Consumer Testing and Controlling Variables

Students engaged in consumer testing of advertized products for absorbency, strength, pH and more in an attempt to prove if the products advertised advantages were really true. This was not... See More

Students engaged in consumer testing of advertized products for absorbency, strength, pH and more in an attempt to prove if the products advertised advantages were really true. This was not only a fun activity for the students but they learned the value of controlling variables to do true scientific testing. Many of these students continued testing products at home as well.

Everyday Science

Testing household products is an excellent way to familiarize elementary students with the scientific method. The author provides several excellent examples, connects activities to standards... See More

Testing household products is an excellent way to familiarize elementary students with the scientific method. The author provides several excellent examples, connects activities to standards and lists the required resources. While assessment is not covered, this is easily added. One idea that comes to mind is having student create a poster that summarizes their experiment.