Name: Mahek, Hirvi, Cameron and Rogan

SNC2D0 Scientific Investigations Skills Date: 2022/02/15

Exploring Scientific Method: Waltzing Corn Kernels

Learning Goals: I can develop and apply my scientific investigations skills to solve real-world problems

Go to this link: https://bit.ly/3B80Di1

Pre-observation experiment: (to explore the problem/situation so that you may establish a baseline knowledge of it)

Pre-observation table: note what you observe while exploring

- Measuring the time it takes for one corn kernel to hit the bottom of a cup.
- Measurements: 200mL of water, 40mL of vinegar, ½ tbsp of baking soda, 3 tsp of corn kernels.

Questions – science starts when we ask questions (come up with questions associated with water bottles & liquids)

1. How does the amount of solute (baking soda) affect the time it takes for at least one corn kernel to hit the base of
a cup?
2. How do the different volumes of solvents (water or vinegar) affect the speed of the corn kernels, to hit the base of
a cup?
3. How does the ratio between the measures of water and vinegar affect the time it takes for a corn kernel to hit the
base of a cup?
4. How does the quantity of corn kernels impact its time to hit the base of a cup?
5. How does the height of the cup impact the speed of the corn kernels to sink to the bottom of a cup?
Purpose: The experiment was to determine how the different amounts of solute (baking soda) impact the time it takes for
a singular corn kernel to reach the base of a cup filled with vinegar.

Hypothesis: (a testable explanation) – if the quantity of baking soda increases, then the corn kernels will take less time to
reach the base of the cup, because the reaction of the substances will induce a rapid release of gas, allowing for the kernels to
fall down the cup faster. (MacArthur, 2019).

Variables:
- Independent variable (what changes are you making to the setup?): changing the amount of baking soda.
- Range of conditions (series of values used): 1 tbsp, 2 tbsp, 3 tbsp, 4 tbsp, 5tbsp.
- Positive control experiment: (identify which of those 5 conditions is the + control?): ½ tbsp of baking soda
- Negative control experiment: (identify which of those 5 conditions is the - control?) _________
- Dependent variable: (what is the outcome of that change?): the speed of the corn kernels to reach the base of the
glass cup.
- Control variables: (what factors/aspects of the test you must keep the same for a fair test?

1. the amount of vinegar 3. the material/size of the cup

2. the amount of water 4. the number of corn kernels

Materials: list in bullets, remember to specify the quantity of equipment used if possible eg. 250 ml beaker (3)

- Vinegar (40 mL)

- Water (200 mL)
- 250 mL glass beaker
- Baking soda (15tbsp)
- Corn kernels (3 tsp)
- Glass cup (1)
- Plastic measuring spoons
- Metal spoon (1)

Procedure: write out everything you did in steps (one step at a time), start with an action word (verb), be safe
should be past tense eg. gathered all materials, measured 2mL of water using a 10mL cylinder

1. Gathered all materials.

2. Measured 200 mL of water in 250 mL glass beaker.
3. Poured 200 mL of water into glass cup.
4. Scooped 1 tbsp of baking soda using measuring spoon.
5. Stirred baking soda and water using metal spoon.
6. Scooped 3 tsp of corn kernels into baking soda and water solution using measuring spoon.
7. Measured 20 mL of vinegar in 250 mLglass beaker.
8. Poured 20 mL of vinegar into heterogeneous mixture.
9. Observed reaction of substances in relation to corn kernels.
 10. Measured and recorded time taken for singular corn kernel to reach base of glass cup.
11. Rinsed glass cup using water.
12. Repeated steps 2-11 for differing amounts of baking soda.
13. Cleaned up.

Observation: record exactly what has occurred when you do the test. Organise your notes in a chart. Take pictures!

Qualitative observations: information you collect using your senses (eg. sight, touch, smell, hear, taste)
Quantitative observations: information you collect that involves measurements

Independent
Variable
Dependent Variable (What are you looking for or measuring?)
The Quantity The Time it Takes for a Corn Kernel to Reach the Base of a Cup (seconds)
of Baking Soda
(tbsp) Qualitative Observations Quantitative Observations Pattern or Trend?

Draw & Label to Description of Trial #1 Trial #2 Trial #3 Average of Rank the
show physical events observed (unit) (unit) (unit) trials (unit) outcome
properties

+ control A gradual, but 16.4 sec 9.45 sec 17.65 sec 14.5 sec #5
1 tbsp slowed drop in Refer to
kernels, where Appendix B,
bubbles rose to
figure 1 for
the top of liquid
calculations.
solution in the
cup.

condition 2 A fast and 13.12 sec 12.56 sec 13.15 sec 12.94 sec #4
2 tbsp steadied drop in Refer to
kernels, with Appendix B,
bubbles scattered
figure 2 for
at the top of the
calculations.
cup.

condition 3 A quickened 11.43 sec 11.49 sec 10.58 sec 11.16 sec #3
3 tbsp drop in kernels, Refer to
where both the Appendix B,
bubbles and
figure 3 for
foam rose to the
calculations.
top of the cup.

condition 4 Foam and 7.15 sec 7.12 sec 7.05 sec 7.10 sec #2
4 tbsp Bubbles rose to Refer to
the very edge of Appendix B,
the cup, as
figure 4 for
kernels swiftly
calculations.
dropped soon
after.
 - control Foam rose to the 6.59 sec 7.05 sec 7.01 sec 6.88 sec #1
5 tbsp top of the glass, Refer to
whereas bubbles Appendix B,
followed after, as
figure 5 for
kernels swiftly
calculations.
fell.

Graphing your data: when there is quantitative data, you will need to graph them.

Results: write observations in full sentences but DO NOT provide any analyses. State the facts
During the opening stages of the experiment, as the water and all tablespoon measures of baking soda were mixed, the
substances produced an opaque mixture. The corn descended to the base of the cup once poured into the mixture, whereas
the addition of vinegar led to the formation of foams diluting into bubbles as the reaction subsided. The observations
remained consistent, aside from the apparent changes between both the timing and height in which the reaction occurred
throughout all the trials. (Refer to Appendix C to view visuals of a trial as it took place.)
Conclusion: Summarise results (2 sentences). See if you have answered your purpose.
Compare your hypothesis (is it being accepted or rejected?)!
As the amount of baking soda increases, the time in which a corn kernel reaches the base of a cup decreases. With 4
tablespoons (tbsp) of baking soda, a corn kernel descends within the fastest time frame of 6.88 seconds. Therefore the
hypothesis is accepted.

Discussion: Interpret the meaning of the observations. Explain how or why the results came out they did (will need to do
research; include embedded citation of resources used).

The observations from the experiment point towards the accuracy of the results, where a greater quantity of baking
soda added into the heterogeneous mixture of corn kernels, vinegar, and water result in the kernels taking less time to reach
the base of a glass. Baking soda is a base compound called sodium bicarbonate, whereas the acid, vinegar, is a diluted
solution. This means that larger quantities of baking soda will result in more molecules of sodium bicarbonate to react with
the vinegar, leading to an immediate reaction (Fleming Esther, 2020). The reaction then induces the mixture to both
rapidly rise and collapse, due to the build-up and release of carbon dioxide gas. Therefore, the greater quantity of baking
soda quickens the release of gas that fluctuates air pressure, which can be observed through the accelerated rise and fall of
the corn kernels (Lively Sue, 2014).

Error Analyses: Were there anything you did that could affect the accuracy and precision of your results? (eg.
were you able to carry out the control variables correctly? If not, how would they change your results? And how
can you improve so that you can carry out the control variables correctly?)

Error #1: The ratio between the amount of vinegar and baking soda.
How does it affect the truth? The vast difference between the measurements of the baking soda and vinegar
can affect the result in the long-term, as greater quantities of baking soda in relation to vinegar can have differing
results, than what has been established.
How to avoid this error in the repeated trials? Experiment with larger amounts of baking soda, in order to
witness more noticeable changes.

Error #2: The number of corn kernels used.

 How does it affect the truth? The amounts of corn kernels were measured using teaspoons (tsp), which could
have produced imprecise results.
How to avoid this error in the repeated trials? Count the number of corn kernels used per trial beforehand,
rather than using the teaspoon (tsp) measurement.

Error #3: Substance contamination from the previous trials.

How does it affect the truth? The residue of baking soda or vinegar in the measuring spoon or beaker can
impact the accuracy of the results.
How to avoid this error in the repeated trial? Wash both the beaker and measuring spoons before moving on
to the subsequent trial.

Future Implications: Explain how you can apply this knowledge to a different situation or in real life

a) How does the result impact economy (eg. job gain/job loss/ spending cost/ revenue/ trades/ etc…)?

Throughout this experiment the mixture of baking soda, vinegar and water has shown to hold properties that manipulate
air pressure through the accumulation and release of carbon dioxide gas. These properties can theoretically be beneficial
in the transportational and industrial aspects of living, where the substances can aid with the mobility of a submarine.
The gases from the reaction of the substances which allowed for the corn kernels to both sink and rise can be applied to
the functionality of a submarine, where the trapping of gases can increase or decrease air pressure through respective
quantities of baking soda. This can allow the submarine to rise or sink into the waters, with additional support from the
reactive substances. Due to this, sales in baking soda and vinegar would increase, as well as, jobs in the engineering and
operating field for transportation, overall proving to be an asset economically. On the other hand, businesses that produce
diesel or nuclear fuels for submarines would have a slight decline in income and revenue, as a large amount of fuel would
be redundant to the operation of the submarine.

b) How does the result impacting society (eg. improving it or harming it / pros & cons / etc…)?

Society would be positively affected by the results, as jobs in STEM, mainly engineering would increase, possibly reducing
the competitiveness of finding jobs in the field. The experiment can also be appealing to those who are intrigued by
chemical experimentation and applying the research towards engineering, thus, opening doors to a variety of
career-related opportunities. However, this could also cause too high of a demand for these substances, and the constant
exposure to these substances could cause issues health wise. This could cause major distrust with the government if
citizens suspect workplaces are not monitoring their safety regulations.

c) How does the result impacting environment (eg. disrupting natural cycles thus polluting soil, water, air)?

The mixture of vinegar and baking soda, despite the addition of water, releases carbon dioxide gas, which has negative
effects on the environment. The carbon dioxide being released from the reaction, especially in larger quantities will only
build upon the excessive greenhouse gases impacting our atmosphere and quality of aquatic and terrestrial life. This also
causes a lot of waste, and the situation could get even worse if these substances do not get properly disposed of.

d) Can the experimental set up be used at a large scale in society to solve problems or not? Explain.
What needs to change from the lab test model to successfully implement in society?

By understanding and using chemical properties of the vinegar, baking soda and water in addition to more reactive
substances to produce powerful reactions, the experiment can be used on a larger scale in terms of transportation or
production of fuel or energy.

e) How else can the results (learning) from this investigation be used?

The results from this investigation can be used as a substitute for household cleaning supplies, mainly as an alternative for
harsh chemicals that can be used for removing drain blockage. The substances such as; vinegar, baking soda, along with
boiling water can flush drains through the acidic reaction and pressure added. The reaction could also help with cleaning by
floating dirt and grime to the top of oddly shaped objects or containers, making the retrieving process easier.
Appendix: This is where you include photos, additional diagrams to help readers understand your report better. Also, all
calculations relating to the experiment are shown in full solution format in this section! You will use embed referral when you
want to direct readers to the Appendix eg. Appendix A., B., C.,

Appendix A

Appendix B: Figure 1
Appendix B: Figure 2

Appendix B: Figure 3
Appendix B: Figure 4

Appendix B: Figure 5
Appendix C
 Citations

Fleming, E. (2020, April 2). What happens when you add more baking soda than vinegar? – SidmartinBio.
Www.sidmartinbio.org.https://www.sidmartinbio.org

Kaji, R. (2021, January 20). Dancing Corn Easy DIY Science Experiments for kids to do at home!!
Www.youtube.com. https://youtu.be/_QuucL5RYR0?list=TLGGm-hJEJ00pf8xNzAyMjAyMg

Lively, S. (2014b, May 31). Hopping Corn Science Activity. One Time Through.
https://onetimethrough.com/hopping-corn-science-activity/

MacArthur, B. (2019, November 11). How to Do the Dancing Popcorn Experiment. STEM Activities for
Kids- STEAMsational. https://www.steamsational.com/dancing-popcorn-experiment/