Science Fair

TOPIC n 1. Select a topic that can be answered only by experimentation using the scientific method. n 2.Write your topic as a question to be investigated.

Categories n Projects for Regional Science Fair may be entered in one of the following categories: n 1) Biological Science n 2) Physical Science (Chemistry or Physics) n 3) Earth & Environmental Science n 4) Medicine and Health, n 5) Engineering (includes engineering, math, technology and computer science), n 6) Team Projects ( high school only at THS)

n The topics used here for examples are simple, elementary projects. n These are not grade level for junior high or high school. n These are strictly used for example to provide samples for how to do each part of the project.

Good Topics n Do different colored mints dissolve at the same rate? n This is a topic that requires experimentation. n You must use the scientific method in completing this project.

Good Topics n Do all brands of paper towels absorb water at the same rate? n This is an investigation where only one variable is being manipulated.

Poor Topics n How Volcanoes erupt. n This topic will not allow experimentation without visiting real volcanoes.Making a model that erupts is a demonstration- NOT an Experiment!

Poor Topics n Microscopes. n The topic is too general. Telling how one works is not experimentation.

Selecting a Topic n 1. Help in finding a topic: n Read in science books, magazines, newspapers n Look at websites. n Talk to your teacher, family, friends n Visit professional people, museums

n 2. Select a topic you know nothing about. n Something new may arouse your curiosity. n 3. Select a topic that you know something about but want to investigate further. n 4. Select a topic that genuinely interests you.

n Write the topic in the form of a question that can be tested.

Hypothesis n A hypothesis states what you think is going to happen when you investigate a question. n Example: n Question: Does light affect the way plants grow? n Hypothesis: Plants will grow toward the light. n Hypothesis: Plants will grow away from the light. n Hypothesis: Light will make no difference in the way plants grow.

Procedure n 1. Materials n 2. Variables n 3. Step by Step directions

Materials n List all materials used in your investigation. n Include what, how much, and what kinds of materials you used. n Keep in mind quantities are important! n Be sure to use only metric units.

Example of Good Materials List n 3- 15x 15 cm. Sq. each of Brawney, Gala, Scott, Generic paper towels. n 250 ml graduated beaker n 750 ml water 20* C n 1- 20x20 cm. Sq. cake pan n Celsius Thermometer n Clock with second hand

Poor Materials List n Paper towels n Measuring cup n Water n Container n Thermometer n Clock

Variables n There are 3 types of variables. n 1. Manipulated variable- what you change on purpose in an investigation. n 2. Responding Variable- The responding variable is what changes by itself because you manipulated (changed) something in your investigation. n Variables Held Constant- Everything else in your investigation must be held constant (kept the same).

Example of Variable n Question: Do all brands of paper towels absorb the same amount of water. n Manipulated Variable: Brands of paper towels n Responding Variable: Amount of water that is absorbed by each towel. n Variables Held Constant: Sizes of paper towels, Amount of water poured on each towel, Temperature of water used, Container towels are placed in, Method of pouring