Science Challenge

Science Fair Fun

Ellen Lauinger, 7th Grade
May 16, 2011

Science Fair Fun

This past year Anna Randall, a seventh grade student, entered the West Michigan Science Challenge for the third year in a row. All three of these years, she has taken 2nd place. Anna stated that she has had lots of fun and an amazing experience. Anna is also very happy and proud of her achievements. As she stated, “It may not be first place, but second place is better than third.” Anna recommends the WMSC (West Michigan Science Challenge) to any kids who love science and would like to get more involved with it.

This year, Anna’s project title was “Tummy Tum Tums… or not?” In her project she tested which antacid would work best for an upset stomach. The three antacids she used were Tums, Gaviscon, and Alka-Seltzer. Anna came up with the project idea based on her own experience. She is allergic to many things and often gets an upset stomach.

Anna’s problem statement was, “Which type on antacid works best for reducing stomach acid?” Her hypothesis was that she thought that Gaviscon would work best because it has the most antacid ingredients. Her control was vinegar, which has the same pH level of an upset stomach. The pH level of an upset stomach is 2, with the goal being to increase the pH level. She put each antacid into 3 cups. After the first 15 minutes, she tested the pH level for each. All three Alka-Seltzer cups had a pH level of 4, the same with Tums. The Gaviscon cups had an average pH level of 3.3. After 30 minutes, Alka-Seltzer had an average pH level of 5.7. The Tums cups all had a pH level of 5 and all three Gaviscon cups had a pH level of 4.
In conclusion, Alka-Seltzer worked best. One thing Anna wishes she would’ve done is crush the Tums as if they were being chewed, as they would have to be when being consumed. Therefore, Anna thinks Tums would have worked best if she had crushed them.

Anna seems to love science and gives a big thanks to her mother and sister for helping her with her project. Hopefully, Anna will continue to compete in science challenges and share her experiences and results with students.