Science Fair ProjectWhat is expected?

What is the Scientific Method? The scientific method is a way to ask and answer scientific questions by making

observations and doing experiments.

The steps of the scientific method are to: Ask a Question Do Background Research Construct a Hypothesis Test Your Hypothesis by Doing an Experiment Analyze Your Data and Draw a Conclusion Communicate Your Results

It is important for your experiment to be a fair test. A "fair test" occurs when you change only one factor (variable) and keep all other conditions the same.

What is the Scientific Method?

How do I create a Science Fair project? Begin by thinking about a question that interests you. It should be

something that can be tested and and analyzed.

For example: Which batteries last the longest?

To do an experiment on this question you would need the correct materials to test it and you would need to follow specific steps that can be repeated by anyone.

You would also need a data collection method and a way of interpreting the data.

Sample Experiment Before beginning I must state the reason why I am conducting my

experiment.

I can do this in my Introduction or Purpose: Observation: We observed that Duracell batteries seem to last longer than other

batteries. Question: Do Duracell batteries last long longer than other popular brands of

batteries? Purpose: To determine if Duracell batteries last longer than Energizer, Eveready

and Varta.

Sample Experiment Next I must form a Hypothesis. It may or may not prove to be correct but it

essential to include before testing to follow the process correctly: We believe that Duracell will be the longest lasting battery because they seem to

last very long and they state in their advertising that “no other battery beats the copper top.”

Sample Experiment Now that we have a hypothesis we need to explain exactly what we need in

order to test it. These are our Materials:1. One standard flashlight that can be repeatedly used.

2. Two D-size batteries from each of the following brands:• Duracell• Energizer• Eveready• Varta

3. Two other D-size batteries to test each flashlight and bulb before starting tests.

4. A stopwatch to get the exact time each battery lasts.

Sample Experiment We now know what we need for the experiment so we must identify the Variables

and control involved:

Independent Variable: The battery type that was used (Duracell, Energizer, Everready, Varta).

Dependent Variable: The length of time the flashlight continued to work.

Control: The same flashlight was used in the same location for all trials.

*An independent variable is something that will change (the type of battery used) A dependent variable is something that changes only because of the independent variable (the amount of time the flashlight lasts).

Sample Experiment After we have decided what we think will happen in the experiment and the

materials we need we must decide the steps we will take to test our hypothesis. This is called the Procedure:

1. Place two D sized Duracell batteries into the flashlight.

2. Turn on the flashlight and the timer at the same time.

3. Leave the flashlight running for 8 hours and then monitor the remaining hours until it stops.

4. Record the amount time elapsed before the batteries die.

Sample Experiment Now we must collect and display the data. This is called Data and Graphics:

Sample Experiment

Sample Experiment Next we must summarize our Results in written form:

Our experiment showed that Energizer outlasted all of the other batteries we tested by more than four hours. The Eveready battery, which is a regular, non-alkaline battery, lasted only 6 hours and 35 minutes. The Duracell lasted 17 hours and 28 minutes. The Varta lasted 13 hours and 12 minutes. The Energizer lasted 21 hours and 17 minutes.

*The Eveready flashlight went out during the night, so we had to replace the batteries and watch it during the daytime. It was the only non-alkaline battery. We observed that when it was going dead, it got very dim. The alkaline batteries just went out completely.

Sample Experiment Now we must analyze the results and determine if our hypothesis is valid.

This is called the Conclusion:

The data we collected refuted our hypothesis. We came to this conclusion because our data showed that Energizer batteries lasted longer than Duracell, Eveready, and Varta. This also proves that even though batteries may be more expensive (like the Duracell was), you might not be paying for a better battery.

Sample Experiment Finally it is time to reflect on our project and suggest ways it could be

improved (every experiment can be improved or done differently). This is called the Recommendations part:

We recommend that further testing be done, due to a few errors made during the experiment. The flashlight was accidentally dropped twice, which could have caused differences in the results. Also, the expiration dates of the batteries were not all the same (there was a difference of up to 5 years); so some batteries may not have been as "fresh" as the newer ones. Finally, the experiment should be repeated using other devices (example: toys) as they may give different results than the flashlight.

The Display How should my project look?

Your project must follow the scientific process and this must be reflected in your display. However, the way you arrange your display and the artistry involved is up to you. You can earn extra marks by having a visually stunning display.

Here is an example of a common board layout:

The Display

Final thoughts In addition to the experiment and display you should be able to explain

verbally what you have done and why. You should also be able to answer any questions others may have.

Above all else make sure you have fun! This fair is a great opportunity for you to learn about science in an interesting and engaging way. You are all creative and capable individuals and it is time to let your creativity and imagination loose!