Now you might be thinking, "But how would you turn these ideas into a science fair project?" Just follow the scientific method you've learned about. We've taken one example from each type and shown how you can apply the scientific method to make it a science fair project.
1. An Investigation
Example: How long does it take the heart of an average eighth grader to return to normal after exercise?
Purpose: What exactly are you trying to figure out with your project? Make a statement, for example: To find out how long it takes the heart of an average eighth grader to return to normal after exercise.
Hypothesis: Based on what you know, try to make an answer for your question. Your hypothesis is your best guess. As you do your project, you will try to find out if your hypothesis is true. A hypothesis is a statement, such as: It takes an average eighth grader's heart five minutes to return to normal after exercise.
Procedure:
- Research: Collect information to help you answer your question. Use books, magazines, interviews, and TV. Try contacting experts, such as businesses, utilities, or government offices. You might contact a local sports doctor, a trainer at the YMCA, or the American Heart Association.
- Experiment: A hypothesis must be proved or disproved, so this is your chance to test it out. For example, using a sample of 10-20 eighth graders, measure their initial heart rates, their heart rates after running for 10 minutes, and then the time it takes their heart rates to return to normal.
Results: List the results from your experiment. Use a notebook, charts, or graphs to show the results or your heart rate tests. Make sure your results are clear, and give facts, not opinions.
Conclusion: What did your project teach you? What was the average time it takes an eighth grader's heart rate to return to normal after exercise? Even if your experiment proved that your hypothesis wasn't true, you've learned something.
2. Construction of a Kit or Model
Example: A model of a solar home
Purpose: First, think about how you could use your model to answer a question or show something. For example, your purpose might be to find out how solar energy can be stored within a home.
Hypothesis: The hypothesis is the idea you want to try out. When tested, it will help you accomplish your purpose. For example: A model of a solar home will show that certain materials will store solar energy for use in home heating.
Procedure:
- Research: Gather information to help you build your model and learn about solar energy. Besides using books and the Internet, you might contact a solar engineer or an architect who specializes in solar homes.
- Experiment: Test your hypothesis. How can you prove that solar energy can be stored as heat energy in a solar home?
Results: Provide exact measurements and outcomes from your experiment.
Conclusion: What is the importance of your project? What might your project lead to?
3. Demonstration of a Scientific Principle
Example: Measuring lung capacity
Purpose: Focus on a specific thing you'd like to learn from your demonstration. For example, your purpose might be to find out if large lung capacity is an advantage during exercise.
Hypothesis: Explain what you think your project will demonstrate. For example: Students with the largest lung capacities can do the most exercise.
Procedure:
- Research: Search for information about lungs, their purpose, how they work, and their importance to exercise. In addition to books and the Internet, you might contact your local pulmonary specialist or the American Lung Association.
- Experiment: Test your hypothesis. Use students of similar size and strength, measure their lung capacity, and test their heart rates after the same amount of exercise.
Results: List the main points of what you've learned. What did your research and experiments prove?
Conclusion: What does all your data add up to? Was your hypothesis correct? What is the value of your project?
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