| A science fair project examines a scientific problem | | | | made, an answer proposed or an assumption made in |
| and finds a solution to it by using a scientific method. In | | | | the form of a single statement. Your experimentation |
| this article, I will show you how to use the scientific | | | | is carried out to test your hypothesis. Your hypothesis |
| method by using simple examples. Scientists use the | | | | must not be based on your fancies, but on knowledge |
| scientific method as an "aid" to find solutions to | | | | and a detailed study. You can form the hypothesis for |
| scientific problems. It helps them to think of many | | | | your science fair project as follows: "I am of the |
| workable solutions and test each solution to find out | | | | opinion that light does not affect mold reproduction |
| which one is the best. | | | | over white bread. My hypothesis is based on these |
| Allow me now to take you through all the 5 steps one | | | | facts: |
| by one: | | | | |
| Step 1: Conducting Research Research for your | | | | 1. Light is required for the survival of organisms that |
| science fair project involves gathering facts and | | | | contain chlorophyll. Chlorophyll is not present in bread |
| figures from your personal observations, educative | | | | mold. |
| material and experiments. These facts and figures | | | | 2. In exploratory experiments conducted by me, mold |
| must be neatly organized. I would suggest that your | | | | was found to be growing on white bread placed in |
| research must have two parts: | | | | dark bread boxes." |
| - Topic for Research: This step involves finding a topic | | | | Your hypothesis should never be changed if it is not |
| of your research. For example, you may have noticed | | | | supported by your experimentation results. |
| bread mold or fungi that grow on white bread and give | | | | Step 4: Conducting Relevant Experiments As |
| rise to new offspring (reproduction). Bingo! Your topic is | | | | mentioned earlier, this step will test the hypothesis of |
| ready- 'Reproduction of Fungi'. | | | | your science fair project. You may set up your |
| - Project for Research: This step involves knowing | | | | experiment by placing slices of bread in a number of |
| more about the topic, pinpointing a problem, asking | | | | closed cardboard boxes. Along with these boxes you |
| "what if..." questions, proposing answers (hypothesis) | | | | must also place the same number of open cardboard |
| and setting up experiments that will answer your "what | | | | boxes that receive light, to show that light affects mold |
| if..." questions. An example of a project for research | | | | reproduction. This is called a control setup. You must |
| could be placing a white bread slice in a box for a few | | | | have accurate ways to measure the results of your |
| days and examining what happens. | | | | experiment. |
| Step 2: Identifying the Problem The question to be | | | | Step 5: Arriving at a Conclusion In this step you must |
| answered using scientific method is called the problem. | | | | neatly summarize the results of your experimentation. |
| Let me help you to form your questions: | | | | You must state whether the results support the |
| - The question must be open-ended and specific: Ask | | | | hypothesis or not. If not, give reasons for the same. In |
| questions such as, "What effect does light have on | | | | case your hypothesis is supported by your results, you |
| bread mold reproduction?" This calls for extensive | | | | can conclude in this way: "As my hypothesis mentions, |
| thought and research. This question is also specific: A | | | | I am of the opinion that light does not affect mold |
| specific factor- light, a specific life process- | | | | reproduction over white bread. The same has been |
| reproduction, a specific mold type- bread mold and a | | | | supported by my experimentation results. Spores do |
| specific bread type- white bread. Such a question | | | | germinate in the absence of light. After a week's time, |
| would rule out other molds. | | | | the spores continued to germinate and grow, in full light |
| - The answer must require an experiment: For | | | | or without light. To rule out the possibility of light |
| example, "What are bread molds?" is something that | | | | entering the boxes, light-proof boxes may be used in |
| can be looked up in an encyclopedia. But, "How fast | | | | the future." |
| does bread mold reproduce at room temperature?" | | | | I hope you liked my ideas. Now go on and create your |
| would prompt you to conduct an experiment. | | | | own science projects using the scientific method. |
| Step 3: Forming a Hypothesis: A hypothesis is a claim | | | | |