Science Fair Project(Physical Science)

The Removal of Permanent Marker

Kimberly Tobias

Statement of the Problem

Do different kinds of solvents affect the removal of permanent marker?

Project Overview

The purpose of this research is to find out the most effective solvent that will remove permanent marker from a smooth surface, for example, a silver tray. It was hypothesized that alcohol will be the most effective solvent in removing permanent marker compared to Colgate toothpaste or water. That hypothesis was proven correct because when it was tested alcohol was rated as a three on the color strip, meaning it removed nearly all the permanent marker, leaving very little behind.

The experiment was set up with three silver trays, each with a two inch line drawn on the silver tray. On each silver tray, Colgate toothpaste, water, and alcohol was tested on the permanent marker to see how much permanent marker would eventually be removed after each solvent was applied. Using a dish sponge, each solvent was scrubbed five times (up and down). After the results were shown, each silver tray and how much permanent marker left from the solvents were compared on the color strip.

At the end of the experiment, data indicated that the alcohol removed most of the permanent marker compared to the other two solvents. When water was applied to the permanent marker, the results showed that the effect was not in fact dramatic. The same goes for the solvent Colgate toothpaste.

Based on the results of the experiment, it can be concluded that alcohol is the most effective solvent for removing permanent marker on a smooth surface, like a silver tray.

Research

Research of finding what experiment best appeals to me

Research of how other people have performed my experiment in the past

Research the type of solvents that would best remove permanent marker

Variables Independent variable: The type of solvent

Dependent variable: The amount of permanent marker removed after solvents are applied.

Constant variables:

Color strip

The measurement of the permanent marker

Silver tray

Conducted in the kitchen

Amount of solvent

Scrub strokes

Type of sponge

Control group: Water

Hypothesis

Alcohol will be the most effective solvent on removing permanent marker compared to water or Colgate toothpaste.

Materials

Dish sponge (3) Colgate toothpaste (3mL) Permanent marker (1) Silver tray (3) Water (3mL) Alcohol (3mL)

Procedure

Procedure: Step 1: Go to the store and buy all the materials and equipment needed for

the experiment. Step 2: Put goggles over eyes. Step 3: Put gloves on hands. Step 4: Put apron on. Step 5: Lay out a total of three silver trays on kitchen table. Step 6: Measure and draw a 2 inch line on each tray using the permanent

marker. Step 7: Using a graduated cylinder, measure 3 mL. of alcohol. Step 8: On the first silver tray, pour out 3 mL. of alcohol and make sure it is

right on top of permanent marker. Step 9: Using a graduated cylinder, measure 3 mL. of faucet water. Step 10: On the second silver tray, pour out 3 mL. of faucet water and make

sure it is right on top of permanent marker.

Step 11: Using a graduated cylinder, measure 3 mL. of Colgate toothpaste.

Procedure continued…

Step 12: On the third silver tray, pour out 3 mL. of Colgate toothpaste and make sure it is right on top of permanent marker.

Step 13: Hold first sponge. Step 14: Give the tray with alcohol a total of 5 scrubs strokes (up and down) using the sponge. Step 15: Switch to a clean sponge. Step 16: Give the tray with Colgate toothpaste a total of 5 scrubs strokes (up and down) using the

sponge. Step 17: Switch to a clean sponge. Step 18: Give the tray with faucet water a total of 5 scrub strokes (up and down) using the sponge. Step 19: Take a look at the results and match them with the color strip. Step 20: Record all the data and information using Microsoft Word. Step 21: Make sure to clean all materials and equipment. Step 22: Put away all materials and equipment and clean up. Step 23: Recheck data and results to make sure it is all accurate.

Photos (Results) continued…

Photos (Results) continued…

Photos (Results) continued…

Photos

Data/ObservationsAnalyzes

Alcohol was recorded as a 3 on the color strip, meaning the alcohol was nearly all removed. The water was recorded as a 16 on the color strip, meaning the water was not very effective on the removal of the permanent marker. The Colgate toothpaste was recorded as a 15 on the color strip, meaning the Colgate toothpaste removed very little of the permanent marker.

Conclusion

Alcohol was the most effective solvent in removing permanent marker because it resulted as a 3 on the color strip, therefore, removing nearly all the permanent marker. My hypothesis was correct because I stated that alcohol would be the most effective solvent in the removal of permanent marker, and the results shows that alcohol did in fact remove the most and was the most effective solvent in removing permanent marker.

Possible Experimental Errors

Some possible experimental errors are the possibility of not rubbing the permanent marker off hard enough when each of the solvents were applied. For example, I might have rubbed harder on some solvents, but not as hard as on the others. It would very much have a big effect on the data and results.

Applications and Recommendations

I could apply this experiment to my life if I needed suggestions on how I could remove permanent marker on household items. I recommend that this experiment would last more than one day for better and more accurate results.

Works Cited

“8 Ways to Remove Permanent Marker Stains.” Photo Cards. Collage Irish Cards. Multi-Photo Wedding Thank You Cards. Web. 05 Feb. 2011. http://lilduckduck.com/8-ways-to-remove-permanent-marker-stains/253.

“Car Vandalized. Best Way to Remove Sharpie off Paint?” Honda Car Forum – Accord Parts Civic Tuning Acura Racing. Web. 06 Feb. 2011. http://www.hondacarforum.com/honada-2/8208-car-vandalized-best-way-remove-sharpie-off-paint. html.

Cooper, Olivia. “How To Remove Sharpie Marker | How To Do Things. “How To Do Things A>> How To Articles &How to Videos. Web. 06 Feb. 2011. http://www.howtodothings.com/how-to-remove-sharpie-marker.

Works Cited Helmenstine, Anne Marie. “8th Grade Science Fair Projects.” Chemistry – Periodic Table,

Chemistry Projects, and Chemistry Homework Help. Web. 05 Feb. 2011. http://chemistry.about.com/od/sciencefairprojectideas/a/8thgradeproject.htm.

“How Can I Remove Permanent Marker?” WiseGEEK: Clear Answers for Common Questions. Web. 05 Feb. 2011. http://www.wisegeek.com/how-can-i remove-permanent-marker.htm.

“How do I Remove Sharpie Permanent Marker? | Answerbag. “Answerbag.com | Ask Questions, Get Answers, Find Information. Web. 06 Feb. 2011. http://www.answerbag.com/q_ view/2070333.

Works Cited “How to Remove Permanent Marker : TipNut.com. “ Creative DIY Tips &Project Ideas For

Homemakers : TipNut.com. Web. 05 Feb. 2011. http://tipnut.com/how-to-remove-permanent-marker/.

“YouTube – Helpful Hacks: How to Remove Permanent Marker Sharpie off a Whiteboard.” YouTube – Broadcast Yourself. Web. 06 Feb. 2011. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GD-MJ-nF55M.

“YouTube – Housekeeping Tips : How to Remove Permanent Marker From Carpet. “YouTube – Broadcast Yourself. Web. 06 Feb. 2011. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g4T0iM_B2ZA.

END OF PRESENTATION!