Science fair smartie

Maddie brought home the packet to sign up for the science fair and BEGGED to do it this year. We scoured the internet for ideas (as a side note can I just say how grateful I am for the internet? The very idea of taking all three kids to the library to research gives me the hives. :) Google is my best friend.)


We settled on the idea of testing paper towels and entering in the consumer science division. I have to admit I was a little curious as to which paper towel was the best.

We of course procrastinated the entire project until the last possible minute because that is how we seem to roll around here these days. We ran down to the store and grabbed a bunch of different brands and got to work. I mumbled and grumbled at all of the little details we had to make sure we got in her paperwork...all while listening to general conference and the talks on being patient and good parents and all that good stuff... yadda yadda yadda.... whoops.

Maddie loved this project because she could make big messes. I loved it because she had to clean it up. :)

ABSORBENCY:

 STRENGTH:

(if you think this is a good idea for your kids to do for a project let me save you a few million pennies and a WHOLE lotta time...DON'T use pennies. Good grief. Those babies would not break even the crappiest of paper towels.  Also, make the squares smaller. Less places for all that water to go equals faster breaking time. So to sum it up, smaller squares and nickles. You are welcome!)

 (pennies...bad...)

 Cool shot just as they broke through the paper towel...

 SHE WON!!! You could not slap the smile off of her face. It made all of the hours SO worth it.

With her display at the fair with her new prized possession. She already has big plans for next year. I think it is Dad's year to have fun...not too many people do stuff in the computer science field! :) Way to go Maddie!!!


Oh and in case you were wondering...

The Target and Walmart brands (they are made by the same manufacturer) is the best paper towel in both absorbency and strength. They are also the best for the price. Sweet deal 'eh?!