Science Fair Helpful Hints Tell me and I will forget, Show me and I might remember, Involve me and Ill understand. Benjamin Franklin Benefits of a Science Project Use the scientific method to answer a question Get the chance to choose your own area to learn more about. Improve your math skills by analyzing data and creating graphs. Improve reading comprehension and writing skills by doing background research and writing a paper. Learn time management through a multiple step project. Improve communication skills by presenting & explaining your work Scientific Method 1.Pick a Topic you are PASSIONATE ABOUT! Spirit of Exploration- you own it, take it where you want to take it Unique Perspective- think creatively, be curious Enthusiasm- Make it fun and Intriguing to you and others 2.RESEARCH RESEARCH RESEARCH!!! Understand your topic and details related to your topic Ex. Toothpaste project know the active ingredients Ask Questions.Be Curious Challenge all Assumptions Why does happen? How does happen? How does work? How does one measure ? Who needs ? What causes to increase/decrease? What is the relationship between and ? When does happen? Where does occur? Does it sound right? 3. Ask How Have Other Industries Solved this Problem? Chances are, you are not the first to state this problem Look for synergies with other technologies Medical, Aerospace, Biomimicking are excellent choices Explore websites INVISIBLE BRACES EAR THERMOMETERGROOVINGSHOE INSOLES NASA NASA Advanced Ceramics Research to protect the infrared antennae of heat-seeking missile trackers. (translucent polycrystalline alumina (TPA)) Uses Infrared technology to measure temperature of stars Way to improve safety for aircraft taking off on wet runways by inserting long shallow channels to reduce amount of water on runways The space suit designed for the Apollo missions included special boots that put a spring in astronaut's steps while providing ventilation. (polyurethane foam) Everyday Life Braces that are aesthetically pleasing and would not have the shiny metallic factor. The material TPA would be strong enough and is translucent, making it a prime material for invisible. One of the biggest developments in orthodontics. Use of infrared sensors to take temperature by measuring the amount of energy your eardrum gives off into the ear canal. Important in hospitals as there was a shortage of nurses and ~1 billion temps to take. Transportation engineers began applying the same techniques to highways. According to NASA, safety grooving has reduced highway accidents by 85 percent [source: NASA]. Cars hydroplane when water between tires and the road actually separates the two from each otherNASA Athletic shoe companies have taken this technology and adopted it to construct better shoes that lessen the impact on your feet and legs 4. Simplicity in Design Be single minded Understand and test one topic and do it well Be clear and compelling Look for tests you can easily do Explore internet for ASTM methods standard industry accepted methods 5. Reliable Methods Purposeful Methods- Is the design testing what you want it to test? Replicate Usage Conditions as much as possible- Does the test represent what may really happen? Increase Your Confidence in Results Run multiple trials, include more subjects. Repeatable Methods- Is your test method reproducible? Will others Be able to perform the test obtaining similar results?