Science Buddies: "Ask an Expert"

I am doing an experiment about how perfume diffuses through the air using plain perfume first. Then I plan to see if spray causes perfume to diffuse more quickly and finally if heat causes it to diffuse more quickly. I plan to use the same room for all experiments and use more than one person to do all three. My question is do I have too many variables? I plan to use a watch with a second timer too.

We have to do our projects with Einstein in mind. I have found some research to help me, but most of it is too complicated for an 8th grader. My mom is helping me to understand what I have found.
I would appreciate any help you could give me to help me keep the variables to a good number. Thank you so much!

Linda Van:

These sites may help you -

http://cgee.hamline.edu/frogs/teachers/ ... smell.html

http://www.iit.edu/~smile/ch9412.html

http://www.iit.edu/~smile/bi9704.html

http://www.schoolscience.co.uk/content/ ... h2pg1.html

http://www.msm.cam.ac.uk/SeeK/solid.htm

http://www.phschool.com/science/biology ... cepts.html

http://www.usoe.k12.ut.us/curr/science/ ... h_S1_3.htm

I do not think you have too many variables. Consider - heat source, room temperature and air movement in the room; use one person per test (plain perfume, spray and heat) but make many tests (5-10).

Good luck.

Matt Mulanax