🔬 Part 1: Planning Your Investigation

1. Research Question: What makes a toothpick and marshmallow structure strongest?

2. Write your hypothesis (prediction) about which shape will be strongest:

I think the _________________ shape will be strongest because _________________________________

3. Identify the variables in your experiment:

Independent Variable (what you change): _________________________________

Dependent Variable (what you measure): _________________________________

Controlled Variables (what stays the same): _________________________________

4. Which materials will you use? Check all that apply:

Toothpicks

Marshmallows

Ruler

Timer

📊 Part 2: Data Collection

5. Record your observations for each shape you built:

Shape 1: Triangle

Qualitative observations (describe what you see): ___________________________________

Quantitative measurements (numbers): Pressure applied: _______ Number of toothpicks balanced: _______

Shape 2: Square

Qualitative observations: ___________________________________

Quantitative measurements: Pressure applied: _______ Number of toothpicks balanced: _______

Shape 3: Your Choice (____________)

Qualitative observations: ___________________________________

Quantitative measurements: Pressure applied: _______ Number of toothpicks balanced: _______

6. Draw or sketch your strongest structure below:

🧠 Part 3: Analysis and Reflection

7. Which shape was the strongest? Circle your answer:

Triangle

Square

Other shape

8. Was your hypothesis correct? Explain your reasoning using evidence from your data:

9. What factors do you think made one shape stronger than the others?

10. How could engineers use this information when designing real buildings or bridges?

11. Group Collaboration Notes: Write one thing your group discovered together:

Scientific Method Investigation Worksheet

Scientific Method Investigation Worksheet

🔬 Part 1: Planning Your Investigation

📊 Part 2: Data Collection

🧠 Part 3: Analysis and Reflection

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