Science Experiments and Projects for Students: Student Version of Students and Research

Introduction  

Chapter 1  Developing Basic Concepts
Designer Planes
Investigation 1.1 Designer Planes
Hot Solutions
Investigation 1.2 Hot Solutions
Summarizing Measurements and Count Data
Observations: A Type of Data
Summarizing Observations of Data
Searching the Web
Practice

Chapter 2  Applying Basic Concepts
Checking the Design
Learning from Scenarios
Compost and Bean Plants
Activity 2.1 Design Detective
Metals and Rusting Iron
Perfumes and Bees: Behavior
Fossils and Cliff Depth
Aloe vera and Planaria
Evaluating Your Experimental Design Skills
Practicing Your Skills
Searching the Web
Practice

Chapter 3  Generating Experimental IdeasThe Four Question Strategy
Applying the Four Question Strategy
Prompts for Brainstorming Ideas for Experiments
Practicing Your Skills
Evaluating Your Responses to the Four Questions
Searching the Web
Practice

Chapter 4  Describing Experimental ProceduresFrom Brainstormed Ideas to Experimental Design to Procedure
Brainstorming Ideas
Clarifying Experimental Components
Experimental Design
Visualizing Steps
Using Safe Procedures
Evaluating Your Procedures
Safety Procedures
Practicing Your Skills
Searching the Web
Practice

Chapter 5  Constructing Tables and GraphsConstructing Data Tables
Evaluating Your Skills with Data Tables
Constructing Line Graphs
Investigation 5.1 Time and Absorption
Evaluating Your Skills with Line Graphs
Bar versus Line Graphs
Constructing Bar Graphs
Evaluating Your Skills with Bar Graphs
References
Searching the Web
Investigation 5.2 Brand and Absorption
Practice

Chapter 6  Writing Simple ReportsSimple Reports
Title
Introduction
Experimental Design Diagram
Procedure
Results
Conclusion
Investigation 6.1 Super Fizzers
Evaluating Your Report
Searching the Web

Chapter 7  Using Library and Internet Resources
Stage 1: Establish an Interest
Stage 2: Narrow the Topic
Stage 3: Clarify Variables
Stage 4: Refine the Procedures
Stage 5: Interpret the Unexpected
Locating Online Information
References
Searching the Web
Practice

Chapter 8 Analyzing Experimental Data
Reviewing Basic Concepts
Activity 8.1 Analyzing Experimental Data
Types of Data
Describing Data
Data Tables for Descriptive Statistics
Data Table for Plant Height
Data Table for Plant Health
Data Table for Leaf Quality
Making Decisions about Descriptive Statistics and Graphs
References
Searching the Web
Investigation 8.1 A Sudsy Experience
Practice

Chapter 9  Communicating Descriptive Statistics
Writing about Quantitative Data
Writing about Qualitative Data
Nominal Data
Ordinal Data
Writing a Conclusion
Evaluating Your Paragraphs of Results and Conclusion
Searching the Web
Investigation 9.1 Circles, Bulges, and Feathers
Practice

Chapter 10  Displaying Dispersion/Variation in DataOverview of Statistical and Graphical Presentations
Stem-and-Leaf Plots
Boxplots (Box and Whisker Diagrams)
Standard Deviation and Variance
Calculating Dispersion/Variation in Experimental Data
Stem-and-Leaf Plots
Investigation 10.1 Paper Worms
Boxplots (Box and Whisker Diagrams)
Standard Deviation and Variance
Making Decisions about Dispersion/Variation in Data
References
Searching the Web
Investigation 10.2 Watery Statistics
Practice

Chapter 11  Determining Statistical SignificancePopulations and Samples
Practice Set 1
Hypothesis Testing
The t Test
Practice Set 2
Two Treatment Groups
Three Treatment Groups
Practice Set 3
Investigation 11.1 Magnetic Time
Chi-Square
Goodness of Fit
Multiple Comparisons
Evaluating Your Skills
References
Searching the Web
Practice Set 4
Investigation 11.2 Containing the Curdles

Chapter 12  Designing Complex ExperimentsRepeated Measures over Time
Repeated Treatments over Subjects
Two Independent Variables
Three Independent Variables
Correlation
References
Searching the Web
Investigation 12.1 Holding the Heat
Investigation 12.2 Practice Makes Perfect
Investigation 12.3 Fruit Appeal
Investigation 12.4 Collapsing Bridges
Practice

Chapter 13  Preparing Formal Papers
Review of the Literature
Formal Research Papers
Student Research Paper
Using Technology: Surfing the Web for Carnivorous Plants
Evaluating Your Skills
References
Searching the Web

Chapter 14  Presenting Scientific Research
Science Fair Displays
Poster Displays
Oral Presentations
Using Technology: Presentation Graphics Programs
Searching the Web

Chapter 15  Evaluating Your Knowledge of Experimental Design and Data AnalysisUse the Following Scenario to Answer Questions 22-23
Answers to Chapter 15 Self-Test of Your Knowledge of Experimental Design and Data Analysis

Appendix A:  Using Technology
Glossary
Index 

Experimenting Safely

Wearing your seat belt in a car and using protective pads and a helmet when skateboarding make good sense. Similar safety precautions are also important when conducting a science project. Before you begin your experiment, be sure your teacher has reviewed your procedures for safety. If you are conducting your experiment at home, you should also discuss your safety precautions with your parents as well.
  Safety concerns for different kinds of projects are described in separate sections of this appendix. These sections are: A) chemicals, B) mold and microorganisms, C) electricity, D) radiation, and E) animals and humans. Read the sections that are related to your project. The safety guidelines here are only a sample. Be sure you understand and follow all the safety procedures needed for your own project. 

A. CHEMICALS  

Cleaners, fertilizers, and other chemicals serve many useful purposes, but all of them can be dangerous if improperly used. Never mix chemicals, not even household cleaners, without help from an adult. In addition, you should:

• Always wear protective glasses. Gloves and an apron are also good ideas.
• Wash your hands after handling any chemical.  
• Know the potential dangers of the chemical you are using. Some chemicals can irritate your skin, while others are poisonous.
  Do not breathe in vapors from chemicals.
  Be sure the area in which you are working is well-ventilated.
• Know how and where to store chemicals safely. A special kind of container might be needed, or maybe the chemical should be stored in a glass instead of a plastic container.
• Know what to do in case of an accident.  
• Know the procedures for safely disposing your chemicals. 

  Your science teacher can help you find answers to safety questions in laboratory manuals or chemical catalogs, such as the Flinn Chemical Catalog and Reference Manual. Most schools also have information sheets on the chemicals used in science classes. These are called Material Safety Data Sheets, or MSDS.

B. MOLD AND MICROORGANISMS  

You have probably seen mold growing on bread and other foods because molds are all around us. Microorganisms are also everywhere. Most common molds and microorganisms are harmless, but some are harmful. Before beginning any project with molds, ask your parents if you or anyone in your family is allergic to molds. Follow these safety precautions:

• Keep the mold and microorganisms containers covered.  
• Do not touch the molds or microorganisms.  
• Wash your hands frequently.  
• Never smell molds and microorganisms by inhaling close to the containers.  
• Do not re-use containers.  
• Dispose of your organisms and containers properly.  
• Avoid growing molds on soil; some can make you sick. 

  When growing molds and microorganisms, you will often grow "uninvited" molds, bacteria, fungi, and yeasts. Most of these are also harmless, but some are not. Play it safe. Properly dispose of these uninvited guests.
  Similar care should be taken when studying other microorganisms such as bacteria, protozoa, and algae. Learn as much as you can about these organisms before beginning any experiment. Bacteria, for example, are often grown in special containers called petri dishes. Harmful bacteria as well as safe bacteria may grow in these containers. Follow the same safety procedures as those given for working with molds.

C. ELECTRICITY  

Experiments that use electricity should always be checked by an adult who knows how to safely work with electricity. Take the proper precautions to prevent an accident. When designing and conducting your experiment, you should:

• Use as little voltage as possible.  
• Avoid using current from household outlets; use batteries instead.  
• Watch for leaky batteries. The chemicals inside can be harmful.
• Make sure electrical appliances and tools are insulated and grounded.  
• Never work alone. 

D. RADIATION  

Experiments using microwave ovens, lasers, radon, and some types of smoke detectors all involve radiation?energy or streams of particles given off by atoms. Radiation can be very dangerous. Even in small amounts it can be harmful to living tissue.
Before beginning any experiment involving radiation, get help from someone who knows about the kind of radiation you would like to use in your experiment. Keep these safety precautions in mind:

• Never work alone.  
• Dispose of materials that give off radiation as required.  
• Know the law. Certain state and federal laws may apply. 

E. ANIMALS AND HUMANS  

If you plan to experiment with animals with backbones (vertebrates), you must follow very special rules. Vertebrates include fish, amphibians, reptiles, and birds as well as mammals. If you want to use vertebrates or their eggs, discuss your ideas with your teacher first. A qualified adult supervisor who is trained to take care of vertebrates, like a scientist or a teacher, must agree to begin supervising your project before you even obtain the first organism.
  Most schools and competitions prefer that students use animals without backbones (invertebrates) in animal experiments. Insects and worms are examples of invertebrates. If you do a project with animals, you must provide proper care for all the animals. Proper care includes:

• a comfortable living place.  
• procedures that do not injure the organism.  
• enough food, water, warmth and rest.  
• gentle handling.  
• humane disposal or a proper home for organisms when your experiment is finished. 

  If you are conducting an experiment that may be entered in a competitive event, such as a science fair, be sure you read and follow their rules on the use of animals in experiments. For a copy of the complete and current rules of the Intel International Science and Engineering Fair rules, see your science teacher, contact the following organization for a copy or download the rules from their website.

  Intel International Science and Engineering Fair
  Science Service Incorporated
  1719 N St., N.W.
  Washington, DC 20036
  (202) 785-2255
  http:/ /www.sciser.org/weststs.htm

  Special rules must also be followed in experiments using humans. Nothing may be done to humans that is likely to cause them harm. Participation should be voluntary. Some experiments, like those that just involve observing people, may not need special signed forms and procedures. Talk with your teacher about experiments involving humans. Scientists who wish to do experiments on humans or animals must have their research plans approved by a committee of fellow scientists. These rules are to help insure that human and animal subjects are treated properly.

SUMMARY 

There are risks with everything we do. Taking proper precautions and using safe procedures can reduce these risks. Cooking, for example, can be dangerous. But you can cook safely by being careful and following safety procedures that reduce the danger. That's why people use potholders and keep pot handles pointed in toward the stove. When you conduct your science experiment, practice good safety procedures, too. Safety is no accident; plan for it.