Objectives are often obvious, but it is good to have a concrete goal in mind when you conduct an experiment. In this case, you want to demonstrate the concept of solubility. The term "solubility" refers to something's ability to dissolve completely in a liquid. Although a salt and sand experiment is generally pretty simple, you'll find you get more satisfaction by going through the paperwork. An experiment is nothing without a critical eye. Making a habit of note taking during experiments will enrich the experience. You'll notice things you might otherwise overlook. Even obvious things should be written down. That way, you'll be able to make sense of it later. Observe the basic movements and changes in the experiment. Make note of the following. Although the salt dissolves in the heated water, the salt remains intact. The salt needs the water to be heated before it dissolves. The salt doesn't boil away with the water. By discussing an experiment in a group, you'll be able to compare your observations. If this experiment is happening in a class setting, it's possible that one of the experiments will turn out differently than the others. While this is likely a result of error, it's still interesting to see a new result and figure out where it came from. If you're by yourself, checking out a recording of the experiment on a streaming site like YouTube can be interesting. Even if you know the result, it is nonetheless worthwhile to see how someone else went about it. Once you do the basic experiment, you should think of other questions you'd like to see answered. For example, how much longer does the process take if the portions are made unequal? Separating sand and salt is a very basic experiment, but the possibilities for a budding scientist are endless. For a lot of homebrewed experiments, baking soda is very fun to play around with. You could try adding that to your mixture next time. Doing this as part of a group is more enjoyable than doing it on your own.

Summary: Outline an experimental objective. Make observations. Discuss the experiment. Expand upon the original experiment.

You'll need to choose what grout is appropriate for your project, depending on how large the gaps are between your tiles. Once you've chosen, mix the grout according to the packaging directions, being sure to also mix any additives you want. Usually, you will start with the water in a bowl or bucket and add powder until the consistency is like toothpaste. Mix only what you can spread in about 20 minutes, since mixing any more risks the product drying out. Sanded grout is used for gaps larger than 3mm. Unsanded grout is used for gaps smaller than 3mm. You can find all sorts of additives at your local hardware store. These can do everything from making the grout more water resistant to changing the color to match your tiles. , using a grout float. Now, spread the grout (using a grout float) in a roughly 3x3' area, or whatever size you can grout in about 20 minutes. Hold the float at a 45 angle and push the grout into the gaps using diagonal swipes. You do not want to push the grout around parallel to the lines, since this can gouge the grout back out of the gaps. You can save yourself some time by using the grout float to remove as much of the excess grout off of the tiles as possible. After allowing the grout to cure for 20 minutes wipe the tiles with a clean, damp sponge to remove any excess grout from the tiled surface. Wipe just a small area, clean out the sponge, and then wipe some more. It is best to do this for each small area as you complete it but you can wait until you have done two to four small areas as well. Keep in mind, however, that it will be much harder to get the grout off and the final look may not be as professional. Now, allow the grout to cure for three hours or whatever amount of time is recommended on your product directions. Make sure that the area remains dry and that it gets adequate ventilation. Some additives may cause the grout to cure more slowly. See the included packaging for any addendums to the curing process. You can clean off any remaining residue after the grout has cured. An old sock or dry rag work well for this. Once you have installed all of your tile, you'll want to apply a grout sealer. This will help keep mold from growing in the gaps and will need to be reapplied usually every year (preferably every six months). Though every sealer is different, usually it is a wax which must be applied in a circular motion with a rag. You can also get brush-on or spray-on tile sealer. Do not put these sealers on non-glazed, unfinished tile. It will absorb into and possibly stain the tile.

Summary: Choose and mix your grout. Spread the grout Clean the grout. Allow it to cure. Seal the grout.

A warm up gradually increases your heart rate, body temperature, and blood flow. Warming up your body before exercise can help to prevent injury and reduce soreness from a workout. A warm up should be a light version of your planned exercise. Warm ups should last for around ten minutes. You shouldn't feel exhausted or overly tired from your warm up. For example, before going for a fast walk, warm up by walking slowly for around ten minutes. It's important to gradually cool your body down after a workout. Cooling down can help your heart rate return to a normal resting rate and may help prevent injury or soreness after the workout. A cool down requires you to gradually reduce the intensity of your chosen exercise or activity. Try to cool down for around ten minutes. You may want to include stretching in your cool-down. For example, if you went for a walk, reduce your pace for around ten minutes. Include stretching in your warm-ups and cool-downs to help your muscles stay flexible and maintain their full range of motion. Stretches should be held for around thirty seconds each before repeating the stretch on the opposite side of the body. Try including some of the following stretches in your workouts: Keep your shoulders flexible by bringing your arm across your body and holding it in place with your opposite hand. Push slightly with your opposing hand and feel the stretch across your shoulder. Stretch your hamstrings by first laying down on your back. Put one of your legs up and rest your foot against the outer corner of a wall. Slowly straighten your leg and hold for thirty seconds. Repeat the same motion with your other leg. To stretch your quadriceps, grab your ankle while standing and pull it up and back. You will feel the stretch in the front of your leg. You may want to hold onto something in order to keep your balance.
Summary: Always warm up before any exercise. Cool down after your exercise. Stretch before and after a workout.