚 Step-by-Step

Lesson Plan

1Opening (5 min)

Review previous day's hypothesis-making lesson and introduce today's paper towel experiment

💭 Review Question: What makes a good scientific hypothesis?
2Teaching (10 min)

Explain experiment setup and scientific method steps

📌 Key Talking Points:
  • Review scientific method steps
  • Discuss what makes a fair test
  • Demonstrate proper measurement techniques
💬 Discussion Questions:
  • What might change our results?
  • How can we make our experiment fair?
3Activity: Paper Towel Absorbency Challenge (20 min)
hands-on

Students will systematically test different paper towel brands to determine most absorbent

📝 Instructions:
  1. Cut equal-sized squares from each paper towel brand
  2. Measure and record starting dry weight
  3. Pour exact amount of water onto each towel
  4. Measure and record water absorbed
  5. Compare and record results in science journal
🔄 Variations:

Simpler: Use fewer paper towel brands

Challenge: Calculate percentage of water absorbed

4Closing (5 min)

Discuss initial findings and prepare for next day's data analysis

📝 Review Questions:
  • What did you observe?
  • Were your initial predictions correct?

Coming up: Tomorrow we'll create graphs to show our paper towel experiment results

👨‍👩‍👧 For Parents

Teaching Notes

📚 Background:

This lesson builds systematic thinking and observation skills

💡 Teaching Tips:
  • Emphasize careful measurement
  • Let child lead the experiment
  • Avoid correcting every small mistake
🤔 Common Struggles:

Children might get excited and rush measurements

👀 Signs of Understanding:

Careful observation, systematic approach

🚀 Want More?

Extension Activities

  • Research different paper towel manufacturing processes
  • Compare cost-effectiveness of different brands
  • Create a presentation about experiment results

Ready for Tomorrow?

Great job completing today's lesson!

Continue to Day 9 →Back to Science