All students in 7 & 8th grade will be expected to conduct an independent STEM research experiment during the first quarter. This will tie in with our Scientific Methods Unit. Although this is an independent study, there will be much instruction and time dedicated to it in class. It should be a true experiment and not a demonstration or it can be a design project. You may also email topic ideas to Mrs. Ballasch (mfballasch@cps.edu) for approval or help. A wonderful source is the CPS science fair website at http://cpsscifair.org/. This site includes all of the information about the CPS science fair process as well as some other science fair opportunities. The official handbook is there which includes the official paper layout and endorsement information.
Make sure it is an experiment or design project. Science demonstrations are fun, but they are not experiments. (see: http://www.sciencebob.com/sciencefair/) For information on engineering projects visit: http://mistersciencefair.com/getting-started/engineering-method/
Rather than search for experiments online, use your own curiosity and interests to find a problem. Do you enjoy ecology? Do you like skateboarding? Start there. The science experiment process is much more meaningful and fun when studying something you like.
Follow CPS guidelines for what is acceptable and what endorsements may be needed. See handbook at http://cpsscifair.org. This is important to do first!
Email me with questions and your ideas. I may not get back to you immediately, but I will get back to you.
Once your project is approved, get busy! Begin your research and locate your materials for testing. Contact me if you need something or want to know where to get it.
Remember that there are two parts to this project. The first is your literary research. You will need to find multiple sources to support your topic. You will also be required to cite your sources in your research using APA formatting. If you are not familiar with APA, we will review it in class, but you can research it over the summer so that you are better prepared (https://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/560/01/). The other component will be the write up of the experimental process.
Time Management form
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Finding a Project - All projects should be a true experiment, not a demonstration. Ex. Demonstration – showing that a plant needs light to grow. Experiment – comparing different kinds of light to see which plant will grow the most. The library has many great books on science project ideas. The internet is also a valuable resource. Try typing “science project”, “science experiment” or “science fair project” and you should get many good sites. Also, your talents and interests are a good place to start.
Observations – As you do the experiment portion of your project, make sure to record your results. Measurements, photos, drawings & journal entries are all great ways of recording your data. Helpful hint – if you do not have a digital camera to photograph your project, use a disposable camera and keep it next to your experiment so it’s ready to go.
Abstract – Your abstract is a 3 paragraph summary of your project. The first paragraph introduces your project. This includes your problem and purpose. The second paragraph summarizes the experiment. What you did and how you did it. The third and last paragraph presents your results and conclusion.
Graphing Data - All projects should include a chart or graph showing the data gathered. True experiments should yield quantitative data.
Typing Your Project – The final project should be typed with a font size no larger than 12. If you have need of a computer, the school has them available in the library as well as in every classroom. Please speak with your teacher if you need to arrange to use these. The Public Library also has computers for public use.