This simple activity provides an introduction to laboratory techniques and data collection.  Students measure how a sponge animal toy grows when submerged in cold and warm water.  Measurements are taken with a ruler, though you could also use a scale or triple-beam balance.

Students create a line graph with the data and use the slope of the line to calculate growth rate.

Analysis questions then ask students to apply their knowledge and determine the growth rates of other animals with given data points.

Grade Level:  7-9 |  Time Required:  1 hour