Re-uploaded, Renewed Bubblus Mind Maps

The completed mind map on the ideas I had for experiments. Click to enlarge.

The completed mind map on the chosen experiment. Click to enlarge.

Finishing Off

I've finally finished everything in this assignment. In the past few days, I've finished writing all the information and I have checked over it numerous times. My two page discussion, conclusion, bibliography and everything is all complete. I am officially done with this assessment. Well, nearly. All I have to do is upload the mind maps that I have added points and information to and then I will be done.

Discussion and Conclusion

Discussion:

Whilst conducting this experiment, the general trends and patterned occurring were observed and noted. As the aim of my experiment was to determine the effect of salt on the boiling temperature of water, I individually tested and recorded the boiling temperature of water with no salt, one tablespoon of salt and two tablespoons of salt. The water with no salt added in it was found to boil at the expected temperature of 100°C all of the three times the experiment was performed. It was also found that as more salt was added to the boiling water, the highest temperature reading continuously increased. Also, just as the findings in the background research had shown, I observed that the water with the salt added did reach it's boiling point slower than the pure water without anything added.

The results from my experiment were recorded and presented in multiple tables and graphs. The results I obtained also included several observations that were made during the experiment. I chose this way to present the findings as it was convenient, simple to understand and view and because it matched the results that I had obtained.

In each of the first three tables, the individual results of each time the experiment was performed, was recorded. The last table was all the experiment results together as well as the averages. The table shows that when the water was boiled with no salt added, it was 100°C every time. It also shows that the average boiling temperature of water with the addition of one tablespoon of salt was 102.5°C and the average of two tablespoons of salt was 105°C.

After the results were all recorded and placed appropriately in the tables, I then created two column graphs which showed easy comparison of each experiment and the averages. For the first graph, the results from all three repetitions of the experiment was displayed to show the similar results obtained each time. The second graph shows the averages of the temperature with each change in the independent variable. The boiling temperature of the water with no salt added was used as my control throughout the experiment, which was what I compared the increased temperature with. The graphs show a clear comparison of the increase in temperature with the increased amount of salt added.

The results I obtained are supported by my background research. As found in the research findings, the boiling temperature of water did increase with the added salt. This result also supports my hypothesis, which is: “The larger the amount of salt added, the higher the boiling temperature of water.” Through my research, I also found a similar experiment previously performed and it showed similar results which overall, further supports my results.

A lot was taken into consideration to ensure that the reliability, validity and accuracy of my experiment was addressed to the best of my ability. To ensure that my experiment was reliable, I repeated the experiment another two times so that it was conducted a total of three times. My experiment was quite reliable as the results were consistent with each other and there was no outlier result that was completely different from the rest.

Validity was addressed through the controlling of the variables. For validity, or the fairness of the experiment, it was important to keep things constant and only change the independent variable which, in my case, was the amount of salt added. All the other factors that could affect the experiment in any way, such as the environmental conditions and the brand of salt, were kept the same. Validity is also checked by whether or not the experiment method answered the aim. In my investigation, the results obtained do in fact answer the aim of the experiment.

Regarding the accuracy of the experiment, I'd say it was quite accurate as it corresponds to other resources and previous experiments of the same nature. Great care was also taken to make sure that it was as accurate as possible. This includes the use of several measuring devices to make sure everything was the same and making sure that the thermometer was read at eye level to prevent any misinterpretations of the results.

Even though my experiment turned out to be successful, there were still several weaknesses with the investigation, a few errors made in the progress and a lot of things that could be improved. For instance, one of the main weaknesses with my experiment was that as the experiment was conducted in my own home, there were various limitations regarding the arrangement. With the lack of proper scientific equipment and materials, the setup of the equipment was not as ideal as it would be if it was done at a science laboratory or with its equipment. Using proper equipment would not only help in its setup but it would also decrease the likelihood of safety hazards or accidents occurring as clamps and retort stands could be used to hold the heating thermometer.

The prominent error made during the execution of the experiment was regarding the interaction between the heating metal of the cooking pot and the thermometer. As stated previously, many of the proper equipment needed was not available during the conduction of this experiment, leaving me to hold the thermometer whilst measuring the temperature. It was necessary for the thermometer to not come in contact with the cooking pot but at times it would accidentally touch the bottom of the cooking pot. This error slightly affects the results of the experiment but could easily be avoided with the use of scientific equipment.

An improvement that could be implemented in this experiment would be to test it with more amounts of salt instead of just a maximum of two tablespoons. This would help show whether it would continue increasing in temperature with the more salt added or if it would stop at a certain temperature. Alternatively, to improve this experiment, larger amounts of water could be used to see whether the hypothesis is true with large masses of water as well. It would help prove the accuracy and reliability of the experiment and it would be beneficial to see whether or not the results are consistent and the theory would apply the same way. Also to help enhance this experiment, the time taken for the water to reach it's boiling point could also be tested as it relates to the aim if you slightly modify it, so that it is: to determine the effect of salt on the boiling point of water.

Regarding the presentation of the experiment and results, the tables and graphs could also be displayed in a better way. Images and diagrams should also be included the next time this experiment is performed and the graphs could be drawn in a way where the axis break isn't necessary.

To conclude, the general trends and patterns I observed were what I expected them to be due to the information from the background research I had found. The boiling temperature did increase with the increase of added salt and the graphs and tables created clearly show this. Although this experiment was as valid, reliable and accurate as I could make it, there were still improvements that could be made. Overall, the experiment turned out well, the purpose was attended to and I'm happy with the results.

Conclusion:

From this experiment, through measuring the water temperature, the effect of salt on the boiling temperature of water was determined. It was found that the water with no salt added, boiled at an average of 100°C, whereas the average boiling temperature of the water with one tablespoon and two tablespoons of salt rose up to 102.5°C and 105°C, respectively. The results obtained from this experiment, further supported by the background research collected, confirm that salt does increase the boiling temperature of water. These findings are of relevance to chefs and cooks as it may affect their job and the way they choose to cook certain foods. Knowledge on this subject may also save them valuable time and effort. Therefore, as a result of the findings of the investigation, we can deduce that the hypothesis stating that 'the boiling temperature of the water will increase with the increasing the amounts of salt added' is supported and is proven to be correct.

Graphs

I found a way to fix up the graphs. I made two, one showing a comparison of individual results and one showing a comparison of the average results.

A Break in the Axis

So basically, I'm almost complete with my SRP. I just have to do some touching up. I was planning to bombard Mr. Ryan with questions today about my SRP, seeing that I had science for 3rd period, but he wasn't here and apparently isn't going to be here for the entire week. One of my most important questions was about my graph. I was wondering whether the y-axis HAD to start at zero (0). Since my experiment results were the highest temperature of the boiling water, the results are in the low 100°C and when I graph it starting at 0, the results are so much more crowded and harder to read compared to when it starts at, say, 96°C. I am pretty sure it has to start at 0 and usually when this occurs, I just draw a break in the axis (that squiggly/jagged line) but due to my lack of knowledge in Numbers & Excel, I don't know how to do that. I searched it up on the internet but the explanations looked so complex and complicated. Hopefully I'll find a way around it. I'm trying very hard to finish this assignment tonight so I can send it for checking but in the slight (likely) chance that I don't, I might just have to finish it to the best of my ability and not get it checked.

~ Seventh Week Project Report

This will probably be my last official project report seeing that I'm almost done anyway. The basis of everything is complete and the background research that I have been dreading has been completely completed. I still have the graphs which I need to create on the computer and the discussion, conclusion and bibliography. All of which I have completed more than half of. All that's left is finishing off.

Tables of Results

I was finally able to put the results from my experiment some time ago into tables on the computer. I decided to create four tables - three for individual tests and one for all results and the averages.

First Test:

Amount of Salt Added (tbsp)	Boiling Temperature of Water (°C)
0	100
1	102
2	104.5

Second Test:

Amount of Salt Added (tbsp)	Boiling Temperature of Water (°C)
0	100
1	102.5
2	103.5

Third Test:

Amount of Salt Added (tbsp)	Boiling Temperature of Water (°C)
0	100
1	103
2	107

Table of All Results:

	Boiling Temperature of Water (°C)
Amount of Salt Added (tbsp)	Test 1	Test 2	Test 3	Average
0	100	100	100	100
1	102	102.5	103	102.5
2	104.5	103.5	107	105

~ Sixth Week Project Report

Though I was planning to complete this entire thing before the school term ended I think where I'm up to now is alright too. I've completed the purpose, aim, equipment, method, safety precautions and I've actually  done the experiment. All that is left is combining everything together and making sure it makes sense.

I'm still working on putting it all together. I don't think I'll be able to finish it today because when I get it checked and everything I want it to be decent and not rushed. I'll probably work on it over the holidays. I'm not quite sure if my background research is done correctly and I still need to create a title for it. There's not too much left to do, if I use the rest of my time wisely.

Equipment, Precautions and the Method

So in science today, I asked my teacher about whether the method and everything had to be included in this blog. It doesn't really matter, but I think I'll include it.

Equipment:

• Table Salt
• Thermometer
• Water
• Measuring Cup
• Tablespoon Measuring Spoon
• Cooking Pot
• Stirring Spoon
• Stove
• Lighter
• Oven mitts or tea towel

Safety Precautions:

• In this experiment, the thermometer may become very hot. To ensure that your hands do not get burned, wear oven mitts or hold a tea towel when handling the thermometer.
• As the water is boiling in the cooking pot, the cooking pot may heat up. Beware not to touch the steel and hold it carefully by its handle.
• Make sure that if you have long hair or loose clothing, it does not come in contact with the flame from the stove.
• Ensure that the cooking pot is cooled completely before repeating the experiments.
• Carry the cooking pot with the boiled water carefully when cooling it down to avoid any spillage.

Method:

1. Measure 250ml of water and add it to the cooking pot.
2. Boil the water and record the highest temperature reading.
3. Empty the cooking pot and let it cool down.
4. Add another 250ml of water into the cooking pot.
5. Measure out a tablespoon of salt and mix it into the water with the stirring spoon.
6. Boil the water and record the highest temperature reading.
7. Repeat steps 3 – 5 with 2 tablespoons of salt.
8. Repeat experiment another 2 times for reliability.

Today, I've started adding everything into the scaffold that was given to us. I'm not quite sure what I'm supposed to write for the 'purpose' of the experiment. I always thought it was the same as the aim but apparently it isn't. I'm also wondering whether I'm supposed to put in the method and other aspects of the project on this blog. I'll ask tomorrow.

How I see it is, if I continue to work on it consistently for the next few days, I'll have it done by the end of Thursday. Let's hope.

~ Fifth Week Project Report

This week, I found, was somewhat more productive than all the rest. Maybe it's just because I was able to do the experiment. Basically, I've done the experiment, most of the background research, most of the method and most of the safety precautions. I basically have to just piece to all together, complete all of the parts and then do the analysing of the results, the discussion, the evaluation of methods used and the conclusion. Oh, I also have to think of a title for it.

I'm hoping I'll finish by the end of the next week, before the holidays start, so I can ask the teacher to check over it. If there is anything wrong, I can fix it up over the holidays.

Experimentation

So basically, I did my experiment today. Using all the equipment I had at home, besides the thermometer I borrowed from school, I followed the method I created and recorded all the results from it. I made some observations whilst doing the experiment and I thought of some safety precautions that are associated with it. I'll update more a bit later.

Doubts and Indecision

For a while I've been having some doubts and indecision about the topic of my science research project. Yesterday, I started looking up alternative ideas. I tried searching for projects which only required equipment found in every day homes. This is some ideas that I found that I'm interested in:

• Does the temperature of candles affect it's burning time?
• Does the quality of soap affect the time it takes before bubbles pop?
• Does colour affect the burning time of candles?
• Does the width of a candle affect it's burning time?
• What is the most effective way to keep a balloon from popping?

A lot of the ideas had something to do with candles because basically I found candles interesting and for that moment I wanted to do an experiment on candles. 

Today, after the science lesson, I asked sir whether or not the experiment on the width of candles would be okay. He approved of it and offered an alternative which was "whether the quality of candles will affect it's burning rate."

For some reason, after I asked my teacher, I felt like doing the experiment on the effect of salt on the boiling temperature of water again. I'm probably just going to do that. I already have all the information and method and such. It was probably just a moment of indecisiveness. I'm going to see if I have time to do the experiment today.

Clarifications

During science class, the teacher went around asking every student about their science research project and if they needed help. I made a few clarifications, which are:

• It is good scientific practice if during the experiment, the pot is emptied and cooled, and new water is added and boiled again with the different measurements of salt.
• The highest temperature reading is what should be measured and noted.

This will help me in the creation of my method as well as in the execution of the practical part of the experiment.

Fourth Week Mind Map

Mind map for the experiment. It's still a work in progress.

~ Fourth Week Project Report

This week was mainly about seeing whether or not my science experiment was approved of and getting the equipment for it. Since it was approved of, I also started on the background research for it. I found this really good website that describes some aspects of my experiment topic (located here) but I had to use other resources as well. Questions that I looked for answers to whilst researching include:

• What is salt?
• How does table salt differ from other salts?
• Will this affect the water in a different way?
• What is the effect of salt on the boiling temperature of water?
• Where is this applicable in everyday life?
• Why does salt affect the boiling temperature in this way?
• Does salt affect anything else?

I was planning to do the experiment in the last few days but it didn't exactly go to plan so I'll do it when I get the chance to this week. I also started writing the method and all the variables and safety precautions. I found an experiment similar to my own but I changed quite a bit. 

I made a mind map on this experiment alone which I will upload when I have the chance.

Equipment Gathering

I spoke to my science teacher today and I was able to borrow a thermometer for my experiment. Hopefully I can do it by the next few days but if not I'll just do it later in the week. I'm choosing to do the experiment at home rather than at school. This is mainly just because I find it easier and there will be less time restraints, meaning I can take my time with it rather than rushing. I'm going to use all the equipment that I have at home but I'm just wondering whether in the equipment list in my report, I'm supposed to list all the pots and kitchen equipment and what not or do I have to list beakers and such. I'll run the whole report by my teacher when I'm finished with it, which will probably be in a couple of weeks.

Experiment Topic

So today I asked my science teacher as to whether or not the experiment I chose was okay. It was approved of, which is good, but I still have quite a lot to do. I want to do the experiment over the weekends, so I will have to do all the background research and create the experiment really soon. Once I hopefully, catch up to the timeline given to us, then I'll be able to time things more efficiently.

Third Week Mind Map

Only a few more ideas were added. Click to enlarge.

~ Third Week Project Report

After a long period of searching for an experiment, I think I've finally figured out what I'm going to do. This past week, I have continued looking for something that I could do my research project and after some consideration, I have decided to do this:

• What is the effect of salt on the boiling temperature of water?

I found this topic interesting and the experiment not that difficult to do. The equipment needed is not that difficult to obtain too, so that will make things simpler. 

For this topic, the aim of my experiment would be:

• Aim: To determine the effect of salt on the boiling temperature of water.

It's simple, and basically what I have to do is have a control, which is the temperature of the boiling water without salt, and then add an amount of salt into the water, boil it and then record the temperature. i'll have to repeat the experiment with different amounts of salt. That is roughly what will have to be done, but a lot of other things have to be researched and found out.

I still have to do some more thorough background research but from what I've read so far, my hypothesis will probably be:

• The higher the amount of salt put in, the higher the boiling temperature of the water.

I hope I can do this experiment. I still have to run it by my science teacher but I think it'll be fine. Whilst searching the internet, I came across other experiment ideas which I considered. They are quite similar to the one I'm doing. They are:

• What is the effect of salt and sugar on the freezing point of water?
• What is the effect of dissolved salt or sugar on the melting rate of ice?

I seriously considered them but chose to do the one on boiling water. I think they will probably be my back up plans - the ice one especially, because it's really simple and not time-consuming. 

My next science lesson is on Wednesday, so I'll talk to my teacher about it by then. I'll also have to ask if I can borrow a thermometer because besides that, I think I have all the equipment at home. 

Second Week Mind Map

My  mind map with added ideas. Click to enlarge.

~ Second Week Project Report

I'm still trying to find an idea for a science experiment. I didn't think it would be this difficult. I'm trying to find an experiment that I'll be interested in but is not too time-consuming. I've looked through various websites and the experiments that have interested me are:

• What is the effect of salt on the boiling time of water?
• Do lemons really have more sugar than oranges?
• In which citrus fruit is the Vitamin C content the highest?
• Does an ice cube melt faster in air or water?

I think that I'm leaning towards an experiment that has something to do with water or ice. I just find it more interesting. That's just my opinion at the moment - it might change the more I research. If all else fails, however, I might end up doing a plant experiment. Though I'll have to find a plant that grows extremely fast and the more time I spend choosing, the less likely I'll be able to carry out the experiment due to time restraints. I want to find an experiment to do as quickly as I can though.

First Week Mind Map

My current mind map of ideas. Click to enlarge.

~ First Week Project Report

There's a few ideas in my head on what to do for this project. I've been considering doing an experiment on the growth of plants, the freezing or boiling of water, the absorbancy of paper towels or the effect of caffeine on reaction time. I'm not really certain on what my experiment will be about just yet so I'm not ruling anything out. I know that when deciding on what to do, I have to take some things into consideration, such as not damaging the environment, involving explosions or poisonous or flammable substances and other stuff. With this experiment I also have to think about the variables, like what I would change and what I would keep the same.

Hopefully by next week, I'll have a topic for my experiment that's approved by my teacher.