Arthur Berkey Ag Science Fair

1) EXPERIMENTAL - RESEARCH (Traditional)

Plan and conduct an agricultural experiment using the scientific method. There is a hypothesis, control group and the variables are manipulated.

a) think of a question

b) Research the Topic

c) Make a hypothesis

d) Plan the experiment & build the apparatus

e) Conduct the experiment

f) Make observations, measure and record data into The AET

g) Analyze the data

h) Make a conclusion

i) Publish your results

j) Display your results

2) ANALYTICAL

Investigate and analyze a real world agriculture, food or natural resource problem. Gather and evaluate data from a variety of sources and then produce some type of finished product. The product may include a marketing display or marketing plan for a commodity, product or service. this could be to analyze and solve a community problem. (Much like an Eagle Scout Project)

3) INVENTION

The student identifies a need in agriculture, food or natural resources. The student performs research and analysis in order to solve a problem or increase efficiency by developing/adapting a new product or service to the industry. The student plans, documents and develops his/her innovation through the iterative processes of design, prototyping and testing with a goal of creating a marketable product or service.

AG SCIENCE FAIR CATEGORIES

Animal Systems ( AS )

The study of animal systems, including life processes, health, nutrition, genetics, management and processing, through the study of small animals, aquaculture, livestock, dairy, horses and/or poultry.

Examples:

• • Compare nutrient levels on animal growth

  • Research new disease control mechanisms

  • Effects of estrous synchronization on ovulation

  • Compare effects of thawing temperatures on livestock semen

  • Effects of growth hormone on meat/milk production

Environmental Services/Natural Resource Systems ( ENR )

The study of systems, instruments and technology used in waste management; the study of the management of soil, water, wildlife, forests and air as natural resources and their influence on the environment.

Examples:

• • Effect of agricultural chemicals on water quality

  • Effects of cropping practices on wildlife populations

  • Compare water movements through different soil typeS

Food Products and Processing Systems ( FPP )

The study of product development, quality assurance, food safety, production, sales and service, regulation and compliance and food service within the food science industry.

Examples:

• • Effects of packaging techniques on food spoilage rates

  • Resistance of organic fruits to common diseases

  • Determining chemical energy stored in foods

  • Control of molds on bakery products

Plant Systems ( PS )

The study of plant life cycles, classifications, functions, structures, reproduction, media and nutrients, as well as growth and cultural practices, through the study of crops, turf grass, trees and shrubs and/or ornamental plants.

Examples:

• • Determine rates of transpiration in plants

  • Effects of heavy metals such as cadmium on edible plants

  • Compare GMO and conventional seed/plant growth under various conditions

  • Effects of lunar climate and soil condition on plant growth

  • Compare plant growth of hydroponics and conventional methods

Power, Structural and Technical Systems ( PST )

The study of agricultural equipment, power systems, alternative fuel sources and precision technology, as well as woodworking, metalworking, welding and project planning for agricultural structures.

Examples:

• • Develop alternate energy source engines

  • Create minimum energy use structures

  • Compare properties of various alternative insulation products

  • Investigation of light/wind/water energy sources

Social Systems ( SS )

The study of human behavior and the interaction of individuals in and to society, including agricultural education, agribusiness economic, agricultural communication, agricultural leadership and other social science applications in agriculture, food and natural resources.

Examples:

• • Investigate perceptions of community members towards alternative agricultural practices

  • Determine the impact of local/state/national safety programs upon accident rates in agricultural/natural resource occupations

  • Comparison of profitability of various agricultural/natural resource practices

  • Investigate the impact of significant historical figures on a local community

  • Determine the economical effects of local/state/national legislation impacting agricultural/natural resources