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/

Science Fair 2003

Kids are

natural scientists,

so

let them have fun!

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

The methods of science are not…

Solving by trial & error

Making random choices

Stumbling on fortunate accidents

Relying on speculations or myths

The method of science is…

The use of experiment and observations to test our interpretation of natural laws governing our world

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

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

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!!!!!!!

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

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?

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

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

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

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!