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Jim Vetrone, Ph.D.
Science Teacher- Hinsdale Central High
Scientist- Argonne National Lab
Science parent- 3 kids in the district
http://cstaff.hinsdale86.org/~jvetrone/
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Science Fair 2003
Kids are
natural scientists,
so
let them have fun!
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Assumptions we must make
The world is governed by rational, natural laws
These laws do not change over time
We can observe, test, & interpret the laws
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The methods of science are not…
Solving by trial & error
Making random choices
Stumbling on fortunate accidents
Relying on speculations or myths
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The method of science is…
The use of experiment and observations to test our interpretation of natural laws governing our world
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Blue print of the scientific method
1. Problem – pick a testable cause-effect topic
2. Hypothesis- guess the effect of some cause
3. Experiment – make tests & observations
4. Communicate – tell what you’ve learned
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Scientific method is the way!
Comes naturally to kids
(Mixing colors, play dough, testing parents!)
Experiments are always repeated by others
Best way to separate truth from lies / delusion
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Step 1: Find the problem!
Interesting to the student
Cause-effect relationship (not: opinions, feelings, loose associations)
Do-able and appropriate
for student’s grade
Safe!!!!!!!
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Where to find ideas
• interests, hobbies, sports, “sciency” magazines, teachers• surf the net :www.edzone.net/~mwestern/scifair.html - super site!
www.exploratorium.edu/ls/pathfinders/scifairs - fun site
www.ipl.org/div/kidspace/projectguide/ - how to guide
http://members.ozemail.com.au/~macinnis/scifun/projects.htm#N42 – 2000 ideas
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Which videotape is best for the greatest amount of use? Will adding bleach to a plant reduce fungus growth? How much do worms move in light verses in the dark? What percentage of corn seeds will germinate? How does coffee affect blood pressure? What factors affect the growth of bread mold? Which material is the best insulator for storm windows? Does the width of a rubber band affect how far it
stretches? Does sugar prolong the life of cut flowers?
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Step 2: Hypothesis
Brain storm about what you want to test
Identify factors (variables) which may cause some effect on your topic (temperature, weight, etc)
Pick one variable that can be changed without changing any other variables
Make an educated guess about what will happen and why when that one variable is changed
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Step 3: Design an Experiment
1. Gather all needed materials
2. Select only one “independent” variable to change
3. Change that variable and record lots of data
- write down all observations & measurements- repeat to make sure result is reproducible
4. Repeat experiment but without actually changing that one variable to make sure results are real
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Step 4: Communicate results!
1. Tell everything you did and observed so that someone else could repeat the exact same experiment
2. Display neatly: pictures, graphs, tables, and explanations
3. Draw conclusions (with enthusiasm!!)
* was your hypothesis correct?* what went wrong & what would you do next time?* what did you enjoy learning
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Final thoughts!
Guide your children, but don’t do it!
This should be a learning experience
(how to graph, be neat, organized, plan,work with others, think critically, etc)
Have fun- it should come naturally!
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