Tips For Making A Science Fair Project For Intermediate Grades
Science is such a broad field of study that one can find plenty of ideas for intermediate science fair projects. Just by looking at some subcategories, one can immediately think up possible interesting topics to explore: physics, chemistry, earth science, botany, zoology, geology, information technology, etc.
Follow the Prescribed Format
At this stage the student has already been trained in writing a science report or experiment report using a specific format. This format should always be followed since:
a. It makes it easier for other people such as fellow students, teachers and onlookers to understand what the project is all about; b. Writing the report in a specific format can help clarify to the student what he or she needs to do next or on which point he or she must focus; c. Sticking to an approved format can help ensure that the scientific method is followed. The Scientific Method and Experiment Design Tips for Intermediate Science Fair Projects You should also follow the scientific method. The barebones of the method is laid down below: 1. Write down observations and formulate a hypothesis which will clearly spell out what you are trying to investigate. Keep the hypothesis as specific as possible - this will keep the experiment as easy as possible to design and perform. An example of a hypothesis could be "If a plant is given too much water, then its growth will be stunted." Another type of hypothesis doesn't attempt to 'take sides' in the phenomenon being investigated. For example, "The temperature of the reactants H2 and O2 has no effect on the amount of water produced." Such a hypothesis requires an experiment that has been designed to look at cases or instances at different temperatures (cold, room temperature, and hot). 2. Design an experiment to test the hypothesis, and perform this experiment. Using the second example given above, the student could opt to conduct electrolysis of water using three setups, each at different temperatures. The one at room temperature should serve as a control so that it will be possible to see if a temperature difference has reduced or increased the amount of water produced. Since the experiment requires assessing the amount of water produced, a method of accurately collecting and measuring it should also be included. The high school scientist should also try to foresee what questions the judges may ask about his/her experiment and take these into account while designing the experiment. 3. Whether or not the hypothesis is proven correct, the student should write up a report based on the results observed. It is tempting to 'massage' the data in order to make it fit one's preconceived notions, but this should be avoided as it nullifies the whole point of doing the experiment in the first place. Moreover, doing this will certainly bring the wrath of the judges down on the student should the deception be uncovered. If an incorrect hypothesis needs retesting, then at least the student won't need to start from scratch.
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