Blog 9: Science Fair Proposal

1. What is your hypothesis?

If there are higher concentrations of Octyl salicylate in the soap mixture, then it will block a greater amount of UV radiation.

2. Identify the dependent (produced), independent (manipulated) and control variables in your hypothesis.

·      Dependent = level of UV index measured

·      Independent = concentration of Octyl salicylate in the soap solution

·      Control variables = the time the readings are taken, the intensity of sunlight and other weather conditions on the day of testing and the location where the testing is done.

3. What is the connection between your science fair project and your senior project EQ?

I am studying radiology oncologist with a focus on skin cancer.   Studying sunscreen soap helps me understand which sunscreen soap is the best and why.   Sunscreen soap is meant to reduce the chance of getting sunburn.

4. How will you perform the experiment?  Include the equipment you plan on using.

Materials:

5 glass sheets measuring 500mm x 500mm


1 UV meter to measure UV index


1 wooden box with open top  (approximately 500mm length x 500mm width)


500 ml alcohol
- 250 gram of glycerin


10 gram of Octyl salicylate


5 beakers


1 measuring cylinder


5 sponges


1 spatula


1 digital weighing scale

Procedures: 

1.  Label the 5 sheets of glass & 5 beakers as 0%, 2%, 4%, 6%, and 8%.

2.  Add 100mg of alcohol in each beaker

3.  Add .50 mg of glycerin to each beach also.

4.  Adding Octyl salicylate or not

·      0% beaker: no Octyl salicylate is added

·      2% beaker:  1 gram is added

·      4% beaker:  2 grams added

·      6% beaker:  3 grams added

·      8% beaker:  4 grams added

·      Mix the solution using the spatula

5. Using separate sponges, spread the soap solution over the glass from the beakers evenly and allowed to dry

6. The wooden box is placed in a location where it receives direct sunlight without any obstruction or shadows. The UV meter is placed inside the box and the UV index reading is taken.  Record your readings.

7. The glass sheet with the 0% marking is placed over the box with the UV meter still inside the box. The new UV index is observed and recorded.

8.  Do the same for 2%, 4%, 6%, and 8%.

5. Which category will your project be listed under?  (For a full list of categories, go to the iPoly Physics webpage, then to the Science Fair tab.)

Chemistry