Investigation - Will Steel Wool Rust? What Conditions Will Cause the Most Rust?

Students investigated the formation of rust on steel wool.  Three different samples of steel wool were prepared.  One was submerged in water, one was exposed to air only, and the third sample had 30cc of water added to it, so the steel wool was exposed to both air and water.

 Student predictions were varied, but the majority thought that the sample with 30cc of water would produce the most rust.  The evidence for their prediction was found in this week's lesson over weathering.  "Many common minerals contain iron.  When these minerals dissolve in water, oxygen in the air and the water combines with the iron to produce iron oxide, or rust."  Chapter 3, Lesson 1

The samples were observed again after 24 hours.  

Erin and Megan with the first sample, no water. 

Destiny writing the number of cubic centimeters of water added to the second sample.

Erin and Sarah keeping track of the number of cc's of water it takes to completely submerge the steel wool. 

Making sure the steel wool does not come up above the water line. 

Will the amount of water in sample 2 make a difference in the amount of rust that forms?
 24 hours later, the steel wool in the

Quinton and Quade changing the amount of water for the second sample to 10cc instead of 30cc.

The steel wool that was in the water and air showed the most rust after 24 hours.