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There are three open-ended problems (see below). Students have to develop their own solutions and, at the tournament, present a solution in 10 minutes. The problems are published in October and from then on students can start work. They can (and should) get as much help as they possibly can from anyone and everyone, but in the tournament itself students have to defend their presentation in a science fight. Keep scrolling for more about presentation.
Problem 1
Problem 1
Shell cleaning
Sea shells that contain mother of pearl can be cleaned up with vinegar. Investigate whether adding salt to the vinegar speeds up the process.
Problem 2
Problem 2
Preferences
Some people have a strong preference for one product over a seemingly similar one (eg marmite/vegemite). Investigate such a preference using blind testing.
Informed consent forms must be obtained from the parents of each participant in testing. This template is to be used to obtain consent.
Problem 3
Problem 3
Coin
Put as many drops of water as you can onto a 10 cent coin. Investigate the parameters that affect the number of drops of water the coin can hold before spilling.
Because the problems are open-ended, there is no perfect solution, not even a completely finished solution. At the Science Fight the team needs to present their best solution - 'what we have found out so far'. Most presenters use live demonstrations and a Powerpoint or Slides presentation to present their solution. You might like to start with the template below.
Useful information
Click here for useful information about how to prepare your team.
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