Science Fair 2012 The scientific method Ask a

Science Fair 2012

The scientific method Ask a Question Do Background Research Construct a Hypothesis Test Your Hypothesis by Doing an Experiment • Analyze Your Data and Draw a Conclusion • Communicate Your Results • •

Choose a Topic • • • Two things are very important: 1) Think of a topic that interest you 2) Think of a testable question about that topic Remember you are becoming a scientist Example: What is the effect of ______on_______? This topic should be written in a question format.

Choose a topic • Once you find a general topic that interests you, write down the question that you want to answer. • A scientific question usually starts with: – How – What – When – Who – Which – Why – Where

Example topics • How does water purity affect surface tension? • When is the best time to plant soy beans? • Which material is the best insulator? • How does arch curvature affect load carrying strength? • How do different foundations stand up to earthquakes? • What sugars do yeast use?

Form a Hypothesis • This is an educated guess • This is an answer to your science fair question • Your hypothesis should be written in an “If/then” statement • If I add different types of water to soil, then the distilled water will cause my plants to grow faster. ”

Logbook • You need a composition notebook • Label your logbook: name, teacher’s name, topic, and grade • Number all pages in your logbook • Always date every entry • Write in blue or black ink ONLY!!! • This should be used during all phases of your project.

Logbook Write one entry every day Make a table of contents Include a reflections section in your logbook Always include any changes made to procedures in the logbook • Include any and all observations during your experiment • •

logbook • Answer the following questions: – What did I learn today? – What happened during my experiment? – What are the procedures of my experiment? – What did I observe today with my experiment? – What research did I find today? – What sources did I use today?

Backboard Purpose Hypothesis Materials Title (In a question format) Graphs/Charts/Tables Pictures w/captions Procedure Results Conclusion

Backboard • Everything must be typed…. . NO TAPE!!! • Limit the number of colors on board • DO NOT handwrite on board…EVERYTHING MUST BE TYPED!!! • NO GLITTER or GLITTER GLUE

Website • Use the following websites for help: • www. sciencebuddies. org • www. sciencebob. org • http: \www. societyforscience. org