Science Buddies: "Ask an Expert"

I need to figure out a procedure for this project. I have searched the web, but haven't had much luck. I'm just getting started a need some direction. THANK YOU!

tater,

I also did a quick web search and you're right, there's not much there. So it seems like you have a good question: How does the stacking or popsicle sticks affect the speed of burning. So the next step is come up with your variables and your hypothesis. So you need to decide which parts of the experiment you are going to keep constant (examples: type of popsicle stick, number of popsicle sticks in a stack) and which you are going to vary (example: stacking geometry of the popsicle stick). After you decide on the variables, then you can come up with your hypothesis (example: I think that more closely stacked popsicle sticks will burn slower). After that you can test your hypothesis by running some experiments. A couple of things to remember: Be careful where you perform your experiments because you are working with an open flame. You will want a parent or teacher around when you perform your experiment. Having a fire extinguisher is also a good idea.

Here is the science buddy link to conducting a science fair project: https://www.sciencebuddies.org/science- ... ndex.shtml
It has some good descriptions on variables, hypothesis, as well as planning an experiment.

Hope this helps

Tori

You probably want to do some basic researching of fire and fire suppression so that you understand how fire spreads and what it takes for a fire to continue to burn.

Based on my personal experience with burning hardwood logs in fire places, I expect that the amount of exposed combustable surfaces that are able to obtain a sufficient amount of oxygen that gets pre-heated will affect your results.