Introduction to 7th & 8th Grade Science Projects

1. Introduction to 7th & 8th Grade Science Projects

2. Why do a science project? • Enter tomorrow’s world of science • Utilize technology and mathematics • Select and actively investigate a problem • Discover that science can be fun • Develop abilities to the utmost • Learn to work independently & logically

3. Biology Botany Chemistry Computer Science Earth and Space Ecology Engineering Physics Zoology: Invertebrates Zoology: Vertebrate Animals* Behavioral Science: Human Subjects* / Animals* Medicine and Health/ Microbiology* Categories / types of experiments

4. Guidelines for experiments

5. Select a problem to investigate • Ask parents, adult family members, friends in various science fields for help with ideas. • Ideas: Internet, books, (science) magazines, newspaper articles on current science issues • Is this problem possible to investigate? • Can I really do an experiment involving testing, or is this a report topic? • Is this topic very interesting to me?

6. Gather background information • Carnegie Library in Oakland • Internet sources, computer encyclopedia, books, magazines, newspapers • College texts in STM science lab • College/university faculty or libraries • Adults in science related fields • Find PICTURES / IIUSTRATIONS/ CHARTS OF INFO to use with presentation

7. Formulate a hypothesis • What do you think will happen when you perform the experiment, based on your research of this topic? • State why you think this • Must be an acceptable outcome!

8. Define science terms • List terms and definitions in your own words • Check spelling • If you use a term, know what it means • Correct pronunciation is essential

9. Design and perform experiment • List all materials that will be used first • Steps should be listed in detail and in logical sequence • Use action verbs: measure, observe, etc. • Must have sufficient sample size • Must be measured in metric measurements • Find clipart/drawings to showequipment • Take pictures for your display boards

10. Controls and Variables • Controls: conditions in an experiment that do not change • Variable: the one condition that varies between the groups

11. How I Controlled My Experiment All Conditions Were the Same Except the One Variable Tested: (examples) • All groups received the same type (incandescent) & amount of light and were equidistant from the light source • Experiment was conducted at the same time of day • Temperature was 38 degrees Celsius throughout experiment

12. Record data • Use a data notebook - keep with all project papers in a science project folder or binder • Prepare data charts in advance - results may be entered while performing experiment • Be careful to record data under Experimental and Control • Record date, time, observations, and conditions - all must be the same except one variable!!!

13. Charts and graphs • Make a chart of all data • Types of graphs: bar and line graphs • Use line graphs to show outcome over time • Each point on graph represents the average of your measurements / results • State the title, key, and x and y axes before stating results

14. Analysis of data and conclusions • Use bullets to accent points or flowcharts. • Give reasons why these results were obtained • Use your background info to explain • Refer back to your hypothesis - was it shown to be correct or incorrect? • Do not say that you proved anything - many more investigations are necessary for that

15. Future Implications • State how you would change this experiment if it were done again • Suggest further work that could be done in this field

16. Experimental Practicality • State how your results and/or further research in this field could be useful to one or more of the following: • industry • the medical field, veterinary medicine • agriculture • product research firms, chemical companies • any aspect of society

17. Guidelines: Class - Science Fair Night presentations to parents • Maximum time: 10 minutes (uninterrupted) • Minimum time: 6 minutes • Must be presented: May use note cards but do not read • 5 minute question period following presentation • Speak slowly and clearly • Use only the metric system

18. Display board & transparencies • Type all sections on the computer and print: • on paper for the display board (will be displayed in the gym) • on transparencies for overhead projector to be shown for his/her speech to the class and on Science Fair Night, Thursday, January 30, 2008 (tentative date) • Back up your work!! Save on flash drive or CD as well as computer hard drive!

19. Grading Criteria Project Due Dates

20. PA Junior Academy of Science • Region 7 - Allegheny & Westmoreland Counties - 104 Participating Junior and Senior High Schools (over 1500 students) • 10 minute memorized formal presentation with transparencies • STM Winners from 1989- 2007: • Regional Competitions: over 186 1st Places • State Competitions: over 134 1st Places

21. PA Junior Academy of Science • PJAS limit: 15 students • Regional competition at Upper St. Clair High School on Sat., Feb. 2, 2008 • 1st Place winners may go to state competition held at Penn State University, State College, PA • Dates: Sunday - Tuesday, May 18-20, 2008

22. Pittsburgh Regional Science and Engineering Fair • Held at Carnegie Science Center and Heinz Field March 28 - March 29, 2008 • Participants from 26 counties in Western PA • Students make a more elaborate display board and discuss project with judges

23. Pittsburgh Regional Science and Engineering Fair: STM Awards • 1996: STM - Most Awards, including Best of Show and 1st Place in Biology • 1997: STM - Most Awards, Best of Show and 1st Places in Life Science & Chemistry • 2001: STM - 1st Place Behavioral Science • 2002: STM - 1st Place Chemistry • 2nd Place in Medicine & Health • 2nd Place in Consumer Science

24. Pittsburgh Regional Science and Engineering Fair: STM Awards • 2003 - 1st Place Medicine & Health • 1st Place Consumer Science, 6 other awards • 2004 - Most Awards, Intermediate Division • 1st & 3rd Places Chemistry • 2nd Places in Consumer & Behavioral Science • Honorable Mention in Biology • 7 sponsor awards • Society/Analytical Chemists’ Award - 6 yrs.

25. 2005 Pittsburgh Regional Science and Engineering Fair: STM Awards Most Awards, Intermediate Division • 1st Place & Hon. Men. in Consumer Science • 1st Place & Hon. Men. in Behavioral Science • 2nd Place & Honorable Mention in Chemistry • Honorable Mention in Engineering • 5 sponsor awards

26. 2006 Pittsburgh Regional Science and Engineering Fair: STM Awards Most Awards Intermediate Division • Carnegie Science Center Award for Excellence • 1st Place in Chemistry • 1st Place in Biology • 2 Hon. Men. in Consumer Science • Honorable Mention in Behavioral Science • 7 Sponsor Awards: Spectroscopy Society, • Emerson, Sunoco, U.S. Navy, U.S. Army, • Pitt Engineering Awards

27. 2007 Pittsburgh Regional Science and Engineering Fair: STM Awards Most Awards Intermediate Division • Carnegie Science Center Award for Excellence • 1st Place in Chemistry • 1st Place in Biology • 1st Place in Behavioral Science • 2nd Place in Biology • 2nd Place in Behavioral Science • 3 Honorable Mention Awards • 9 Sponsor/ Judges Merit for Excellence Awards

28. Pittsburgh Regional Science and Engineering Fair • More than $250,000 in cash awards, prizes, scholarships (for High School Juniors) • STM - Intermediate category prizes: • Gold medal: $150, Silver medal: $75, Bronze medal: $35, Hon. Men.: $20 • Also more than 50 sponsor awards • Sponsor awardees receive $50 and medal

29. Requirements for Eligibility • Interest and enthusiasm in participation • All deadlines must be met • Must work well independently & cooperate with sponsor • If extra help is needed, MUST make after-school appointment in advance • Follow all directions the first time given • Interesting, scientifically correct, and informative speech

30. Requirements for Eligibility • Visuals: exemplary design and content • Must demonstrate ability to present project clearly, deliver memorized speech well, and answer questions competently • All forms must be completed and turned in on time • For PJAS, presentation to class must be memorized • If any requirement is not met, student may not compete

31. Science Activity Period • Students must be actively preparing science project presentations or practicing speeches in the science/ computer lab. • Bring flash drive with all project work to every science activity period. • Some class time will be allotted for project work. Bring flash drive to class these days-– I will inform students in advance.

32. Enjoy the experience! • Helping your child with science project- fun and interesting experience you both can share • Working together is rewarding for all of us • I will help you as much as I can • Good Luck and God bless you