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Research-Based SAE Programs

Research-Based SAE Programs. Two Types of Research SAEs. You conduct a true experiment in an attempt to solve a problem or learn new knowledge. You study a problem. Because of the nature of the problem, you cannot perform an experiment. Experimental SAEs.

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Research-Based SAE Programs

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  1. Research-Based SAE Programs

  2. Two Types of Research SAEs You conduct a true experiment in an attempt to solve a problem or learn new knowledge. You study a problem. Because of the nature of the problem, you cannot perform an experiment.

  3. Experimental SAEs • An extensive activity where the student plans and conducts a major agricultural experiment using the scientific process. The purpose of the experiment is to provide "hands-on" experience in: • 1. Verifying, learning or demonstrating scientific principles in agriculture. • 2. Discovering new knowledge. • 3. Using the scientific process.

  4. Experimental SAE • Experimental activities are particularly suited for those in agricultural classes where there is a strong emphasis on biotechnology or agriscience. Even in more traditional agricultural programs, experimental SAE activities can provide students whose career goals are in the areas of agriscience with valuable learning experiences.

  5. Experimental SAE Characteristics • There is a control group • This is a group of subjects (plants, animals, etc.) that receive no special treatment

  6. Experimental SAE Characteristics • There is one or more experimental groups • This group (or groups) receive the experimental treatment(s)

  7. Experimental SAE Characteristics • Randomization is used • Subjects are randomly assigned to groups (both control and experimental groups). If you were doing an experiment with 20 plants, you would randomly divide the plants into two groups of 10. • You would randomly pick which group of plants would be the control group and which would receive the experimental treatment

  8. Steps in Conducting an Experiment 1. Identify the problem to be investigated • What do you have an interest in • Is there some problem in your community that needs attention

  9. Steps in Conducting an Experiment 2. Conduct a thorough review of the literature • Read articles in magazines, research journals and on the internet to see what is already known about the problem • Interview people who may have specialized knowledge in the area. • Summarize what you have learned

  10. Steps in Conducting an Experiment 3. Design the Experiment • What will need to done to answer the research question? • What treatment(s) will be used? • Where will the experiment be conducted? • What supplies and materials are needed? • How long will it take? • What procedures will be followed?

  11. Steps in Conducting an Experiment 4. Formulate a hypothesis • This is your educated guess about the outcome of the experiment. • The hypothesis should be directional • Treatment A will produced more pounds of gain than treatment B • The experimental group will remain fresh longer than the control group. • The weeds sprayed with treatment A will die more quickly than the weeds sprayed with treatments B and C.

  12. Steps in Conducting an Experiment 5. Conduct the Experiment and 6. Collect the Data • Regular observations and measurements will need to be made

  13. Steps in Conducting an Experiment 7. Analyze the data and arrive at conclusions • What do all your data (numbers and measurements) mean? • What conclusions can be drawn from you experiment? • Did one treatment work better than the others? • What are your recommendations?

  14. Steps in Conducting an Experiment 8. Prepare the final report • The final report can be a written document describing your research. In writing the report, you should follow the seven steps outlined up to this slide. You will probably want to use charts and graphs to depict your data. • A display (like those used in science fairs) is also a good way to show what has been done.

  15. Research Terminology • Independent Variable – the variable you manipulate, the treatment • Temperature • Light • Acidity • Nutrients • Soil type • Time • Magnetic Field

  16. Research Terminology • Dependent Variable – the measurement resulting from the application of the independent variable. This is normally some unit of measure. • Gain in weight • Percent survival • Distance traveled per gallon

  17. Examples of Experimental SAEs • Comparing the effect of various planting media on plant growth

  18. Examples of Experimental SAEs • Determining the impact of different levels of protein on fish growth

  19. Examples of Experimental SAEs • Comparing three rooting hormones on root development

  20. Examples of Experimental SAEs • Analyzing the effectiveness of different display methods on plant sales in a garden center

  21. Examples of Experimental SAEs • Demonstrating the impact of different levels of soil acidity on plant growth

  22. Examples of Experimental SAEs • Determining the strength of welds using different welding methods

  23. Experimental SAE • A quality experimental SAE should: • Have specific objectives • Follow the scientific process • Involve a number of steps • Focus on an important agricultural/scientific issue, question or principle • Be of sufficient size and scope to assure a quality learning experience • Require a moderate to substantial time commitment on the part of the student • Be supervised by the teacher

  24. Non-Experimental SAE Programs • Some times it is not possible to conduct a true experiment with a control group. Yet, the problem still needs to addressed. Research can still be done. • The student gathers and evaluates data from a variety of sources and then produce some type of finished product.

  25. Non-Experimental SAE Programs • A variety of activities can be conducted as analytical or non-experimental SAE projects. • The approach taken may be that of: • An investigative reporter • A detective • A journalist • An archeologist • A documentary producer

  26. Non-Experimental SAE Examples • Developing a marketing plan for an agricultural commodity

  27. Non-Experimental SAE Examples • Writing a series of newspaper articles

  28. Non-Experimental SAE Examples • Preparing a land use plan for a farm

  29. Non-Experimental SAE Examples • Determining the safety of water wells in a community

  30. Non-Experimental SAE Examples • Designing a landscapeplan for a community facility

  31. Non-Experimental SAE Examples • Developing an advertising campaign for an agribusiness

  32. Non-Experimental SAE Examples • Identifying the sources of pollution in a watershed

  33. Non-Experimental SAE • A non-experimental SAE has all the rigor and steps of an experimental SAE except there is no control group. • One will still: • Identify a problem • Review the literature • Develop a plan • Conduct the activity • Analyze the data • Prepare a final report

  34. FFA and Research SAEs • There are two major FFA programs that recognize student achievement in conducting agriscience SAE programs: • Agriscience Student • Agriscience Fair

  35. Agriscience Student • Each state can recognize one outstanding student in the area of Agriscience each year • At the national level, there are 8 finalists for Agriscience Student of the Year • You have to complete an application form • Prepare a display • Make a 15 minute presentation (at the national level)

  36. Agriscience Fair • Many states have a state level agriscience fair sponsored by the FFA. • State Winners get to compete in the National Agriscience Fair conducted at the National FFA Convention. • There are five categories of entries in the Agriscience Fair

  37. Agriscience Fair Categories • Biochemistry/Microbiology/Food Science • Examples of projects • Compare different yeast fermentation techniques for converting sugars to alcohol. • Research resistance of organic fruits to common diseases. • Examine techniques for controlling molds on bakery products.

  38. Agriscience Fair Categories • Environmental Sciences • Examples • Study effect of agricultural chemicals on water quality. • Compare water movements through different soil types. • Examine effects of cropping practices on wildlife populations. • Compare different irrigation systems for energy efficiency.

  39. Agriscience Fair Categories • Zoology (Animal Science) • Examples • Compare effects of different thawing temperatures on livestock semen. • Compare effects of different nutrient levels on animal growth. • Study effects of growth hormones on meat or milk production. • Research new disease control mechanisms. • Examine effects of estrous synchronization on ovulation.

  40. Agriscience Fair Categories • Botany (Plant/Soil Science) • Examples • Examine effect of substrate particle size on shiitake mushroom growth. • Research effects of heavy metals such as cadmium on edible plants. • Compare plant growth using hydroponics and conventional methods. • Study effect of ultraviolet light on soil microbes.

  41. Agriscience Fair Categories • Engineering (Mechanical/Agricultural Engineering Science) • Examples • Develop alternate energy source engines. • Investigate light energy sources. • Test absorption media for plant materials. • Compare various tillage methods for energy efficiency.

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