1. Research-Based SAE Programs

2. Experimental SAEs
A students plans and conducts an agricultural experiment using a scientific process.
Purpose: To provide "hands-on" experience
1. Verifying, learning or demonstrating scientific principles in agriculture.
2. Discovering new knowledge.
3. Using the scientific process.

3. Experimental SAE Charachteristics
There is a control group
This is a group of subjects (plants, animals, etc.) that receive no special treatment

4. Experimental SAE Characteristics
There is one or more experimental groups
This group (or groups) receive the experimental treatment(s)

5. Experimental SAE
Experimental activities are mostly used in agricultural classes where there is a strong emphasis on biotechnology or agriscience.

6. Steps in Conducting an Experiment
1. Identify the problem to be investigated
What do you have an interest in
Is there some problem in your community that needs attention

7. 2. Conduct a thorough review of the literature
Read articles in magazines, research journals and on the internet to see what is already known about the problem
Interview people who may have specialized knowledge in the area.
Summarize what you have learned

8. Steps in Conducting an Experiment
3. Design the Experiment
What will need to done to answer the research question?
What treatment(s) will be used?
Where will the experiment be conducted?
What supplies and materials are needed?
How long will it take?
What procedures will be followed?

9. Steps in Conducting an Experiment
4. Formulate a hypothesis
This is your educated guess about the outcome of the experiment.
The hypothesis should be directional
Treatment A will produced more pounds of gain than treatment B
The experimental group will remain fresh longer than the control group.
The weeds sprayed with treatment A will die more quickly than the weeds sprayed with treatments B and C.

10. Steps in Conducting an Experiment
5. Conduct the Experiment and
6. Collect the Data
Regular observations and measurements will need to be made

11. Steps in Conducting an Experiment
7. Analyze the data and arrive at conclusions
What do all your data (numbers and measurements) mean?
8. Prepare the final report
written document.
A display (like those used in science fairs) is also a good way to show what has been done

12. Research Terminology
Independent Variable – the variable you manipulate, the treatment
Temperature
Light
Acidity
Nutrients
Soil type
Time
Magnetic Field

13. Research Terminology
Dependent Variable – the measurement resulting from the application of the independent variable. This is normally some unit of measure.
Gain in weight
Percent survival
Distance traveled per gallon

14. Examples of Experimental SAEs
Comparing the effect of various planting media on plant growth
Determining the impact of different levels of protein on fish growth
Comparing three rooting hormones on root development

15. Examples of Experimental SAEs
Determining the strength of welds using different welding methods

16. Experimental SAE A quality experimental SAE should:
Have specific objectives
Follow the scientific process
Involve a number of steps
Focus on an important agricultural/scientific issue, question or principle
Be of sufficient size and scope to assure a quality learning experience
Require a moderate to substantial time commitment on the part of the student
Be supervised by the teacher

17. FFA and Research SAEs
There are two major FFA programs that recognize student achievement in conducting agriscience SAE programs:
Agriscience Student
Agriscience Fair

18. Agriscience Student
Each state can recognize one outstanding student in the area of Agriscience each year
At the national level, there are 8 finalists for Agriscience Student of the Year
You have to complete an application form
Prepare a display
Make a 15 minute presentation (at the national level)

19. Agriscience Fair
Many states have a state level agriscience fair sponsored by the FFA.
State Winners get to compete in the National Agriscience Fair conducted at the National FFA Convention.
There are five categories of entries in the Agriscience Fair

20. Agriscience Fair Categories
Biochemistry/Microbiology/Food Science
Example of projects
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.

21. Agriscience Fair Categories
Environmental Sciences
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.

22. Agriscience Fair Categories
Zoology (Animal Science)
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.

23. Agriscience Fair Categories
Botany (Plant/Soil Science)
Examples
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.

24. Agriscience Fair Categories
Engineering (Mechanical/Agricultural Engineering Science)
Examples
Develop alternate energy source engines.
Investigate light energy sources.
Test absorption media for plant materials.
Compare various tillage methods for energy efficiency.

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