The Road to a Good Science Project Dr. Michael H. W. Lam Department of Biology & Chemistry City University of Hong Kong Hong Kong Student Science Project Competition 2006

What is Science?

& Science refers to a system of acquiring knowledge – based on empiricism, experimentation, and methodological naturalism – aimed at finding out the truth. The basic unit of knowledge is the theory, which is a hypothesis that is predictive. & The scientific method is a process for evaluating empirical knowledge under the working assumption of methodological materialism, which explains observable events in nature as a result of natural causes, rejecting supernatural notions. Science refers to any systematic field of study or the knowledge gained from it. Wikipedia

...So, what a science research project is about? An interesting thought… An observation… A practical problem… Something that I want to know… Literature search and background information collection Hypothesis building and design of experiments to test my hypothesis Experimentation, data collection and interpretation Conclusion drawing and presentation of results

...So, what a science research project is about? An interesting thought… An observation… A practical problem… Something that I want to know… Literature search and background information collection Hypothesis building and design of experiments to test my hypothesis Experimentation, data collection and interpretation Conclusion drawing and presentation of results Teamwork

The nature of my project Applied science research The application of principles of science and technology to solve a particular problem or to carry out a task. e.g. fabrication of innovative devices; development of applied systems; making use of known chemical or biological substances……… Scientific investigation The study of a phenomenon by scientific methods and to draw scientific insights from it. e.g. studying factors that affect a process or a system; understanding the reasons behind an observation; scientific experiments to find out “What happens if I do this?” ………

Applied science research projects ð The development of innovative devices to achieve a meaningful purpose.

Applied science research projects ð The development of prototypes of working models or pilot-scale models to demonstrate the feasibility of an innovative idea.

Applied science research projects ð Making use of existing chemicals / biological substances (natural or synthetic) or processes to fulfill a specific, meaningful task.

Applied science research projects ð The development of innovative devices / systems / technologies to assist a special scientific investigation.

Do’s and don’ts Relevant, meaningful and timely applications Relevant, meaningful and timely applications Thorough literature survey of similar applications Thorough literature survey of similar applications Application of principles of science & technology: Application of principles of science & technology:  Circuit designs based on principles of electronics;  Applications of optical, electromagnetic principles;  The use of established organic chemical reactions;  Applications of known biological processes;  Applications of special properties of materials;  etc………… For prototypes of working models or pilot-scale models, they must be able to demonstrate the feasibility of your idea. For prototypes of working models or pilot-scale models, they must be able to demonstrate the feasibility of your idea.

Do’s and don’ts û Don’t pontificate about theories or technologies. You have to thoroughly understand the theory and principle behind your application. û Don’t base your project on technologies beyond your capability. û Don’t just rely on non-working / non-functional models to explain your idea. û Your invention should not solve the specified problem by creating another problem. û Don’t base you whole project on “controversial” claims or misinformation.

The nature of your project Applied science research The application of principles of science and technology to solve a particular problem or to carry out a task. e.g. fabrication of innovative devices; development of applied systems; making use of known chemical or biological substances……… Scientific investigation The study of a phenomenon by scientific methods and to draw scientific insights from it. e.g. studying factors that affect a process or a system; understanding the reasons behind an observation; scientific experiments to find out “What happens if I do this?” ………

Scientific investigation ð The investigation of natural phenomena.

Scientific investigation ð Qualitative / quantitative chemical or biological analysis.

Scientific investigation ð Studies of properties of chemicals / materials.

Scientific investigation ð Studies of behaviours of biological / ecological systems. ð Field surveys – environmental / ecological studies.

Do’s and don’ts Clearly states the rationales behind your investigation. Clearly states the rationales behind your investigation. Clearly states what scientific insight you have obtained from your study. Clearly states what scientific insight you have obtained from your study. Thorough literature survey of background information and systematic presentation of these information. Thorough literature survey of background information and systematic presentation of these information. Good, innovative experimental designs that can really test your hypothesis. Good, innovative experimental designs that can really test your hypothesis. Carry out control experiments and blank testing to check for interference. Always be alert for interference. Carry out control experiments and blank testing to check for interference. Always be alert for interference. Good quality control of data. Good quality control of data. A good scientific investigation usually leads to more interesting questions to be researched. A good scientific investigation usually leads to more interesting questions to be researched.

Do’s and don’ts ûDon’t base you whole project on “controversial” claims or misinformation. ûDon’t just display a collection of things (unless the collection is used for comparative research leading to scientific insights). ûDon’t do experiments that are not relevant to your hypothesis or those that cannot prove or disprove your hypothesis. ûDon’t do measurements with non-accurate equipment and interprets your results as if they are very reliable data. ûDon’t base your project on technologies beyond your understanding. ûDon’t ignore natural variance of data (especially in biological and environmental studies). ûDon’t jump to conclusion too soon without a thorough set of data to prove or disprove your hypothesis.

Do’s and don’ts

An interesting thought… An observation… A practical problem… Something that I want to know… Literature search and background information collection Hypothesis building and design of experiments to test your hypothesis Experimentation, data collection and interpretation Conclusion drawing and presentation of results Teamwork

Teamwork A small team usually works better. A small team usually works better. Regular meeting is necessary. Meetings should be arranged by fellow teammates, not by school teachers. Regular meeting is necessary. Meetings should be arranged by fellow teammates, not by school teachers. Meeting minutes, even if they are very simple and short, are important. Meeting minutes, even if they are very simple and short, are important. Regular check on progress is necessary. Regular check on progress is necessary. Practice multi-tasking whenever possible. Practice multi-tasking whenever possible. Keep good check of time. Always keep an eye on the deadline. Things usually go wrong right before submission deadline. Keep good check of time. Always keep an eye on the deadline. Things usually go wrong right before submission deadline.

Murphy’s laws  If anything can go wrong, it will.  If there is a possibility of several things going wrong, the one that will cause the most damage will be the one to go wrong.  Nothing is as easy as it looks.  Everything takes longer than you think.  Whenever you set out to do something, something else must be done first.

Thank you very much for your attention Good Luck