|
Scientific
Method
A
science fair project is an investigation using the scientific method to
discover the answer to a scientific problem.
Before
starting your project, you need to understand the scientific method.
The
scientific method is the "tool" that scientists use to find the answers to
questions.
It
is the process of thinking through the possible solutions to a problem and
testing each possibility to find the best solution.
The
scientific method involves the following steps:
-
Research
-
Problem
-
Hypothesis
-
Project
Experimentation
-
Project
Conclusion
Research
Research
is collecting information from your own experiences, and knowledgeable
sources. Your first research is used to select a project topic. This is called
topic research.
After
you have selected a topic, you begin what is called project research. This is
research to help you understand the topic, express a problem, propose a
hypothesis, and design one or more project experiments—experiments designed to
test the hypothesis.
Do
use many references from printed sources—books, journals, magazines, and
newspapers—as well as electronic sources—computer software and online services.
Problem
The
problem is the scientific question to be solved. It is best expressed as an
"open-ended" question, which is a question that is answered with a statement,
not just a yes or a no. For example, "How does light affect the reproduction
of bread mold on white bread?"
Do
choose a problem that can be solved experimentally. For example, the question
"What is a mold?" can be answered by finding the definition of the word mold
in the dictionary. But, "At room temperature, what is the growth rate of bread
mold on white bread?" is a question that can be answered by experimentation.
Hypothesis
A
hypothesis is an idea about the solution to a problem, based on knowledge and
research. While the hypothesis is a single statement, it is the key to a
successful project. All of your project experimenting will be performed to
test the hypothesis. The hypothesis should make a claim about how two factors
relate. For example, in the following sample hypothesis, the two relating
factors are light and bread mold growth. Here is one example of a hypothesis
for the earlier problem question:
"I
believe that bread mold does not need light for reproduction on white bread,
because mold does not contain chlorophyll.
Do
state facts from past experiences or observations on which you base your
hypothesis.
Do
write down your hypothesis before beginning the project experimentation.
Don't
change your hypothesis even if experimentation does not support it. If time
permits, repeat or redesign the experiment to confirm your results.
Project
Experimentation
Project
experimentation is the process of testing a hypothesis. The things that have
an effect on the experiment are called variables. There are three kinds of
variables that you need to identify in your experiments: independent,
dependent, and controlled.
The
independent variable is the variable you purposely manipulate (change).
The
dependent variable is the variable that is being observed, which
changes in response to the independent variable.
The
variables that are not changed are called controlled variables.
Do
have only one independent variable during an experiment.
Do
repeat the experiment more than once to verify your results.
Do
have a control.
Do
organize data.
Project
Conclusion
The
project conclusion is a summary of the results of the project experimentation
and a statement of how the results relate to the hypothesis. Reasons for
experimental results that go against or reject the hypothesis are included. If
applicable, the conclusion can end by giving ideas for further testing.
If
your results do not support your hypothesis:
DON'T
change your hypothesis.
DON'T
leave out experimental results that do not support your hypothesis.
DO
give possible reasons for the difference between your hypothesis and the
experimental results.
DO
give ways that you can experiment further to find a solution.
If
your results support your hypothesis:
You
might say, for example, "As stated in my hypothesis, I believe that light is
not necessary during the germination of bean seeds. My experimentation
supports the idea that bean seeds will germinate without light. After seven
days, the seeds tested were seen growing in full light and in no light. It is
possible that some light reached the 'no light' containers that were placed in
a dark closet. If I were to improve on this experiment, I would place the 'no
light' containers in a light-proof box and/or wrap them in light-proof
material, such as aluminum foil."
|
