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What science project should I do?

Q. I have to do a science project for grade 7 (junior high). I was thinking about doing my science fair on how soda dissolves a penny, and then comparing how long it took for darker soda to dissolve a penny vs. how long it takes with light soda. But then I was thinking about Comparing soda to vinegar ⇦in bulk on eBay or Amazon [affil links] . What do you think would be best?

Jennie E [surname deleted for privacy by Editor]
Student - Canada
February 3, 2011

A. Hi, Jennie.

One of the great scientists was Charles Darwin. I often tell students what he had to say on this subject, which was, paraphrasing: "To conduct science without an objective is like wasting your life going down into a gravel pit every day and categorizing each piece of gravel by color and shape."

If dark soda dissolves a penny faster than light soda or vinegar, following Darwin's quote, so what? Please think about something that you would like to learn, do, or achieve -- and then the readers, your teacher, your librarian and/or your parents can help you design an experiment that you will value.

If you decide that your objective for this round will just be to practice laboratory method and gain competence, then use tinsnips to cut a penny from after 1982 into pie slices for your test and please see our FAQ: What Cleans Pennies Best because it explains lab books and observations and hypothesis, etc. -- basically how to approach your experiment. Good luck.

Regards,

Ted Mooney, P.E.
Striving to live Aloha
finishing.com - Pine Beach, New Jersey
February 3, 2011