Water Experiment

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Objective

The objective of the “Water Experiment” is to illustrate the ANOVA procedure or F-test, which is used to compare multiple group means. The students are tasked with competing to see who in their group can fill a beaker with water the most accurately.

Equipment - per group

  1. 1 1-cup measuring cup ($9.99, Target)
  2. 1 150-ml beaker ($3.95, Edmund Scientific www.scientificsonline.com )
  3. 1 digital food scale – one used for the entire class ($24.99, Target)
Water

Procedure

Break up into groups of 7 to 8 students. Assign each group member a number between 1 and 8. Fill the beaker with 50 ml of water. Once each member of the group has agreed that there is 50 ml’s of water in the beaker, weigh the beaker and water together and enter the weight on the data sheet. Empty the beaker. In turn, each person in the group will fill the beaker with water to 50 ml, weigh the beaker and water together and enter the results on the data sheet. A random order of runs is given on the data sheet.

Start with an empty beaker. Fill the beaker with a continuous stream of water (no drips or breaks in the water stream). Once your water stream has broken, you are done filling the beaker.

Analysis and Discussion

Use the F-test to determine if any group member(s) fill differently. If appropriate, use either the Tukey’s or LSD method to determine which member(s) fill differently. Clearly identify all the important parameters. Include Minitab outputs including any graphs you believe will help convey your results. Interpret the results in an insightful manor. State your conclusions in laymen’s words.