When you experiment and collect data, the data sets can be analyzed. These data sets can be used to come up with a line of best fit and you can make predictions based on the line of best fit.

An example of an experiment where data can be collected is a Spaghetti Bridge. A Spaghetti Bridge compares the number of strands of spaghetti to the number of marbles that it will hold.

These pictures show a Spaghetti Bridge that someone has made and how the spaghetti is suspended between two chairs. If you would like to conduct the Spaghetti Bridge experiment, the directions are below the pictures. If you do not have the materials to make a Spaghetti Bridge, go to the next page.

Spaghetti Bridge Experiment

You will need a paper clip, paper/styrofoam cup, 20 pieces of uncooked spaghetti, 2 chairs, and 100 equally weighted marbles.

Procedure

1. Arrange the chairs so a spaghetti bridge can be formed.
2. A typical piece of spaghetti is about 24 cm long. I suggest leaving 8 cm of spaghetti on each chair. You may modify but always stay consistent.
3. Using the paperclip hook the cup onto the spaghetti bridge.
4. Place the marble in the cup, one at a time, until the spaghetti breaks.
5. Wait 5 seconds between adding each marble.  The spaghetti may not break instantly, but it will eventually succumb to the pressure.
6. Copy the table into your notes. Complete the table there.

You may want to make predictions such as how many marbles a 10 spaghetti bridge could hold.