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    Home » Science Experiments for Kids » How strong is a conker?

    How strong is a conker?

    October 17, 2013 By Emma Vanstone Leave a Comment

    We finally managed to find a few conkers last weekend, so set about experimenting with making them stronger. A quick bit of research told me that standard methods of strengthening a conker are soaking in vinegar and baking.

     

    conkers

     

    We used to opportunity to introduce thinking about experimental design. First we discussed which conditions we should test.

    • 1 conker untreated – this is our control, and should show us what happens without any other condition in place.
    • 1 conker soaked for 2 minutes in vinegar
    • 1 conker baked in the oven for 2 minutes
    • 1 conker soaked for 2 minutes in vinegar and baked in the oven at 200 degrees for a further 2 minutes
    • 1 conker soaked for 5 minutes in vinegar and baked in the oven at 200 degrees for a further 5 minutes
    • 1 conker soaked for 5 minutes in vinegar
    • 1 conker baked in the oven for 5 minutes

    Can you think of anything else we could try?

    Method

    Observe the conkers, and select 7 which are similar in size.

    Carefully make a hole through the centre of each, ask an adult to help. Try to avoid any splitting around the hole as this could make the conker weaker.

    Treat for each condition as above, ask an adult to help.

    Initially we did try to play a traditional conker game, but it was very hard to make the conkers break, so we resorted to swinging them against a wall and counting the number of swings taken to make the conker break.

     

    conkers

    Variables

    Variables are things which might affect the experiment, in this activity the variables are:

    • Size of the conker – we did try to select similar size conkers but there was some variation.
    • Age of the conker – some were on the ground when we found them and some still inside their protective covering.
    • Force at which the conker is swung.

    Results

    Our weakest conker was the one soaked in vinegar for 2 minutes and strongest the one soaked in vinegar and baked for 5 minutes. I would’ve expected the control to have been the weakest as it hadn’t been hardened at all, but this anomoly could be down to one of the variables above.

    Do let us know how your results turn out if you try it at home.

    We’d love you  join our Science Sparks community on G+ and  follow us on  Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest.

     

    Last Updated on October 17, 2013 by Emma Vanstone

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    Safety Notice

    Science Sparks ( Wild Sparks Enterprises Ltd ) are not liable for the actions of activity of any person who uses the information in this resource or in any of the suggested further resources. Science Sparks assume no liability with regard to injuries or damage to property that may occur as a result of using the information and carrying out the practical activities contained in this resource or in any of the suggested further resources.

    These activities are designed to be carried out by children working with a parent, guardian or other appropriate adult. The adult involved is fully responsible for ensuring that the activities are carried out safely.

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