Investigation+1


 * Focus Question ** : Which paper towel brand is able to absorb the most water?


 * // Materials //**

2 x paper towel brands (Kleenex & Handee Ultra) Water Cups Plate


 * // Similarities and Differences //**
 * **Kleenex Viva** || **Handee Ultra**  ||
 * * Rougher and thicker appearance
 * Rippled effect in the paper
 * 1 x thick sheet
 * same size sheet as Handee Ultra || * Smoother and thinner appearance
 * Transparent
 * swirled effect in the paper
 * 2 x thin sheets ||

//** Variables (Cows Moo Softly) **//

**C**hange: The brand of paper towel **M**easure: The amount of water that was required to soak through the paper towel Keep the **s**ame: The same amount of water to be used.

(Australian Academy of Science, 2007)


 * // Method/Procedure //**

1. Hold each brand of paper towel over a plate. 2. To ensure a fair test fill the cup with the same amount of water. 3. In small intervals measured from the lines on the cup, pour a small amount of water over the paper towel. 4. Observe whether the water goes through the paper towel. 5. Continue to pour water in small intervals until the water eventually drips through the paper towel. 6. Mark a line onto the cup to establish which interval or amount of water was required to wet through the paper towel. 7. Compare the amount of water required to drip through the paper towel to conclude which brand will be most absorbent.

__**// P //**// redict ( //__// Hypothesis) //

Based on observations of both paper towel brand I predicted that the Kleenex Viva would be able absorb the most water when poured over it.

__**// R //**// eason //__

Through looking at the similarities and differences of each paper towel brand the Kleenex Viva looked as though it had a thicker and more durable in appearance which is why I predicted it would absorb the most water.

__//** O ** bserve //__// (Results) //


 * As the water was being poured through it became apparent that the Handee Ultra was in fact absorbing more water
 * The Handee Ultra required more water to wet through it.
 * The Kleenex became very saturated.



__**// E //**// xplain //__

It was concluded that although the Kleenex looked thicker it was only one thick sheet of paper which made is less absorbant than the doubled layered Handee Ultra. The double layer increased the absorbancy of the towel so it was able to withstand more water than the Kleenex Viva. Therefore the prediction of the Kleenex being more absorbant was not accurate. Although the absorbancy varied from the different brands both brands did not rip and still remained intact.

(Frangenheim, 2010)

//** Problems/Improvements **//

The limited materials did not allow accuracy in the measurement of water and therefore the overall results could vary if the investigation was done again. It would have been useful to measure in (ml) and perhaps immerse the paper towel in the cup for a set time and then measure the amount of water left in the cup to test for accurate absorbancy.

//** Follow-Up Investigations **//
 * Using different liquids to test absorbancy.
 * Testing the durability of the different brands of paper towel.


 * Reflection **

In the investigation the materials were supplied but there was no set method or process to the investigation although it was clarified that each brand had claimed to have the best product whether it be more durable or absorbant. This provided flexibility as to how I would compile an investigation to support the claims which really encouraged me to use my creativity and problem-solving skills. This in essence was effective to my learning as although materials were limited I would not have established that further improvements could be made to the investigation if I was to carry it out in a set approach which is very much my understanding of the nature of science (Bell, n.d.). It was further necessary to ensure that I considered the variables (cows moo softly) for a fair test that would lead to results that were as accurate as possible given the materials utilised (Australian Academy of Science, 2007). Essentially this is an important component of working scientifically.