Maybe you asked a teacher or another adult. Did they know the answer? Asking a question is the first step in the scientific method! Have you ever asked yourself a question?

The Scientific Method is a step by step process that scientists use to answer questions! 1.Ask a question 2.Gather information 3.Form a Hypothesis 4.Design and experiment 5.Collect Data 6.Analyze data and draw conclusions 7.Communicate the results

Ask a Question: Not a yes or no question! First...choose a topic that interests you. Plants? Animals? Weather? Video Games?!

After forming your question, the next step is to gather information on your topic. But you do not want just any information! You want information that helps you answer your questions. You must be careful to use only reliable information from credible sources like the library!: Books, Magazines, Newspapers, and the Internet!

Evaporation: to change from a solid or liquid state into a gas. The rate of evaporation depends on many things including: air temperature, water temperature, and the amount of humidity in the air. Surface Area: is the measure of how much exposed area a solid object has. Areas that have a large surface area will decompose or weather faster than those that have a small surface area. Air-Water Surface: the area of water that is open to air.

From the information you have gathered...make your prediction: “I predict that more water will evaporate from the rectangular container.”

Experimentation: Perform an investigation or activity. Make sure to include your materials and procedure for your experiment. 1.Assemble the materials:  A square and rectangle glass container  A beaker of tap water  250 ml Graduated Cylinder  Thermometer for measuring water temperature  Paper for recording observations and data A graduated cylinder is a piece of laboratory equipment used to accurately measure the volume of a liquid. A beaker is a simple container for stirring, mixing and heating liquids commonly used in many laboratories. Beakers are generally cylindrical in shape, with a flat bottom and a lip for pouring.

2. Record your independent and controlled variables. Independent variable: shape of container Controlled variables: amount of water added to container temperature of water added to container material the containers are made out of GLASS!

3. Measure 120 milliliters (approximately ½ cup) of water in the graduated cylinder. 7. Place the container on a flat surface by the window. 6. Pour into square container. 4. Take the temperature of the water. 5. Record the temperature of the water.

3. Measure 120 milliliters (approximately ½ cup) of water in the graduated cylinder. 7. Place the container on a flat surface by the window. 6. Pour into rectangular container. 4. Take the temperature of the water. 5. Record the temperature of the water.

8.Wait 24 hours. 9.Measure the volume of water in the square container. 10.Record the volume of water in the square container. 11. Repeat steps 9 and 10 for the rectangular container 12. Repeat steps 8, 9, 10, and 11 for two more days with each container, carefully pouring the water into and out of each container and graduated cylinder.

What can you tell from the data? Which container allowed the most evaporation? What else can you learn from the data?

Science fair is an opportunity for students to apply the scientific method to conduct independent research. Students come together and present their projects and display boards. They are also interviewed by judges who rate their experiments and award Outstanding, First, Second, and Third Place ribbons.

Consists of a: Science Board Equipment Used Written Report Photographs & YOU!!

Will more water evaporate from a square container or a rectangular container? “I predict that more water will evaporate from the rectangular container.” 1. Get Supplies 2. Measure 120ml. 3. Take H20 temp 4. Pour H20 into Water evaporated at a faster rate from the rectangular container... My hypothesis was correct... more water evaporated... If I were to do the experiment again...I would use a round container... photo The Shape of the Container: Square and Rectangle 1.The Amount of Water 2.The Temperature of Water 3.Material of Containers

Gives the scientist an opportunity to show what he/she has learned from doing your experiment! Judges want to see a clear and thorough presentation of your data and resources. They will want to see that you understand your project and can tell them about it clearly and thoroughly! When talking to the judges remember to speak clearly and make eye contact! Judging Rubric: Guide that tells you what you need to do and how many points you can get! An Outstanding project must have a written paper!

Participating in a science fair is really a lot of fun! It’s a place where you can share your scientific experiments and results with other people. Parents can help too! Just remember! They won’t be the ones judged! Make sure you know your stuff!

HYPOTHESIS