MUG LAB: 6th period

PROBLEM: How can I increase the performance of a
mug?
QUESTION: What one variable can I change that will
decrease the mean range of temperatures of the water in the mug?

HYPOTHESIS: If I wrap aluminum foil around the mug then the mean range of temperatures will decrease.

PROCEDURES: (write step by step procedures to test the independent variable.)

Materials
· Aluminum foil
· Mug
· Hot water (coffee maker or tea kettle to heat water)
· Watch or clock with a second hand
· Thermometer
· Hot hands

STEP BY STEP PROCEDURES
CONTROL Trials
Mark a line on the mug to where you will fill it up each time.
Heat some water. Make sure you always use the same heater so that the water always starts at the same temperature.
Pour the water into the mug up to the line.
Put in the thermometer and read the temperature. This is the starting point.
Take the temperature of the water every 15 seconds and record it in a data table.
Continue for 3 minutes. (this is 180 seconds).
Repeat the procedure 4 more times for a total of 5 trials.

Experimental Trials
Wrap the mug in aluminum foil.
Mark a line on the mug to where you will fill it up each time.
Heat some water. Make sure you always use the same heater so that the water always starts at the same temperature.
Pour the water into the mug up to the line.
Put in the thermometer and read the temperature. This is the starting point.
Take the temperature of the water every 15 seconds and record it in a data table.
Continue for 3 minutes. (this is 180 seconds).
Repeat the procedure 4 more times for a total of 5 trials.

RESULTS
Analyze the data by finding the mean range for each set of trials (Control and Experimental). Find the mean range by finding the mean temperature for each time point for each set of trials.

Graph the mean temperatures on a double line graph.
Calculate the mean range for each set of trials.

CONCLUSION