Hutch+W

Hutch W. 2011-2012 The purpose of this experiment was to see if a sponge could duplicate the fossilization process using a mixture made of Epsom salt and water. The hypothesis was that once the water had dissolved, a mixture of fully saturated Epsom salt would make the best fossil. Theoretically, the more salt that gets into the sponge, the more holes would be filled, and the better the fossil would form. There were five different sponges that were placed in different mixtures. Each mixture had the same amount of hot water and different amounts of Epsom salt. Different food colorings were placed in each mixture so that they could easily be distinguished. The mixture then would be absorbed into each sponge and as the water evaporated, the salt would be left behind filling the holes, making a replica of a fossil. The hypothesis proved to be incorrect, and 514.29 grams of salt mixed in the mixture made the best fossil, the second highest concentration. All of the holes in this sponge were filled, and it also became rock hard. None of the other sponges fossilized this well. The density of the sponge may be an important variable.
 * HOW A MIXTURE MADE FROM EPSOM SALT CAN CAUSE A SPONGE TO FOSSILIZE **
 * ABSTRACT **

In future experiments, there are several things that need futher evaluation. First, the density of the sponges should have been assessed and recorded. Second, the impact of the heat from the oven on the experiment should have been studied. Third, the impact of the red dye on the sponges and whether this impacted the experiment should be considered, especially since the red sponge shrunk so significantly. Fourth, the rate of shrinkage of the sponges as they absorbed the solution should be evaluated.
 * EXPERIMENTAL IMPROVEMENTS AND FUTURE EXPERIMENTS **

You can see the my whole ISP paper here: 