August 2008 Research-Based SAE Programs From National SAE Web Site Dr. Gary Moore

August 2008 Two Types of Research SAEs You conduct a true experiment in an attempt to solve a problem or learn new knowledge. You study a problem. Because of the nature of the problem, you cannot perform an experiment.

August 2008 Experimental SAEs An extensive activity where the student plans and conducts a major agricultural experiment using the scientific process. The purpose of the experiment is to provide "hands-on" experience in: –1. Verifying, learning or demonstrating scientific principles in agriculture. –2. Discovering new knowledge. –3. Using the scientific process.

August 2008 Experimental SAE Experimental activities are particularly suited for those in agricultural classes where there is a strong emphasis on biotechnology or agriscience. Even in more traditional agricultural programs, experimental SAE activities can provide students whose career goals are in the areas of agriscience with valuable learning experiences.

August 2008 Experimental SAE Characteristics There is a control group –This is a group of subjects (plants, animals, etc.) that receive no special treatment.

August 2008 Experimental SAE Characteristics There is one or more experimental groups –This group (or groups) receive the experimental treatment(s).

August 2008 Experimental SAE Characteristics Randomization is used –Subjects are randomly assigned to groups (both control and experimental groups). If you were doing an experiment with 20 plants, you would randomly divide the plants into two groups of 10. –You would randomly pick which group of plants would be the control group and which would receive the experimental treatment.

August 2008 Steps in Conducting an Experiment 1. Identify the problem to be investigated –What do you have an interest in? –Is there some problem in your community that needs attention?

August 2008 Steps in Conducting an Experiment 2. Conduct a thorough review of the literature –Read articles in magazines, research journals and on the internet to see what is already known about the problem. –Interview people who may have specialized knowledge in the area. –Summarize what you have learned.

August 2008 Steps in Conducting an Experiment 3. Design the Experiment –What will need to done to answer the research question? –What treatment(s) will be used? –Where will the experiment be conducted? –What supplies and materials are needed? –How long will it take? –What procedures will be followed?

August 2008 Steps in Conducting an Experiment 4. Formulate a hypothesis –This is your educated guess about the outcome of the experiment. –The hypothesis should be directional Treatment A will produced more pounds of gain than treatment B. The experimental group will remain fresh longer than the control group. The weeds sprayed with treatment A will die more quickly than the weeds sprayed with treatments B and C.

August 2008 Steps in Conducting an Experiment 5. Conduct the Experiment and 6. Collect the Data –Regular observations and measurements will need to be made

August 2008 Steps in Conducting an Experiment 7. Analyze the data and arrive at conclusions –What do all your data (numbers and measurements) mean? –What conclusions can be drawn from you experiment? Did one treatment work better than the others? –What are your recommendations?

August 2008 Steps in Conducting an Experiment 8. Prepare the final report –The final report can be a written document describing your research. In writing the report, you should follow the seven steps outlined up to this slide. You will probably want to use charts and graphs to depict your data. –A display (like those used in science fairs) is also a good way to show what has been done.

August 2008 Research Terminology Independent Variable – the variable you manipulate, the treatment –Temperature –Light –Acidity –Nutrients –Soil type –Time –Magnetic Field

August 2008 Research Terminology Dependent Variable – the measurement resulting from the application of the independent variable. This is normally some unit of measure. –Gain in weight –Percent survival –Distance traveled per gallon

August 2008 Examples of Experimental SAEs Comparing the effect of various planting media on plant growth.

August 2008 Examples of Experimental SAEs Determining the impact of different levels of protein on fish growth.

August 2008 Examples of Experimental SAEs Comparing three rooting hormones on root development.

August 2008 Examples of Experimental SAEs Analyzing the effectiveness of different display methods on plant sales in a garden center.

August 2008 Examples of Experimental SAEs Demonstrating the impact of different levels of soil acidity on plant growth.

August 2008 Examples of Experimental SAEs Determining the strength of welds using different welding methods.

August 2008 Experimental SAE A quality experimental SAE should: –Have specific objectives –Follow the scientific process –Involve a number of steps –Focus on an important agricultural/scientific issue, question or principle –Be of sufficient size and scope to assure a quality learning experience –Require a moderate to substantial time commitment on the part of the student –Be supervised by the teacher

August 2008 Non-Experimental SAE Programs Some times it is not possible to conduct a true experiment with a control group. Yet, the problem still needs to addressed. Research can still be done. The student gathers and evaluates data from a variety of sources and then produce some type of finished product.

August 2008 Non-Experimental SAE Programs A variety of activities can be conducted as analytical or non-experimental SAE projects. The approach taken may be that of: –An investigative reporter –A detective –A journalist –An archeologist –A documentary producer

August 2008 Non-Experimental SAE Examples Developing a marketing plan for an agricultural commodity.

August 2008 Non-Experimental SAE Examples Writing a series of newspaper articles.

August 2008 Non-Experimental SAE Examples Preparing a land use plan for a farm.

August 2008 Non-Experimental SAE Examples Determining the safety of water wells in a community.

August 2008 Non-Experimental SAE Examples Designing a landscape plan for a community facility.

August 2008 Non-Experimental SAE Examples Developing an advertising campaign for an agribusiness.

August 2008 Non-Experimental SAE Examples Identifying the sources of pollution in a watershed.

August 2008 Non-Experimental SAE A non-experimental SAE has all the rigor and steps of an experimental SAE except there is no control group. –One will still: Identify a problem Review the literature Develop a plan Conduct the activity Analyze the data Prepare a final report

August 2008 FFA and Research SAEs There are two major FFA programs that recognize student achievement in conducting agriscience SAE programs: –Agriscience Student –Agriscience Fair

August 2008 Agriscience Student Each state can recognize one outstanding student in the area of Agriscience each year. At the national level, there are 8 finalists for Agriscience Student of the Year –You have to complete an application form –Prepare a display –Make a 15 minute presentation (at the national level)

August 2008 Agriscience Fair Many states have a state level agriscience fair sponsored by the FFA. State Winners get to compete in the National Agriscience Fair conducted at the National FFA Convention. There are five categories of entries in the Agriscience Fair

August 2008 Agriscience Fair Categories Biochemistry/Microbiology/Food Science –Examples of projects Compare different yeast fermentation techniques for converting sugars to alcohol. Research resistance of organic fruits to common diseases. Examine techniques for controlling molds on bakery products.

August 2008 Agriscience Fair Categories Environmental Sciences –Examples Study effect of agricultural chemicals on water quality. Compare water movements through different soil types. Examine effects of cropping practices on wildlife populations. Compare different irrigation systems for energy efficiency.

August 2008 Agriscience Fair Categories Zoology (Animal Science) –Examples Compare effects of different thawing temperatures on livestock semen. Compare effects of different nutrient levels on animal growth. Study effects of growth hormones on meat or milk production. Research new disease control mechanisms. Examine effects of estrous synchronization on ovulation.

August 2008 Agriscience Fair Categories Botany (Plant/Soil Science) –Examples Examine effect of substrate particle size on shiitake mushroom growth. Research effects of heavy metals such as cadmium on edible plants. Compare plant growth using hydroponics and conventional methods. Study effect of ultraviolet light on soil microbes.

August 2008 Agriscience Fair Categories Engineering (Mechanical/Agricultural Engineering Science) –Examples Develop alternate energy source engines. Investigate light energy sources. Test absorption media for plant materials. Compare various tillage methods for energy efficiency.