Choosing Between a Study, Innovation or Experiment
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So. The time has come for you to begin the adventure of completing a science fair project. Perhaps in the past, people have told you that in order to do science fair properly, you must have some sort of experiment or build some sort of contraption. The hidden secret that many do not realize is the fact that there are three different categories of projects- study, innovation and experiment. Here, we have outlined the main differences between these separate types. Choosing the right format for your science fair project is an essential step in the starting process. For these examples, we will take a look at three different sample science fair projects. Take note of the different methods that each project uses. Along the side of each explanation, we have chopped up that Canada Wide Science Fair form to show the different categories and breakdown of judging expectations for each. The first text box on the topc contains a description of the category of the project (experiment... study... etc..) The second text box contains the judging expectations for a project only meeting 'low' standards. The third text box contains the judging expectations for a project meeting 'fair' standards.. next text box = 'good' standards, and then final text box = 'excellent' standards.
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The Classic Experiment
The Basics
Sometime or another, pretty much everybody has experimented with something in their life. Whether it be the good old baking soda and vinegar explosion, or cancer research, experimentation happens everywhere. Needless to say, science would not quite be science if there were not the experimental factors involved. Experiments are investigations done for the purpose of testing a scientific hypothesis. In reference to a science fair project- experiments are the classic way to go. They involve starting with a purpose, hypothesis, etc.. with you designing some thing that you are going to physically test.
The Project
Johnathan has a passion for hockey and has decided that he would like to look at specific brands of hockey sticks. He thinks that it would be cool to design a project on the effectiveness of different sticks in a slap shot. Johnathan calls his local hockey rink and arranges equipment and ice time so that he will be able to test five different brands. His father, who has played hockey his entire life, will be performing the slap shots, while Johnathan measures with a radar gun. His dad will shoot each puck twice with each hockey stick. At the end, Johnathan will compare the velocities and measurements he took to determine which hockey stick was better.
Things to Consider
In his project, Johnathan conducted an investigation into the effectiveness of different brands of hockey sticks. He created a hypothesis and then tested it by conducting an experiment. If you choose to run an experiment for your project, ensure to look for things such as variables, and make sure to use a control. For students starting out on their first science fair project, usually experiments are the best route to follow.
Study Projects
The Basics
At most science fairs, students also have the option to conduct a study project. Study projects are defined as a collection and analysis of data to reveal evidence of a new fact of scientific evidence. Projects classified under 'study' may involve looking at cause and affect relationships or theoretical investigations of scientific data. This means that instead of going out and doing an experiment, you will build a project off of analysis of previous scientific work (incorporating your own ideas and analyzing to look for hidden facts or information) The key things to remember about study projects is that they involve a lot of research and a lot of contemplation. For this reason, most students do not start off with a study project. At the Canada Wide Science Fair, and other science fairs, students completing projects on topics in Animal Sciences will commonly have done a study project. A study project is also helpful if you do not have access to laboratory equipment and specialized materials. Instead of doing the actual experiment, you can complete a project based on analysis of previous data and information.
The Project
Amy has always been interested in biochemistry and biological sciences. This year she would like to do something different for her science fair project. She has tried calling up a couple of universities to see if she can arrange time for experimentation, however, she is unsuccessful. Amy is interested in cancer research and would have liked to do a project that would investigate different mutations on the growth rates of cancer cells. She spends a lot of time looking through scientific journals at papers that have been published on this topic. Amy analyzes these papers- makes notes of their techniques and materials used, and then discovers something; all the papers use the same format for introducing mutations into cancer cells. She digs a little deeper and decides that she will write her own protocol for mutation that she hypothesizes will be more effective. Based on the evidence and analysis that she did, she is able to properly write up a proposed protocol that scientists would be able to use.
Things to Consider
Study projects always need to have analysis and evidence to back up any ideas or applications developed. Judges will be looking for write ups explaining how you looked at data and reasons for why you interpreted it that way. Because you will be using a lot of information from scientific journals or previous research, it is essential to properly source everything.
Innovation Projects
The Basics
The third and final type of science fair project involves innovation. Much like study projects, students are often unaware that this brand of project exists. An innovation project involves the development and evaluation of innovative devices, models or techniques through using engineering and technology. Projects may improve on existing technologies by adding on new components that enhance the effectiveness and application of the technology. This category involves a lot of creativity and ingenuity, seeing as invention of a prototype and modification are the primary aspects. Usually students who complete an innovation project will have some kind of a background interest in engineering.
The Project
Ted's father is an avid pilot, and for the past couple years, he has watched his dad take off and land his plane many times. Ted shares his father's love for aviation and is well versed in the area. He notices how the plane shakes as it lifts off, and he begins to wonder if there were some way that he could make an improvement on the technology. Ted crafts a couple prototype models of his father's aircraft and adds different modifications to each that should ease the shaking on take off and landing. Ted researches the principles behind the modifications that he has engineered and explains them to his father. Ted decides that he will use this invention and engineering feat for his science fair project.
Things to Consider
When you are working on an innovation, if possible, craft a working prototype of your invention or improvement. If the innovation is being done on technology such as oil and gas equipment, which is difficult to physically model, ensure to create schematic drawings of your work.
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