1. K.I.S.S keep it simple students
Marge:
Welcome, intro us
History of project
Northwestern summer class
The need-help our students with the annual sci fair

2. Make sure you find it interesting!
STEP 1- Select you topic
Make sure you find it interesting!

3. STEP 2- Identify the problem
RESEARCH QUESTION:
What is the effect of different thicknesses of insulation on heat loss from a heated box?

4. STEP 3- Become an expert on your topic
learn as much as you reasonably can about your topic.

5. detailed procedure outlining exactly how you will conduct the experiment. Step-by-step! This is the most critical part of the whole process!

6. Sample Hypothesis
If I increase the insulation thickness then the heat loss from the box will decrease because the outside air will have a harder time reaching the box

7. Variables and Constants
Independent Variable
insulation thickness
Dependent Variable
temperature in the box
Constants: things you will keep the same for
Source of heat (100 watt bulb)
Starting temperature in the box
Temperature of the air outside the box
Location of lamp and thermometer in box

8. Step 5: Prepare Gather all materials. Create a timeline to
keep you on track.
Tell your family about your project.

9. Sample Project: Materials
20 Gallon Glass Aquarium
Lamp with 100 watt light bulb (heater)
Fiberglass insulation of thickness 1 inch, 2 inch, 4 inch, 6 inch, 10 inch (be specific about the type)
Duct tape (to secure the insulation)
Remote Digital thermometer, resolution 0.1 Celsius

10. STEP 6- Experiment Make sure you Have a control Independent variable
Pre-written procedures
Organized format for data collection

11. Procedure Place lamp and thermometer in box. Place glass cover on box.
Carefully cover entire box with insulation. All surfaces (including bottom) are covered. Tape is used to secure insulation.
Measure temperature inside and outside box
Turn on lamp.
Every 10 min, measure and record temperature inside and outside the box.
Repeat step 5 until temperature stops rising.
Turn off lamp.
Every 10 min measure and record temperature inside and outside the box
Repeat step 8 until temperature inside box is the same as the temperature outside the box
Repeat steps 2 – 9 for different insulation thicknesses.
Perform steps 3 – 9 for with no insulation on the box (control).

12. STEP 7- Make observations/collect data
You must know in advance what you will do to analyze your data
follow your written plan.
keep detailed notes on everything that you observe.
take pictures or make sketches of your observations whenever doing so would make things clearer.

13. Step 8: Figure Out What Happened and What it Means
organize your notes.
Next, analyze your data.
Ask yourself, what happened?
Did the results agree with your hypothesis?
Make graphs and charts that will help you "see" what the data mean.

14. Data Table
Insulation thick max temp time to max temp time back to RT
(inches) (deg C) (minutes) (minutes)
29.7 30 40 1
35.8 50 90 2
41.6 80
160 4
48.4
100
210 6
55.7
120
290 10
61.2
150
350

15. Step 9: Write Your Report
Tell exactly what you did, how you did it, and what you discovered.
Be sure you write all about your plan and your experiment.
Include your data, charts and graphs to help readers interpret the information.
Include some of the research info you learned.

16. Step 8: Make a killer Display
Be sure to include:
background information
Problem and Hypothesis
procedures and results
graphs and charts.
photos or drawings
conclusion

17. Step 10: Rehearse Your Presentation
Practice! Practice ! And Practice some more!

18. Stand and Deliver! At the science fair Stand and deliver. Be as calm.
Dress smart.
Take yourself seriously.
Be prepared.
I know you will do great!