1. Independent Science Expo Project
The First Steps

2. Thursday’s Presentation
What stood out to you from Ms. Frazee’s presentation?
Do you already have some ideas?
Perhaps the most difficult part of this process is coming up with a quality idea!

3. Coming up with YOUR big idea
Your topic must be something you care about
It should be something you can gather data about
It should be unique & something that you don’t already know the answer to!
It can be done by YOU without costing too much money or requiring too much outside support
It can pass the “So what?” test – it has application to the real world
It is safe – your project passes the safety guidelines

4. Science expo Categories
You can choose to do 1 of 2 types of projects:
Inquiry (experiment) OR
Engineering (design, build, and test)
There are some limitations on your project. You will NOT be allowed to…
Have human or animal subjects (including surveys)
Use or grow anything potentially dangerous – including bacteria, chemicals, or explosives!

5. Chemistry
The science of the composition, structure, properties, and reactions of matter including:
physical chemistry organic chemistry inorganic chemistry
How does pH Affect Conductive Resistance?
Exploring Superhydrophobic Coatings

6. Consumer Product Testing
Comparison of product quality, effectiveness, environmental friendliness, etc.
The Affect of Temperature Used to Straighten Hair on the Tensile Strength of that Hair
* But remember, you can’t use human subjects in your tests!!

7. Earth Science
The study of sciences related to the planet Earth including:
Geology Mineralogy Climatology Oceanography Meteorology Seismology Geography Tectonics Planetary science Astronomy
The Acid Ocean: How Humans CO2 Emissions Affect Marine Life
Erosion Control
Salinity temperature & density

8. Engineering
Designing practical solutions to problems in the following areas:
Transportation Chemical  Vehicle development Electrical  Aerodynamics Aerospace and aeronautical engineering
Archery Accuracy
Kick2light Soccer Ball

9. Engineering: Mechanical and Materials
Building machines to solve problems including:
Hydraulics  Structural designs  Materials testing
This is a new category this year!

10. Energy
The study of renewable energy sources, energy efficiency, clean transport, and alternative fuels.
Wind Turbines
Solar Power
Magnetically Levitated Vehicles

11. Environmental Science
Study of pollution (air, water, and land) sources and their control Environmental engineering Ecology
Decomposition of Bioplastics
Using Lichen to Determine Air Quality in Gabriel Park

12. Mathematics & Computer Science
Study and development of computer software and hardware and associated logical devices. 
Programming a robot.
Development of formal logical systems or various numerical and algebraic computations, and the application of these principles-  Calculus  Geometry  Abstract algebra  Number theory  Statistics  Complex analysis  Probability
Testing the Accuracy and Efficiency of Different Algorithms on the Navigation of a Robot
You definitely need to have some serious prior experience to compete in this category!
Comparing Patterns Between Classical and Classic Ragtime Music

13. Physics: Electromagnetic
Includes: Electricity Optics Magnetics Light
Radiation in iPhones
How to Model Different Galaxies with the idea of a Central Magnetic Flow

14. Physics: Mechanical Includes: Sound Friction Velocity Heat
Newton's three laws
A study in ballistics
Harps & Harmonies

15. Plant Science
Study of plant life, including their structure and function, life history, growth, interactions with other plants and animals, classification, and evolution.
Photosynthesis Rates of Common Northwest Weeds
Shining Light on Plant Stress
If you choose this one, you will need to gather data over winter break for sure!

16. Restrictions & Safety Guidelines?
You may not choose a project that involves…
Human subjects
Animals
Micro-organisms (like bacteria)
You may NOT choose a project that is dangerous.
Capable of harming people or animals
Involves purposely culturing pathogens (germs that make you sick)
Involves explosives of any kind
See the full rules here

17. Now what? Brainstorm some ideas – what interests you?
Explore some of the websites Ms. Frazee put together to see if anything catches your eye.
When you come to class tomorrow, you need to have narrowed it down to 2 project ideas!
** We only have 1-2 weeks to design & test our projects, so keep that in mind when choosing!