Announcements

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Thursday 9/24

MATERIALS & METHODS DUE

Class Time: You will learn about the rules and regulations of the science fair. A worksheet will be distributed and you will be given time in class to work on it. You will also be assigned chapters 5 & 10 in your book. A quiz will be given on your assigned reading next time in class.

9/18 RESEARCH PLAN BACKGROUND ESSAYS DUE

This is the first section in your Research Plan. It should be at least 5 paragraphs, written in APA format, and have 5 credible references. *Sample Research Plans were sent to all students through the science fair email. Review the formating, quality and writing.

Class Time: Work on the Materials and Methods section of the Research Plan. Turn in a draft of the methods by the end of class.

SIS is updated so please check your grades and email if you have any questions or concerns.

Remember to check your email daily!

Parent Notes

Hello Parents/Guardians: Welcome to Scientific Investigation

We look forward to meeting parents-guardians at Parent-Teacher Conferences on Wednesday, September 26.

If you are unavailable on 9-26, we will follow up with a brief phone call. At anytime this year, feel free to contact me via email with questions or concerns.

Refer to the "student notes" section for information on the stages of developing a research project that are followed in this program. Note: This process mirrors all aspects of professional research.

Major Science Fair Events: Family and friends are invited to attend

Sneak Peak Science Fair (November, invitation to be mailed)
AMES Science Fair (invitations will be mailed)
Salt Lake Regional Science and Engineering Fair (March)
AMES Science Symposium

Student Notes

Track your progress, mapping research: 2009-2010

Brainstorm for an original idea
Research Plan
- background essay (literature review)
- materials and methods
Safety committee--SRC or IRB (*some projects)
Complete paper work for the Regional/International Science Fair (see ISEF website)
Prepare to Experiment---Engineer
- gather equipment and materials
- prepare a project notebook
- recruit research subjects (*certain projects)
Work on experiments or engineer a device
- use the project notebook...
  - when, where, what is being done
  - record data and observations (expected and unexpected)
  - discuss problems and/or include ideas for improving the project
  - be sure to include photos; make graphs, charts and diagrams
Analyze results
- Create graphs, tables, charts and diagrams
Communicate the results in a Research Report
- introduction (update the background essay created for the research plan)
- Materials and Methods (update and convert this section of research plan to past tense)
- Results:
  - Create well labeled graphs, tables and diagrams
    - (include brief figure legends & number figures in order)
- Discussion
  - Discuss expected and unexpected results
  - Was the hypothesis supported or refuted?
  - Were engineering goals met? Does the device perform as intended (meets purpose)?
  - How could you improve this project or expand the project for the future?
References
- Include a minimum of 5 references
- APA formatting.

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Unit Converter

Tanya Vickers & Ashley Budd

Monday

23

Welcome to Scientific Investigation

Major Science Competitions 2009-10

Track your progress, mapping research: 2009-2010