An open door of Opportunities Agriscience Fair An open door of Opportunities

Goals & Objectives The National FFA Agriscience Fair recognizes middle and high school students who are studying the application of scientific principles and emerging technologies in agricultural enterprises. Participation begins at the local chapter level and progresses to the state and national levels. Areas of participation closely mirror those of the International Science and Engineering Fair but reflect an agricultural theme.

Goals & Objectives Provide students with an opportunity to use the scientific process Provide students an opportunity to achieve local, state and national recognition for their accomplishments Reinforce skills and principles learned in agriscience courses Provide an opportunity for students to demonstrate and display agriscience projects Provide recruiting and promotional opportunities for agriscience programs

Scientific Method

Step One: Identify the problem A problem can’t be solved until it is defined. To help with this most problems are first stated as a question.

Step Two: Get Information Get facts about the problem. This part is called data collection. The facts are what is observed about the problem.

Step Three: Suggest an answer These suggestions are known as hypothesis. Hypotheses are statements about the problem that can be tested. Hypotheses may be proven as true or false. Example: Manure will grow larger tomatoes.

Step Four: Experiment Experiment is a trial test. All conditions are controlled except the one being studied. Condition that is changed is called a variable. Part that is not changed is the control. An experiment should be conducted in sets of no less than three.

Step Five: Form a conclusion

Creating a Project Getting Started Create a Hypothesis Pick a subject area Narrow the scope Consider you SAE Create a Hypothesis Translate the problem into a question Test the Hypothesis Research Redefine problem Revisit the hypothesis Experiment Form conclusion Report results

Agriscience Fair Project Research Primary research Interviews Exploratory experiments Surveys Secondary research Books Journals/newspapers Internet Peer reviewed articles Reporting results Charts Graphs

Final Written Report Title page Table of contents Abstract Introduction Materials & Methods Results Discussion & Conclusion Literature Cited

Abstract An abstract is a brief summary of your paper, which concisely describes your purpose, methods, results and conclusion. Abstracts contain: Project title Statement of purpose The hypothesis Procedure brief Results

Introduction The introduction answers the question “Why was the work done?” In several paragraphs, provide background on your subject. The introduction should clearly state the problem that justifies conducting the research, purpose of the research, findings of earlier work, and the general approach and objectives. Introductions contain: Statement of purpose Background references and experiences Objectives

National Agriscience Fair Categories I. Biochemistry/Microbiology/Food Science Biology of microorganisms-bacteriology, virology, protozoology, fungi bacterial genetics, yeast. This area also can include chemistry of life processes-molecular biology, molecular genetics, enzymes, photosynthesis, protein chemistry, food chemistry, hormones, etc. Examples: 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.

National Agriscience Fair Categories II. Environmental Sciences Study of pollution (air, water and land) sources and their control; ecology. 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. Research uniform water quality standards.

National Agriscience Fair Categories III. Zoology (Animal Science) Study of animals-animal genetics, ornithology, ichthyology, entomology, animal ecology, paleontology, cellular physiology, animal husbandry, cytology, histology, animal physiology, invertebrate neurophysiology, studies of invertebrates, etc. 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.

National Agriscience Fair Categories IV. Botany (Plant/Soil Science) Study of plant life-agriculture, agronomy, horticulture, forestry, plant taxonomy, plant physiology, plant pathology, plant genetics, hydroponics, algae, etc. Examples: Study effects of lunar climate and soil conditions on plants growth. 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.

National Agriscience Fair Categories V. Engineering (Mechanical/Agricultural Engineering Science) Technology; projects that directly apply scientific principles to manufacturing and practical uses-mechanical, chemical, electrical, environmental engineering, etc Examples: Develop alternate energy source engines. Investigate light energy sources. Test absorption media for plant materials. Compare various tillage methods for energy efficiency.

Helpful Tips Managing Outcomes Displaying your results Do not change your hypothesis Do not omit for or against evidence If outcome is different than the hypothesis, suggest why State what could/should happen next Displaying your results Be creative and organized Do not clutter Use relevant photos and simple, correct captions 50 words or less Remember: Display is 10% of total project Keep it simple Posters are great for displaying information

State Participation States may conduct a qualifying competition Five categories with four divisions each Individual (7-9), Team (10-12) Total of 20 different areas