Option B: Experiment

Name______homeroom______

Science Teacher-______Experiment Packet- Option B Room #______

Please put this in your folder. Do not lose it. We will be completing pages out of this packet, so keep it handy!

SCIENCE EXPERIMENT OPTION B The Science Experiment Option B of our STEM Fair involves asking a genuine scientific question that can be effectively answered by experimentation. The student will be required to write a hypothesis, design a controlled experiment and then conduct and analyze data from multiple trials to test the validity of the hypothesis.

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Science Experiment Timeline

Topic is due week of ______Rough draft of Problem and Hypothesis ______Materials and Procedures due week of ______Conduct Experiment, collect data, record observations, and measurements (Don’t forget to take pictures) ______1st Logbook check week of ______Typed tables and graphs due week of ______2nd Logbook check week of ______Typed rough draft of Abstract due ______Typed rough draft of Research report (7th and 8th grade only) due ______Projects are due- Final draft of log book, Display board, research report- ______Head Magnets Science fair -TBA Metro Nashville Expo fair TBA (Exact date forth coming)

Science Experiment guidelines- Taken from MNPS Science website 5th and 6th grade guidelines: Must have a testable question Perform at least 3-5 trials Results must be measurable with numerical values Must have a log book Results and data should be clearly presented with graphs and/or tables Photos of the project are encouraged; no skin, face, etc. to be shown Name of student should NOT be on the project; Teacher assigned ID# only Should be clear that the student did the work Have an abstract Give credit to adult sponsors No projects on mold or rotting plants/food 7th and 8th grade guidelines: Follow all guidelines for 5th and 6th grade, plus…  Include research report  Have 1 independent variable with at least 3 levels  Perform 5+ trials of each level  No projects on food, popcorn, paper towels, explosives, or vertebrates Models and demos can only get 3rd place. Science Fair projects should have a display board or power point/web site and logbook. The Project ID # assigned by the teacher should be placed: 1. on the front of the display board in the top right corner, and 2. on the front of the log book. We require that projects adhere to ISEF regulations. Regulations and documents can be access at http://www.societyforscience.org/isef/document. These regulations mandate that proper care must be taken to insure the safety of the student researcher, any human subjects, and the public, as well as proper treatment of vertebrate animals that are used in experimental studies. Students must work under the guidance of an adult sponsor (typically a teacher), and possibly other specialists depending on the nature of the student's project. Projects that involve human subjects, vertebrate animals, potentially hazardous biological agents (bacteria, etc), tissues, or hazardous chemicals MUST be approved by the SRC/IRC committee before the student begins experimentation. Projects requiring IRB/ISEF forms must have a copy of the IRB form in the logbook.  ISEF forms are at the end of the packet for those students who choose project topics that require them.

Science Experiment -Vocabulary

Abstract- short written report that gives the essence of the project in brief , complete form 250 words long

Conclusion- your opinion of what happened during the experiment; included at the end of the research report and on the display board

Control group- the group of test subjects that you use to show what happens when the independent variable is not applied

Data- These are also observations, but they are listed in the form of a chart or graph, so you can clearly see the results from the data

Dependant variable- the change that happens in your experiment as a result of the independent variable

Display board- A back board, typically three paneled, on which is attached the title, parts of the written report, graphs/charts, pictures, etc. to tell the story of your experiment

Experimental group- The group of test subjects that you use to show what happens when the independent variable is applied.

Hypothesis- a testable statement that you make as an answer to a question you have about your topic; an important statement used to guide the entire experiment

Independent variable- The one thing you change in your experiment to figure out how it impacts your topic of choice

Logbook- notebook in which you keep records of what you did in the experiment

Materials list- a list of all the supplies you use in your experiment

Observations- All the information you write down in your logbook and summarize in your data as you conduct the experiment

Procedure- A list of steps you complete to perform your experiment from start to finish

Research- Any information you gather from different sources which helps you know more about your topic

Results- A simple, factual summary of what happened in the experiment

Trend-The general direction in which something tends to move; a general tendency or inclination

Variable- anything that can affect your topic and change the experiment

Experiment Project steps

Step 1: Formulate a Hypothesis to answer question. Students will first design a testable question. Students will then come up with a testable hypothesis to answer the question that has been asked on the chosen topic. Step 2: Design experiment- variables Students will determine what the independent and dependent variables are for the experiment. This will guide students as to what the experiment will look like. Step 3: Determine materials and procedures Students will determine what materials will be needed for the experiment and acquire the needed materials. Students will also plan out the step by step procedure for the experiment before carrying it out. Step 4: Experiment- collecting data (trials) Student will perform the experiment at home. Student will collect data in data tables and keep a journal record of what was done at each step. Step 5: Analyze data, conclusion Student will look at the data collected and make tables and graphs. Students will then analyze the data and write a results paragraph. Once these are completed the student will then write a conclusion paragraph.

Choosing Topics-Experiment Name______

Choose three topics that interest you. Write down the web site, title, materials, and any questions you have about this topic in the spaces provided. If you already know the answer to the question without doing the experiment, it is not an acceptable topic.

Topic Choice 1 title______Web site ______Materials______Questions______

Topic Choice 2 title______Web site ______Materials______Questions______

Topic Choice 3 title______Web site ______Materials______

______Questions______Name______Period______Date______

Final Topic- Experiment

1. My topic is:______2. The question I asked is:______3. In short, this is how I want to study my topic:______4. Draw a check mark in the box if the sentence is true for your project.

 My question can not be answered with a “yes” or “no” (if it can, do not check the box)

 I will be interested in this topic for the long haul.  I will be able to complete this experiment at least two weeks before the science fair.  I will be able to get the permission I need to this project.  I will be able to get the materials/equipment necessary for this project.  My school does not have rules that will prevent me from doing this project

 I do not already know the answer to my question. (If you know the answer, do not check the box.)  I have specified the exact type of subjects for my experiment (the species of plant/animal, breed of dog, brand name, etc.)  I will be able to use more than one subject.  I will be able to locate the subjects I need to use.  I will be able to have three trials/ tests.

If each box does not have a check mark, you need to select another topic from the list you generated or work on the topic you selected a little more.

I approve of the listed topic above.

Parent Signature______

Teacher Signature______

Step 1, part 1 Name______Period____Date______Question The first step in choosing a science fair experiment is choosing a testable question. In your science fair experiment, you will search for cause and effect relationships. In other words, you will design an experiment so that changes in a factor will cause an item to vary in a measurable or observable way. The science fair question must include the independent variable and dependant variable. Correct spelling and grammar are a must.

Examples: How much water flows through a faucet with different sized openings? Independent variable- (What I changed): size of the faucet opening Dependant variable- (What I observed/measured) volume of the water that flowed out of the faucet.

What is the effect of the kind of copper wire on the number of paper clips that an electromagnet can lift? Independent variable- (What I changed): type of wire Dependant variable- (What I observed/measured): number of paper clips the electromagnet picked up

Does the design of the catapult arm affect the accuracy of the toss of the projectile? Independent variable- (What I changed): different arm design for the catapult Dependant variable- (What I observed/measured): distance the object is from the target

Question check list 1. Independent variable 2. Dependant variable 3. no pronouns 4. written in the third person 5. question mark included 6. correct spelling (affect-verb, effect-noun) 7. correct tense (present/future)

Place the correct, edited version of the question in the box.

Step 1, part 2 Name______Period____Date______Hypothesis

Hypothesis means “before the idea”

It is best to think about how a change of one factor/variable might affect another factor or outcome.

It is a plan how to solve a problem, a plan on how to answer your question.

It should state the variable you are planning on changing and how it might affect the outcome.

It should contain a verb such as …determined, measured, tested, observed, calculated, or examined.

1. the plan 2. independent variable (the one being tested) 3. affect on outcome 4. verb 5. correct spelling 6. correct grammar (no pronouns)

Place your final, edited draft of hypothesis in box below.

Step 1, part 2 Name______Period____Date______Hypothesis 2

Your hypothesis should have… 1. the plan 2. independent variable (the one being tested) 3. affect on outcome 4. verb (determined, measured, counted, tested, observed, calculated, examined etc.) 5. correct spelling 6. correct grammar (no pronouns-me, my he, she, etc.)

Now look at what you already have. Now rewrite it so it is in one of the following formats.

Choice 1- If the (independent variable) is changed, then the affect on ______can be (verb) Choice 2- By changing the (independent variable), then the affect on the ______can be (verb) Choice 3- When changing the (independent variable), the affect on the ______can be (verb)

You can Change the words around but keep the basic format. ~Change of (independent variable), affect on results can be (verb)

Place your final, edited draft of hypothesis in box below.

Step 2 Name______Period______Date______

Variables worksheet

1. What is a variable?(definition)

2. What are some of the variables for your experiment?

3. What is an independent variable?(definition)

4. Why is it important to keep all variables (except the independent variable) the same?

5. Looking at #2 which of your variable will be easy to keep constant?

6. Looking at #2 which variables will not be easy to keep constant?

7. Choose your independent variable.______

8. What variables will remain the same?

9. What is your dependent variable?

Step 3 Name______Period_____Date______

Planning the Materials and Procedure

List your materials here. (Everything you will use during your experiment, even safety equipment.)

How will you measure your results? Units?

List each step in your procedure in order:

Logbook- Requirements The purpose of the log book is to record all information related to your project. 1. Your logbook is an original, one of a kind. 2. Do not lose it. 3. It is neither replaceable, nor repeatable. 4. What you write in your logbook is for others and you to help recall, verify, and present all that you do in your experimentation. 5. Do not erase. Do not use liquid paper (white out). If you make a mistake or change your mind, use a single line mark through. 6. Do not discard after the fair is over. Save it. 7. Write all entries in black or blue ink, waterproof ink or tape, glue word processed information onto pages. Please make sure that no edges of documents are hanging over the edges of your log book pages. 8. Write everything that would be necessary for someone else to repeat your experiment and obtain similar results. 9. Your creative title goes on the cover. (It should also be on the board (all grade levels) and Research Report (7/8 grade).) It is helpful if it matches your display board. 10. Number your logbook pages even numbers on the left odd numbers on the right. 11. Date every entry in the logbook with the date and time for each entry.

Log Book Order of Entries

1. Title (On outside cover, should match your display board) 2. Table of Contents 3. Research Idea Origin –Why did you choose this topic/area of study? 4. Statement of problem –A clear statement of what the project tries to prove or find out. 5. Hypothesis (Step 1) 6. Material list –list of all materials used for this project (Step 3) 7. Procedure – A step by step explanation of what was done and how students accomplished it, identify the control and variables (Step 3) 8. Data- charts/tables (Step 4) 9. Journal -event by event entries of procedures and observations (Step 4) 10. Results –narrative explanation of Data results (Step 5) 11. Conclusion – using rubric provided (Step 5) 12. Discussion -What did you learn? Does the experiment suggest other possible hypothesis or experiments? 13. Bibliography 14. Acknowledgements –Thank those who aided in with this project, use common nouns rather than proper names (my parents, my teacher, etc.) 15. Abstract -A short essay containing the problem, hypothesis, a short description of the experiment, conclusion, and possible research applications; written in 3rd person-does not use the words “I”, “me”, or “my.”

Display Board, Prezi, or Website- All Grade levels

The display is your advertisement for your project. Think about your favorite bill board or commercial. What do you like about them? What makes them stand out? Now think about how you can make your display board, Prezi, or web site stand out. Display Boards: 1. Exhibits cannot exceed a depth of 30 inches, width of 48 in and a height of 9 feet. Prezi/Web Site: 2. Must have some way of displaying exhibit. Must be Emailed to your Science teacher. Both Display Board/Prezi/Web site: 3. All lettering should be readable from four feet away…this means larger than 12 font. 4. Headings and titles should be at least 1 inch in height. 5. Spelling should be carefully checked. 6. Consider artistic appeal by considering boarders, complimentary colors and display materials and equipment. 7. Plan your time carefully. An excellent display will take time to obtain materials and implement your design. 8. The project should include materials and equipment used but may not include:  Plants  Microbes  Animals  Sharp objects  Lasers  Powder  Fuels, food, chemicals, liquids  Soil  Glass

9. The display must include: Title 1. Problem, Question, or Purpose 2. Hypothesis 3. Procedures (methods and materials listed) 4. Results with data, graphs, analysis of data 5. Visuals of procedures and results with labeled drawings and/or photo graphs 6. Conclusion 7. Abstract 8. Research report (to put on table in front of display) 7th and 8th grade only 9. Log Book ( to put on table in front of display) 10. ID # on top front right corner of display board, front cover of log book and research report. You must also put you ID # on any items you display with your board that is not attached to the board.

Prezi- Please put slides in order as listed above.

Step 4 guidelines Writing up your Results- All grade levels Your result should be written in a brief paragraph of what you discovered while conducting your experiment.

 Write a topic sentence stating the independent and dependant variables referencing appropriate tables/graphs. There are several ways to write a topic sentence as long as the needed information communicated. Example- The effect of different number of batteries wired in a series on the force of the motor is shown in Table1.1, Table 1.2, Graph 1.1 and Graph 1.2

 Compare each test with the other tests done. Example- Twelve washers were lifted by two batteries in test one and fifteen washers in test two. Twenty washers were lifted by three batteries in test three and nineteen washers in test four.

 Write a sentence describing the range of data Example- The range in number of washers that two batteries in a series was more than the range for three batteries wired in a series. As the number of batteries increased the range decreased.

 Write a sentence stating how the data supports or disproves your hypothesis. Example- The data supported the hypothesis that the effect of the number of batteries on the force exerted by a motor could be determined. Example- Since different numbers of batteries affected the force of the motor, the hypothesis that the effect of the number of batteries on the force exerted by a motor could be determined was supported.

Step 5 guidelines Writing a Conclusion A conclusion is the last section of a report of an experiment. It is written in third person, past tense, and typed.

 The purpose- Example- The purpose of this experiment was to find the effect of the independent variable on the dependant variable.  Major findings Example-In test one… (explain findings). In test two…, in test three…  Trends Example A- The effect of the independent variable on the dependant variable showed a (positive trend, negative trend, no trend, no correlation, constant) Example B- As the independent variable increased/decreased the effect on the dependant variable showed a (positive trend, negative trend, no trend, no correlation.)  Possible explanations for findings Example- A possible explanation for these findings is that the molecules move faster in warm water, causing them to strike the tablet more frequently and tear it apart more quickly.  Compare other researchers’ findings to your findings Example- The findings agree with the solubility rule that solids dissolve faster in warm solvents as found in the Handbook of Chemistry and Physics.  Discuss possible sources of error such as human and experimental errors Example- Variation in data could have been caused by the release point of the car not being exactly the same each trial which caused the time to be too high on some of the trials and too low on others.  Recommendations for further study Example- Additional experiments could be conducted to determine the… This experiment could be improved by…

Writing an abstract An abstract gives the essence of the project in a brief but complete form-it should not exceed 250 words. Judges and other should have a fairly accurate idea of the project from reading the abstract. Details and discussions should not be included in the abstract (put those into the research report or on the display board.) The abstract does not include acknowledgements. The abstract needs to be typed Use 12 point font Do NOT type the word abstract at the top- your title should be at the top of the abstract. One copy of the abstract goes into the log book. One copy of the abstract goes onto the Display board. The abstract should have the following parts: a. Purpose of the experiment- Why are you conducting the experiment? (rationale), What do you hope to learn? (question), What do you think will happen? (hypothesis) b. Procedures used- A summery of the key points and an overview of how the experiment was conducted. Only include procedures done by you the student. Do not give details about the materials used unless it greatly influences the procedure or had to be developed to do the investigation. c. Data- This section should be a written version of key results that lead directly to the conclusion you have drawn. It should not include any data tables or graphs. d. Conclusions- This section should be briefly described. The summary paragraph should reflect on the process and possibly state some applications and extensions of the experiment. Sample Abstract- The purpose of this project was to identify whether a photovoltaic panel that follows the sun’s movements will collect more energy than a panel that is in a fixed position. The testing period for this experiment spanned six hours a day for five days, from 10:00am to 4:00pm, for a total of 30 hours. The fixed system and tracking system were tested at the same time every hour. The building material for the fixed system and the tracking system is the Lego Mindstorms Robotic kit. This kit included building pieces and a microcomputer. A sensor was developed to locate the direction of the sun. A photovoltaic panel was mounted on a motor-driven support that turned to follow the sun’s movement. A program was developed to activate the motor when movement was necessary. The testing results showed that the sun tracking system did, indeed, collect more volts than the stationary panel. The tracking system collected nine percent more volts than the stationary panel. This experiment demonstrated that photovoltaic panels that track the sun are more efficient than panels that do not track the sun. One aspect of this experiment that should be taken into consideration by scientists is whether the motor uses a lot of energy or not. There are two contributions made by this project. First, it verifies that tracking solar power is going to become even more viable for the future. Secondly, it shows that there are still more ways to improve clean energy sources.

Name______Period_____Date______

Experiment Report-7th and 8th grade only

1. Title Page- a. Title of experiment b. Project # 2. Introduction: A. Describe important characteristics of the independent and dependent variables that directly relate to your research problem. Describe any basic knowledge that is needed for your project. (Such as~ Where a plant might commonly grow, examples of the form of energy, life cycle, major steps in an earth process (rock cycle).) You might need to do some research. B. State the research problem. Q1 Why are you conducting the experiment? (rationale) Q2 What do you hope to learn? (question) Q3 What do you think will happen? (hypothesis) 3. Procedures: A. Write exactly what you did and how you did it. State your dependent and independent variables. This part should be so detailed that another child younger than you could get the same results. B. Explain what equipment you used; including size, brand, and type-this should be all your materials. C. Controls/constants described, meaning what you kept the same in every test and what did you change. Describe the control group and the experimental group. D. What method did you use for measuring? E. Avoid using first person pronouns such as I or me. 4. Graphs/tables 5. Results: Brief paragraph of what you discovered ~Write a topic sentence stating the independent and dependant variables referencing appropriate tables/graphs. ~ Compare each test with the other tests done ~ Write a sentence describing the range of data ~ Write a sentence stating how the data supports or disproves your hypothesis. 6. Conclusion: (See additional information) a. purpose of experiment b. major findings c. how did the independent variable affected the experiment d. possible explanations for results (You might need to do some research) e. what does research say (You will need to do some research) f. recommendations for further study (You might need to do some research) 7. Bibliography: APA style, alphabetical style

Experiment Report Grading Rubric-7th and 8th grade only (Possible points) (your points)  Title Page- a. Title of experiment (2) _____ b. Project # (2) _____  Introduction: Q1 Why are you conducting the experiment? (rationale) (5) _____ Q2 What do you hope to learn? (question) (5) _____ Q3 What do you think will happen? (hypothesis) (5) _____  Procedures: 1. Dependant/independent variables (4) _____ 2. All materials (4) _____ 3. Controls/constants described (4) _____ 4. Method for measuring (4) _____  Graphs/tables (20) _____  Results: Write a topic sentence stating the independent and dependant variables referencing appropriate tables/graphs.(4) _____ Compare each test with the other tests done(4) _____ Write a sentence describing the range of data(3) _____ Write a sentence stating how the data supports or disproves your hypothesis.(3) _____  Conclusion: a. purpose of experiment (3) _____ b. major findings (3) _____ c. how did the independent variable affected the experiment (3) _____ d. possible explanations for results (3) _____ e. what does research say (3) _____ f. recommendations for further study (2) _____  Bibliography: APA style (5) _____ alphabetical style (5) _____

Total points possible(100) Your total _____

Presentation Grading Rubric-All Grade levels (Possible points) (your points) 1. Answered questions A. What is my title? (15) _____ B. What did I do? (20) _____ C. What did I find out? (20) _____ 2. Spoke loudly and clearly (15) _____ 3. Did not read from display board (10) _____ 4. Answered questions from other students/teacher (20) _____ Total points possible(100) Your total _____

Log Book Grading Rubric-All Grade levels (Possible points) (your points) 1. Title (5) _____ 1. Table of Contents (5) _____ 2. Research Idea Origin (5) _____ 3. Statement of problem (5) _____ 4. Hypothesis (5) _____ 5. Material list (5) _____ 6. Procedure (10) _____ 7. Data (charts/tables) (5) _____ 8. Journal (event by event entries) (10) _____ 9. Results (10) _____ 10. Conclusion (5) _____ 11. Discussion (what did you learn?) (5) _____ 12. Bibliography (5) _____ 13. Acknowledgements (5) _____ 14. Abstract(15) _____ Total points possible(100) Your total _____

Display Board/Power Point/website Grading Rubric-All Grade levels (Possible points) (your points) 1. Title (10) _____

2. Problem/question (5) _____

3. Hypothesis (5) _____ 4. Procedures (10) _____ 5. Data-graphs tables (10) _____ 6. Visuals- pictures (5) _____ 7. Conclusion (10) _____ 8. Abstract (15) _____ 9. Colorful (10) _____ 10. Neat (10) _____

11. Correct placement (10) _____ Total points possible(100) Your total _____

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