Science Buddies: "Ask an Expert"

Hello
I want to do my science fair project on levels of lead in objects kids might put in mouth. In my research, I learned that plastice eggs, hanna Montana items, mexican candies and pottery, crayons are all items in the news recently found to contain high levels of lead. Problem is I can quite think of a hypothesis. I did see where I could test crayons and see if color and or brand affect lead levels but not sure that is how I want to go. Can you help me define a hypothesis?

Thanks
-Marissa

Hi Marissa,

I'm stumped, and maybe others can help. There are two obvious hypotheses:

1. Lead's effect is proportionate to the object's lead level (more lead, more effect), and
2. There is some other characteristic of an object that allows one to reliably and inexpensively determine its lead level.

But there are problems with both these two hypotheses:

Hypothesis 1 has two related problems:
a. It is difficult to measure lead's effect within the scope of a science project.
b. Related to item a. the item to measure (lead's effect) is also difficult within the scope of a science project.

And hypothesis 2 may not be true. There is no reason to suspect that it is true.

Again, any other thoughts?

Hi Marissa,
I agree, a hypothesis is a little hard to figure out for your project, but nevertheless, here's an idea-
Certain materials have a higher likelihood of containing lead (although this would require statistics and probability tests)
Your project idea sounds great, hope to hear back about the progress!

Hi,

A lead/no lead hypothesis is a start. But only that. I think to have something to measure, you need to measure both the level of lead in an object and the lead's effect. Both of these, however, may difficult.

Anyone have thoughts on how to measure these quantities?