2. Hong Kong Student Science Project Competition 2006
The Road to a Good Science Project
Dr. Michael H. W. Lam
Department of Biology & Chemistry
City University of Hong Kong
Winning is not important.
Taking part in the project and learning how scientific research is conducted is the most important gain of all participating students.

3. What is Science? A philosophical question.
Archimedes (c. 287 B.C. – 212 B.C.) is probably the first scientist in the history of Science. Although there were thinkers before Archimedes, and there had been great technologies for thousands of years, science, that specific, abstract, way of thinking, does seem to have arrived in Greece at the same time as so much else that has driven the intellectual cylinder of Western civilization.

4. 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.
Empiricism comes from the Greek word εμπειρισμός, a noun meaning a "test" or "trial". The -pir- is ultimately related to the -per- of the Latin words experientia and experimentum, both of which mean "experiment," and from which our words "experiment" and "experience" come. (Interestingly, it is also related to the Latin word periculum, "essay, trial, danger," which gives the English word "peril".) Empiricism is therefore the philosophical doctrine (-ism) of "testing" or "experimentation," and has taken on the more specific meaning that all human knowledge ultimately comes from the senses and from experience. Empiricism denies that humans have innate ideas or that anything is knowable without reference to experience.
Methodological naturalism assumes that observable events in nature are explained only by natural causes without assuming the existence or non-existence of the supernatural. Scientific materialism or methodological materialism are interchangable dysphemisms for methodological naturalism.
Wikipedia

5. ...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
Conclusion drawing and presentation of results
Hypothesis building and design of experiments to test my hypothesis
Experimentation, data collection and interpretation
This applies to all scientific researches.

6. ...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
Another important element in HKSSP.
In the past, teamwork may not be very important to scientific research. For example, Newton didn’t collaborate with any others but was able to make many great discoveries.
However, as scientific research becomes more and more complex and multi-disciplinary, collaboration – i.e. teamwork – becomes more and more important.

7. Scientific investigation Applied science research
The nature of my project
Scientific investigation
Applied science research
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?” ………
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………
Just like the divisions designated by HKSSP.
Both types of scientific research are important.
In most cases, scientific investigations lead to discoveries that can be applied and the needs of application drive further scientific investigations.
Innovative tools developed by applied research can also aim scientific investigations.

8. Applied science research projects
The development of innovative devices to achieve a meaningful purpose.
A lot of HKSSP projects fall onto this category. Perhaps, a lot of our youngsters want to be “inventors”.
But, what is a good invention?
“Pizza protector” – probably the most innovative practical design of the last century! It is simple, cheap and, yet, able to achieve its goal.
A joke on applied research – solar-powered electric torch mentioned in the film.
Unlike the solar-powered electric torch, the self-powered electric torch is a very good applied invention that links principles of electromagnetism (left-hand rule, right-hand-rule) with practical needs.
“Backpack generator” – a very innovative idea to convert body motion into electricity.
Unlike the self-powered electric torch, the “backpack generator” may not be a purposeful design to solve a particular problem. But it is still a very good invention as new ideas about how to make use of the design will spring out after the generator mechanism is proven practical.

9. Applied science research projects
The development of prototypes of working models or pilot-scale models to demonstrate the feasibility of an innovative idea.
Demonstration of whether wind-turbines with larger blades are more efficient that those with smaller blades.
The demonstration shows the whole experimental setup to convince the audiences that the conclusion of the project is sound.
In the demonstration of hydrogen fuel-cell, hydrogen is coming from the electrolysis of water using electric from a solar array.
Although the whole setup is not practical at all, it still is a good display as it demonstrates the action of fuel-cell.

10. Applied science research projects
Making use of existing chemicals / biological substances (natural or synthetic) or processes to fulfill a specific, meaningful task.
Many exotic chemicals are actually commercially available. For example, highly luminescent nano-particles – quantum dots.
Many applications can be generated from these interesting chemicals.
For example, the last year champion who made use of natural plant pigments to fabricate colour paints.

11. Applied science research projects
The development of innovative devices / systems / technologies to assist a special scientific investigation.
A very important aspect of applied research, although not many HKSSP projects go this way.
The sediment profile imaging (SPI) device is a very simple design that enables researchers to observe chemical and biological processes taking place at the sediment-water interface.

12. Do’s and don’ts Relevant, meaningful and timely applications
Thorough literature survey of similar applications
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.
The most important issue in applied research project is the demonstration of the application of principles of science and technology in the product.
Too trivial applications are no good.

13. Do’s and don’ts
Don’t pontificate about theories or technologies. You have to thoroughly understand the theory and principle behind your application.
Don’t base your project on technologies beyond your capability.
Don’t just rely on non-working / non-functional models to explain your idea.
Your invention should not solve the specified problem by creating another problem.
Don’t base you whole project on “controversial” claims or misinformation.
Don’t perform like an advertisement show. Don’t mention technical terms lightly.
For example, if you mention about nano-technology, make sure that you really understand what nano-technology is.
Example of application based on misinformation – the design of loudspeaker systems for better plant growing by playing music to plants.
If you design a set of experiments to investigate whether “music” can enhance plant grow (that’s a scientific investigation), if is O.K. However, if you just simply took it as a fact and start designing application based on this, it is not O.K.

14. Scientific investigation Applied science research
The nature of your project
Scientific investigation
Applied science research
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?” ………
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………

15. Scientific investigation
The investigation of natural phenomena.
A lot of natural phenomena are worth investigating.
Weather phenomena, biological / environmental phenomena (like red-tides) and physical phenomena (like optics).

16. Scientific investigation
Qualitative / quantitative chemical or biological analysis.
A lot of HKSSP project fall into this category.
Perhaps, news of the presence of contaminants in foods and the environment frequently appear in the media.
Although it sounds simple, some measurements require sophisticated equipment that are beyond most secondary schools. For example, the measurement of trace metal content in samples requires AAS or ICP-MS.
On the other hand, there are a lot of important tests / measurements that can be done with secondary school facilities, e.g. colorimetric tests of nitrates, nitrites, sulfide or even Cr(VI).
The key problem is the availability of special chemicals to do the testing.
There are a lot fine chemical dealers in HK. But students have to observe delivery time which may take up to 4 to 8 weeks.

17. Scientific investigation
Studies of properties of chemicals / materials.
Studying of renewable materials is also a hot topic.
However, real characterization of materials requires very specialized equipment.

18. Scientific investigation
Studies of behaviours of biological / ecological systems.
Field surveys – environmental / ecological studies.
Environmental survey is a very popular field in high school science project activities. But not much in Hong Kong
It will be very interesting if a project has both field sampling and laboratory analysis elements.
However, students have to observe the problems of sample preservation and cross-contamination during field sampling.
Bad example of sample contamination: Measurement of CO and NOx levels in HK tunnels.

19. Do’s and don’ts
Clearly states the rationales behind your investigation.
Clearly states what scientific insight you have obtained from your study.
Thorough literature survey of background information and systematic presentation of these information.
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.
Good quality control of data.
A good scientific investigation usually leads to more interesting questions to be researched.
Remember to draw scientific insights or predictions from your project.
Bad example of interference: Studying the effects of music to plant growth.
Always makes replicate measurements and sampling.

20. Do’s and don’ts
Don’t base you whole project on “controversial” claims or misinformation.
Don’t just display a collection of things (unless the collection is used for comparative research leading to scientific insights).
Don’t do experiments that are not relevant to your hypothesis or those that cannot prove or disprove your hypothesis.
Don’t do measurements with non-accurate equipment and interprets your results as if they are very reliable data.
Don’t base your project on technologies beyond your understanding.
Don’t ignore natural variance of data (especially in biological and environmental studies).
Don’t jump to conclusion too soon without a thorough set of data to prove or disprove your hypothesis.
Example of misinformation or urban-legend: Prof. Richard Feynman experimented to see whether eating aspirin and drink Coca Cola simultaneously is lethal.
Always knows about the sensitivity of your measuring technique or equipment.
Remember, thing that you cannot measure doesn’t mean that it is not there. It just means that its concentration is too low to be detected by your technique.
Bad example of detection limit interpretation: Level of pollutant below 1.0 ppm in food.
To address for natural data variance, more sample / measurement replicates and the use of statistical analysis.

21. Do’s and don’ts
The mean level of DDT at site C seems to be the highest, while site D has the lowest average DDT concentration.
But, is it really so?

22. Do’s and don’ts
If the variance of data at each site is also given (in the form of error bars), levels of DDT at the five sampling sites may not be so different.
When students compare their results, extra care has to be taken to address statistical significance.

23. Teamwork 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
Teamworking

24. Teamwork A small team usually works better.
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.
Regular check on progress is necessary.
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.

25. 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.

26. Thank you very much for your attention
Good Luck