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May 2013. 5 th grade Science Fair. Project Overview. In the next few weeks, we will begin the process of choosing a Science Project This will be a lengthy process We will devote time starting in the Third Quarter for research and testing
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May 2013 5th grade Science Fair
Project Overview • In the next few weeks, we will begin the process of choosing a Science Project • This will be a lengthy process • We will devote time starting in the Third Quarter for research and testing • The final project will consist of a science board and a presentation on the computer
How to choose a project • Must be investigative: • Testing • Measuring something • Comparing two or more things • Collecting data • When searching for a project, look for words: • To find out • To show • Avoid: DEMONSTRATIONS
How to choose a project • Look at the materials list • Are they easy to find? • Are they expensive? • Do you know what they are? • Look at the procedure • Do you understand it? • Can it be accomplished in a couple weeks?
How to choose a project • Will this project be easy to research? • Can I find information easily? • Finally . . . Ask yourself this question: • Why would someone want to know the answer to my question I want to test? • If you don’t know, it’s probably not the best project
Living Organisms • Something to think about: • No living organisms • This includes humans • Sorry . . . You can’t connect electrodes to your brothers, sisters, cousins, friends, etc • Growing plants is ok, but it takes time • This usually takes 2-3 weeks or more • You will probably need 10-20 plants to do a good job • So avoid growing plants too
Elements of Good Experimental Design • Builds on previous research • Describes all steps in procedure clearly & completely • Describes all data collected • Keeps all variables, except for those being tested, the same • Includes a control for comparison
Elements of Good Experimental Design • May include a large sample size • May include multiple trials • Can be reproduced by other investigators to give similar results • Respects human & animal subjects
Parts of the Project • Purpose & Hypothesis • Experimental Procedure • Materials List • Conclusion • Pictures • Computer Presentation