Science Fair

Format Purpose Research Hypothesis Materials Procedure Results (Steps to Follow) Purpose Research Question Hypothesis Materials Procedure Results Conclusion

PURPOSE What you would like to find out. ?

PURPOSE Babies go through a lot of diapers each day and there are so many types of diapers to choose from. We would like to find out if a certain brand of diaper would hold more liquid than the others. Knowing this might help us to choose which type of diapers to buy.

Research Use your library, the internet, or ask an expert to find out all the information you can about your topic.

QUESTION What are you going to test?

QUESTION Do Luvs, Dri-Bottoms, or Pampers diapers absorb more liquid?

HYPOTHESIS Educated guess What do you think is going to happen?

We think that Pampers will absorb the most because they cost the most. HYPOTHESIS We think that Pampers will absorb the most because they cost the most.

MATERIALS List all the things needed to complete your experiment. Use METRIC measurements.

MATERIALS 3 jumbo size Luvs diapers 3 jumbo size Dri-Bottoms diapers 3 jumbo size Pampers diapers Measuring Cup Water

PROCEDURE Step by step plan Exactly what you will do to test your hypothesis. Collecting data and recording observations. Controls and variables

PROCEDURES Pour one cup of water into the center of each diaper. Check for any leaks. Pour a second cup of water into the center of each diaper. …

RESULTS Graphs, charts, or diagrams The outcome of your experiment is shared through daily logs, journal entries, graphs, charts, and drawings.  *A log of the step-by-step procedure with any data collected could be in a notebook or folder which is placed in front of the project.

CONCLUSION In this section you will interpret your findings and results. Refer back to your purpose and indicate whether or not your findings support your hypothesis.

Demonstration, Model, Experiment… …What’s the difference?                  

Demonstration A Demonstration… Explains a device, scientific principle, or fact. Has a result that is already known. Does not require you to make measurements or observations. Does not have a variable Show what happens to a white carnation if you put it in colored water.

Experiment A Science Experiment… Begins with a question that you don’t know the answer to. Only one thing (variable) is tested while everything else remains the same. Requires something to be measured. Requires you to make and record careful observations. Has a conclusion that comes from your results and observations. Try the above demonstration with colored water of different temperatures. Example Question: Will warm colored water change the carnation’s color faster? ice water warm water

Model a small copy of something details of how something is designed

Testable vs Un-Testable Something can be observed. Something can be measured. Two or more things can be compared. Common materials found at home or school can be used for testing. Un-testable Equipment needed for testing would be too hard to get. Testing might be unsafe. Question is too complex to investigate at home or school.

Testable or Non-Testable You Decide… Which ice cream melts the fastest? Which car produces the most pollution? What coating keeps apples from browning?

Finding a Science Fair Project Idea Use your experiences Remember a time you noticed something and thought "I wonder how that works?" or "I wonder what would happen if..." then turn that into a project. Check the science section of the school library. Think about current events. Look at the newspaper. People are hungry in Africa because of droughts - a project on growing plants without much rain, which types grow ok with little water? Watch commercials on TV. Test their claims. Does that paper towel really absorb wetness better than other ones?