Operation Saggy, Baggy Operation Saggy, Baggy DiapersDiapersStandard Indicator ActivityApril ScottNovember 2, 2009

66thth Grade Science Grade Science IndicatorIndicator6.2.9- Compare consumer products,

such as generic and brand-name products, and consider reasonable personal trade-offs among them on the basis of features, performance, durability, and cost.

http://www.indianastandardsresources.org/files/sci/sci_6_2_9.pdf

What’s the Problem?What’s the Problem?Ms. Scott’s sister is getting ready to

have a baby and she wants to know which diaper brand is the best to use. She wants a diaper that will work best for her family (cost, durability, absorbency, etc.).

Important TermsImportant TermsAbsorb: to take in, suck, or swallow up Durable: able to last a long timeBiodegradable: capable of being

broken down especially into harmless products by the action of living things

Procedure: a series of steps followed in a regular definite order

Generic: not protected by a trademark registration

Materials NeededMaterials Needed4 different brands of diapers, labeled

#1, #2, #3, and #4 in their packages with the price

Paper to record dataPencil4 plastic containers250 mL measuring beaker100 mL graduated cylinderPaper towels“Consumer Product Testing” sheet

Brand Names of Diapers for Experiment

BrainstormBrainstormLook at the labeled diapers and

brainstorm characteristics that make a good diaper. Write these down.

1.What should the diaper have to stay attached?

2.How thick should the bottom be?3.How would you choose which brand

of diaper is the best?4.How could you test the absorbency,

durability, and biodegradability of the diapers?

ProcedureProcedureToday, you are going to test the

absorbency of 4 different brands of diapers. Write out your procedure for testing the diapers. (Remember, you are scientists and need to make careful observations and measurements!)

1.How will you measure the water?2.How much water will you use at a time?

Procedure (cont.)Procedure (cont.)Make a prediction of which diaper

be the most absorbent. Write this down as your hypothesis.

Begin to test your hypothesis and record your data using the “Consumer Product Testing” sheet.

Use the price per package and the amount of diapers in the package to determine the cost of 1 diaper in the package.

Record Results

ConclusionConclusionReview your findings. Which diaper is

going to be the best for Ms. Scott’s sister to use considering cost, appearance, and absorbency?

1.Which diaper held the most water? (absorbency and durability)

2.Which diaper was the cheapest? (cost)3.Were there trade-offs in making your

decision?4.Did your results match your

hypothesis?

Further QuestioningFurther QuestioningHow could you apply this type of

testing to other products?How did you decide which diaper

was the best choice?How would additional features of

the diaper affect the consumers desire to purchase the product?

Why was it necessary to measure the water amounts carefully when carrying out the procedure?

ReferencesReferencesActivity-

http://www.indianastandardsresources.org/files/sci/sci_6_2_9.pdf

Pictures- Taken from www.google.comDefinitions-

kids.yahoo.com/reference/dictionary/english Information-

http://www.hamptonsdiapers.com/disposable-diaper-statistics.htmlhttp://www.diaperpin.com/clothdiapers/article_controlleaks.asp