Science Project Fall 2015 THE “NEW” 2015 FALL PHYSICAL SCIENCE PROJECT An extra credit project where YOU find a solution for a physical science project! The final project will take the place of your lowest test grade (2nd Quarter or First Semester). Students who qualify to be in the science fair will be eligible to make 10 extra points! There are some requirements in order to do this project: 1. You need to do your best work. Projects must earn a grade of 85 or above in order to replace a test grade. 2. You must follow all due dates of every component. Missing a due date forfeits your opportunity to do this project. 3. You must come in for instructions/clarification of this project on Monday, September 29th at 7:45 AM, OR Tuesday, September 30th, at 7:45 AM. Be sure to put this on your calendar! 4. If you need additional help, you need to come see the teacher prior to the due dates of the component(s). This project will be a little different from what you have done in the past, because we will be doing more stepby-step problem-solving using the Scientific Method. You need to start observing the world around you, and come up with problem that you would like to form a solution. REMEMBER, YOU ARE NOT USING A BOOK OR THE INTERNET TO FIND A STANDARD SCIENCE PROJECT; THIS IS YOUR PROBLEM AND SOLUTION. You can use books/electronic data to do your research on specific problems and prior solutions. IMPORTANT: You are not doing a demonstration of how things work. You are thinking about an everyday or potential problem with one of these areas, and you want to find a solution! Science is objective, so opinions and surveys are not allowed. In physical science, no living things may be involved in your experiment. Sorry, no explosives or fire! Let’s look at the many, many different areas of physical science that you may wish to consider: Forces in Motion: speed; acceleration; gravity; friction; air resistance; terminal velocity; Newton’s Laws; inertia; conservation of momentum; thrust, etc. Energy: potential energy, kinetic energy and the conservation of energy; types of energy: mechanical, electrical, chemical, radiant or thermal; fossil fuels; renewable energy sources, etc. Nature of Matter: chemical change and the conservation of mass; chemical weathering; solutions: concentration and distillation; colloids and the Tyndall effect. Work and Simple Machines: work/power; efficiency of a machine; input/output forces; simple machines: levers, pulleys, wheel and axle, incline planes, screws, wedges; compound machines. Magnetism and Electricity: producing or increasing an electrical current; electric motors Waves and Wave Properties: Behavior of different types of waves (sound or light). Wave energy through different mediums (air, water, etc.), resonance, wave interference Sound: changes in loudness (may need ear protection) or changes in pitch; speed and temperature; Doppler Effect Electromagnetic waves: the electromagnetic spectrum; communication (radio, satellite); radio frequencies Light: producing light; creating/producing color; behavior of light: reflection, refraction, diffraction; prisms; optical illusions; mirages; different types of light: incandescent, fluorescent, neon, sodium-vapor, tungsten-halogen, lasers, LEDs; optic fibers, optic scanners, etc. Mirrors and Lenses: Mirror shapes: plane, concave, convex; Lenses: concave, convex; telescopes: refracting, reflecting; cameras: wide-angle, telephoto lenses. 1 Science Project Fall 2015 The best way to come up with a problem and a possible solution is by OBSERVING the phenomena above. Look around you at home, in a commercial setting, or a problem you have read about in a newspaper or news report (paper or online.) Give yourself a couple of days to look over the list above and start really looking at your world and what you see in the physical science arena. Then, after a few more days of thinking about your ideas write down the possible topics. Here is an example: . The area I am interested in is LIGHT PROBLEM How can I keep insects away from our outside porch lights? What Do I Research? (3 things) 1 )What is white light? 2) Why are insects attracted to white light? 3) Is there a color light that will discourage insects? 2 Science Project Fall 2015 STEP 1: BRAINSTORMING Do some brain-storming after your observations, and write down 3 possible every-day problems that you might want to solve, and write them down on your graphics below. These are not simple problems/solutions. You want your problem and eventual solution to have a “Wow, that’s cool!” effect! Here is a chart that may help you (does not have to be turned in.) The area I am interested in is The area I am interested in is The area I am interested in is _____________________ _____________________ _____________________ _____________________ _____________________ _____________________ The Problem What Do I Research? (3 things) What type of experiment would I perform? The Problem What Do I Research? (3 things) What type of experiment would I perform? The Problem What Do I Research? (3 things) What type of experiment would I perform? 3 Science Project Fall 2015 STEP 2: DECIDING ON YOUR PROJECT Now you will need to really think about which problem you want to try to solve. It is highly recommended that you do some research on these possibilities and think about what type of experiment you would need to perform to help solve your problem. Before you choose your final problem, make sure that you can answer the questions below: - Can you build, create or establish a controlled environment? - Would you be able to obtain any special measuring instruments? F.Y.I. – check you phone or android devices. They often have free measurement apps you can download (ex: measuring sound decibels, or outside temperature or pressure.) - What would be the control you would use for comparison? - What would be the one variable you would change (your independent variable)? - What type of numerical measurements (dependent variable) would you be able to obtain? - What are the fixed variables that must remain the same throughout each experiment? - What additional research would your project require? When you decide on your problem topic, you will complete and turn in Science Project Graphic. A blank copy is in the back of this packet and on Mrs. Rubel’s website. THE SCIENCE PROJECT GRAPHIC (WITH TEACHER APPROVAL) IS DUE ON MONDAY, October 5th. You will find an example of Science Project Graphic on the next page. 4 Science Project Fall 2015 Example of Science Project Graphic The area I am interested in is . LIGHT PROBLEM Question Does the type of light determine the attraction of insects? What Do I Research? (3 things) 1 )What is white light? 2) Why are insects attracted to white light? 3) Is there a color light that will discourage insects? Exp #1: Compare number of insects attracted to white light vs. how may are attracted to yellow light. Control used for comparison: white light Independent variable: The yellow light bulb (same as white bulb) Dependent variable: number of insects attracted to the light. Fixed variables: perform experiments together on different nights. Verify weather/temp are about the same. Additional Research: Why aren’t insects attracted to yellow light? After some research, what are possible experiments I could perform? Hypothesis (Experiment #1) Based upon my research, my hypothesis is that yellow light will attract fewer insects than white light. Exp #2: Compare number of insects attracted to different types of yellow light bulbs. Control used for comparison: white light Independent variable: The yellow light bulb (same as white bulb) Dependent variable: number of insects attracted to the light. Fixed variables: perform experiments (each type of bulb 3 times) on different nights. Verify weather/temp are about the same. Additional Research: 1) Why aren’t insects attracted to yellow light? 2) Research the 5 different types of light bulbs Science Project Fall 2015 STEP 3: RESEARCH REPORT When your topic and experiment have been approved, you need to begin your research. You must use a minimum of 3 different topics using 3 different resources (you cannot use an encyclopedia or question/answer shorts (Wikipedia, About.com, etc., or a dictionary as a source.) Your sources need to articles or documents about the variables in your experiment. NOTE: You may need more than 3 sources. You will be using MLA style for your references. When you find information, you will 1. Write down the source in MLA style (use http://www.easybib.com/cite/view - it is so easy!) 2. Write down the information that pertains to the variables in your experiment, using the source, but writing it in your own words. Let’s say that we are doing Experiment #1 in our bug light example. Here is how you should do the research: 1. Source (in MLA style): "The Electromagnetic and Visible Spectra." The Electromagnetic and Visible Spectra. N.p., 1996. Web. 12 July 2014. According to The Physics Classroom, electromagnetic waves are light waves that have both electrical and magnetic characteristics. These electromagnetic waves are broken down into a scale, or spectrum, depending upon their frequency and wavelength. All color that can be seen come from the visible light part of the spectrum. There are seven different colors of light we can see: red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo and violet. When all the colors of the spectrum are mixed together, then the color that can be seen is white. 2. Source (in MLA style): Sobrevela, Partida, S.n. "Attracting Mosquitoes,flies and Flying Insects into the Light." Attracting Mosquitoes,flies and Flying Insects into the Light. N.p., n.d. Web. 12 July 2014. According to Electronica Escuder, S.A, insects hide in the darkness. However, when a white light is turned on in the darkness, part of that light is ultraviolet. Insects have radioactive cells that are attracted to the ultraviolet light. The insects will move to the light because of the heat to warm them. 3. Source (in MLA style): Bug Doctor, The. "Do Yellow Light Bulbs Really Keep Insects Away?" Pest Cemetery RSS. N.p., n.d. Web. 12 July 2014. According to Pest Cemetery, yellow light works best for insects because it does not release the ultraviolet rays like blue light does in white light. Because of the lack of ultraviolet rays, insects cannot detect yellow light in the darkness. Therefore, yellow light should be more effective in discouraging insect attraction to light. If you were comparing types of yellow light bulbs, then you would have to have a 4th source that would explain about the different types of light bulbs. Now, go to the back of the packet and complete your research pages to be turned in. YOUR RESEARCH PAGE IS DUE ON _____Monday, October 12th________________ 6 Science Project Fall 2015 Name: _______________________________________ Class Period: _______ STEP #4: EXPERIMENT and LOG There are some very important rules you have to follow when you do your experiment. Rule #1: You will start your log the day you start your experiment. The log is about your experiment, the data you obtained, and any changes you need to make. ALWAYS WRITE IN BLUE OR BLACK INK. DO NOT USE WHITE-OUT. DO NOT PASTE INFORMATION IN YOUR LOG BOOK. You may chart data, but you need to explain your results. Rule #2: Make sure that you are using a controlled environment. All variables in your experiment are the same for every experiment, except for the ONE VARIABLE YOU ARE TESTING (your independent variable.) In order to help ensure that it is your experiment is not due to any outside conditions or time of day/night, experiments may not all be performed on the same day. Rule #3: You test results must be in numbers (numerical data.) You can’t measure feelings or observations unless you are able to get accurate numbers (visual percentages aren’t accurate – you have to measure your information!) Remember to check your learning devices to see if they have an app to help you measure! Measurements (except for times or number of occurrences) must be in metric units. Rule #4: Every time you test a variable, you must perform that experiment a minimum of three (3) times, and your data must be similar to previous data. Otherwise, you need to figure out what you would did differently or incorrectly, make the corrections, and continue to experiment until the results are similar. You will need get a small spiral notebook to create your log. See the next page for an example information needed for your log book. Your teacher will go over how to you can use this example to complete your own log. The logbook is due on MONDAY, OCTOBER 26TH. 7 Science Project Fall 2015 Experiment Log Information needed for Pages 1 and 2 Your name should be on the first line. My problem question is Does the type of light determine the attraction of insects? My hypothesis, based on my research, is that yellow light will actually attract fewer insects than white light. The experiment will take place on my front porch. The materials that I will be using are one 60 watt compact fluorescent white light bulb, one 60 watt compact fluorescent yellow light bulb, one light socket, an iPhone for reading temperature and recording data. The steps of my experiment are as follows: When it is sufficiently dark outside (around 7:30 PM), I will record the outside conditions. I turn on the white light, observe and record the number of insects I see gathering around the white light. After one hour, I will turn off the light and allow the bulb a few minutes to cool. I will then change the socket to the yellow light bulb. I will then turn on the yellow light, observe and record the number of insects I see gathering around the yellow light. I will record the number of insects I see gathering around the yellow light for one hour. My control is the white light. My independent variable is the yellow light. My dependent variable is the number of insects recorded in one hour for each type of light. After writing the first page, you will then record the results of each experiment on a separate page. You need to write your last name, the date and time on the top of each page. Remember, you may have to perform your experiment more than 3 times, so be careful! Write your conclusion on the next separate page. Last Name: __Smith Date of Experiment: _____9/30/15________ Time: ___7:15 PM________ EXPERIMENT #1 The experiment is outside on my porch. The temperature s 69oF (200C). There is a slight breeze, the weather is clear, and it is dark. I tested the white light (control) for 1 hour, and I tested the yellow light for one hour. I counted 10 insects attracted to the white light. I counted 6 insects attracted to the yellow light. The numbers between the white light and yellow light were very close. I may need to wait until later when there is less light. *************************************************************************************** Last Name: ______Smith____________Date of Experiment: __10/01/15___ Time: ___7:30 PM________ EXPERIMENT #2 The temperature is 690F (200C). It is partly cloudy, a slight breeze, and it is dark. Again I performed the experiment for 1 hour each, but I started at a later time. 8 Science Project Fall 2015 I counted 15 insects attracted to the white light. I counted 7 insects attracted to the yellow light. Although I started at a later time, so far every experiment has indicated that yellow light attracts less insects. *************************************************************************************** Last Name: __Smith_________Date of Experiment: __10/03/15_______ Time: 7:30 PM_____ EXPERIMENT #3 The temperature is 60oF (15.50C). The weather is clear ,there is little breeze, and it is dark. I performed each experiment for 1 hour each. I counted 7 insects attracted to the white light. I counted 2 insects attracted to the yellow light. There were fewer insects to count. This may be due to the weather becoming cooler. However, there were still fewer insects attracted to the yellow light. *************************************************************************************** Last Name: __Smith_________Date of Experiment: __10/03/15_______ Time: 7:30 PM_____ CONCLUSION The data collect is as follows Experiment Time White Light (Control) Yellow Light (Independent Variable) #1 1 hr 10 6 #2 1 hr 15 7 #3 1 hr 7 2 The experiments did prove that yellow light does not attract as many insects as white light. Your log book is due on __MONDAY, OCTOBER 26TH. STEP 5: Research Paper After you have completed your logbook and it has been approved, you are ready for your research report. If you typed in your research and cited your sources (MLA style) on your research report, and you completed your logbook, then this should be an easy report to complete. See instructions on the next page. THE RESEARCH REPORT IS DUE ON MONDAY, NOVEMBER 9TH. 9 Science Project Fall 2015 HOW TO WRITE A RESEARCH REPORT RULE #1: WRITE THE REPORT IN 3RD PERSON (THIS SCIENTIST, HE, HIS.) DO NOT USE THE WORDS I, WE ARE YOU IN THE BODY OF THE PAPER. You may use I and we are the acknowledgement page. TYPED PAPERS: - 12 FONT SIZE, IN EITHER TIMES ROMAN OR COURIER - DOUBLED SPACE THROUGH OUT - PAGE SET UP: 1” FROM TOP AND BOTTOM OF PAGE, 1” FOR LEFT AND RIGHT MARGINS. HANDWRITTEN PAPERS: - BLUE OR BLACK INK - DO NOT SKIP LINES ALL PAPERS: - TITLE PAGE, TABLE OF CONTENTS, ABSTRACT, REVIEW OF LITERATURE, EXPERIMENT INFORMATION, CONCLUSION (SHOULD FLOW, THESE ARE NOT ON SEPARATE PAGES) - ACKNOWLEDGEMENT PAGE, REFERENCE PAGE AND APPENDIX ARE ALL ON SEPARATE PAGES - NO SECTION HEADINGS – THE PAPER SHOULD FLOW FROM BEGINNING TO END Research reports normally consist of the following: - A title page Does the Type of Light Determine the Attraction of Insects? Sam Smith Creekland Middle School 8th Grade - A table of contents Table of Contents Page (s) Abstract….. …………………………………………….. 1 Review of Literature………………………..……… 2 The Experiment ……………………………….……... 3 The Results ……………………………………..……... 4– 5 Conclusion…………………………………….…………. 6 Acknowledgements…………………...……………… 7 References ………………………………………….……. 8 Appendix. ……………………………………….….. 9 - 10 - Abstract o This is about 2 paragraphs that contain the information in the first page of your logbook (not the materials or steps of your project) and the conclusion of your log book. 10 Science Project Fall 2015 - Review of Literature o This is where you can copy and paste the research you did on your Research Page. - Experiment Information (no charts or graphs here) WRITTEN IN PAST TENSE o This is where you put the materials, steps and the information from your experiment part of your log book. ALWAYS WRITE IN PARAGRAPH FORM – DO NOT LIST! - An Acknowledgement Page Acknowledgement Page I (we) would like to thank Mrs. West in the Creekland Media Center for her help and support during the research stage of my project. - A Reference Page (sources in alpha order, MLA style – copy and paste from Research Page) Reference Page Bug Doctor, The. "Do Yellow Light Bulbs Really Keep Insects Away?" Pest Cemetery RSS. N.p., n.d. Web. 12 July 2014. Sobrevela, Partida, S.n. "Attracting Mosquitoes,flies and Flying Insects into the Light." Attracting Mosquitoes,flies and Flying Insects into the Light. N.p., n.d. Web. 12 July 2014. "The Electromagnetic and Visible Spectra." The Electromagnetic and Visible Spectra. N.p., 1996. Web. 12 July 2014. - An Appendix (contains charts or graphs.) You may have more than one graph. Make sure the information is clearly labeled and not confusing! Appendix STUDENTS WILL RECEIVE INFORMATION ON THE LAST STEP (STEP #6: DISPLAY BOARD) AFTER THE RESEARCH PAPER IS RETURNED. 11 Science Project Fall 2015 Step 6: The Display Board Statement of Problem What the problem is that you are trying to solve ( a little more info than your title) Large Title (in form of a question) Analysis of Findings Description of Materials And Procedures What was used in the scientist’s experiment, What does this data prove or disprove? Independent Variable The variable the scientist tested. Clearly marked charts and/or graphs (make sure the observer understands within 10 seconds) Dependent Variable The data the scientist measured. Hypothesis What the scientist is trying to prove or disprove Clear photos or diagrams of project Evaluation of Work What did the scientist learn from this process? Analysis of Findings What does this data prove or disprove? THINGS TO REMEMBER Put name(s) on BACK of board. Board must be standard cardboard tri-fold board as part of eligibility for science fair Picture of materials, experiment being performed or results are very desirable. Type all information (or enlarge it) into a large enough font that can be read. Make sure all headings and information are placed straight and neat on the board. Handwriting is not recommended! The Display Board is due on MONDAY, NOVEMBER 16TH. 12 Science Project Fall 2015 SCIENCE PROJECT 2015 DUE DATES (EQUALS 2 PROJECT GRADES) MONDAY, OCTOBER 5TH SCIENCE PROJECT GRAPHIC (WITH TEACHER SIGNATURE) DUE Student may begin project after approval has been given. MONDAY, OCTOBER 12TH Research Report (with sources in MLA style) is due. MONDAY, OCTOBER 26TH LOGBOOK DUE (SEE RUBRIC) - FIRST PAGE INFORMATION (according to requirements in packet) - DATES, TIMES AND EXPERIMENT RESULTS - WRITTEN IN BLUE OR BLACK INK (no white-out) - MAY BE WRITTEN IN FIRST PERSON MONDAY, NOVEMBER 9TH RESEARCH PAPER (SEE RUBRIC) TITLE PAGE TABLE OF CONTENTS ABSTRACT REVIEW OF LITERATURE EXPLANATION OF EXPERIMENT (includes independent/dependent variables and control) ANALYSIS OF DATA FROM THE EXPERIMENT CONCLUSION ACKNOWLEDGEMENT PAGE BIBLIOGRAPHY APPENDIX PAGE(S) MONDAY, NOVEMBER 16TH DISPLAY BOARD DUE (SEE RUBRIC) DUE DATES ARE FINAL, SO PLAN YOUR TIME WISELY! Projects (completed for a grade) with a score of 95+ on the rubric will earn 5 points extra credit. FOR ALL PARTICIPATING STUDENTS: The top 5 projects (topic chosen, experiment, log book, research paper and display board) will go into the Creekland Science Fair the first week in December. These projects will earn an extra 10 points extra credit on their project grade! 13 Name: _________________________________ Class Period: ________ Science Project Fall 2015 SCIENCE PROJECT RUBRIC CATEGORY 20 15 10 5 Science Project Graphic and Research Pages Project Graphic approved and received by due date. Research Pages completed with at least 3 sources. MLA style and information from sources was complete. Project Graphic approved and/or Research Report were one day late. OR Research Pages completed with at least 3 sources, but MLA style and/or information from sources was incomplete. First page information was completed correctly. There is some missing information in the experiment section. Project Graphic or Research pages were 2 days late. OR Research Pages completed with only 1 to 2 sources in MLA style and/or information from sources was incomplete. Project Graphic or Research report were 3 days late. OR Research Pages completed with only 1 or no sources in MLA style and/or information from sources was incomplete. Project Graphic and/or Research Pages were not turned in within 4 days of due date. First page information was incomplete. There is some missing information in the experiment section. First page information is incomplete and 50% of experiment information is missing. Logbook was more than 75% incomplete or was not turned in. Logbook Research Paper First page information was completed correctly. Experiment entries were complete (each attempt on separate page in ink), and data is recorded correctly. Variables were considered. Paper written/typed according to requirements. This includes correct Topic Page, Table of Contents, Abstract, Research, Experiment Procedures, Data Analysis, Conclusion, Acknowledgement Page, Bibliography, and Appendix. 0 Score Earned _____ _____ Paper written/typed according to 90% of the requirements (no more than 3 mistakes in spelling, grammar, punctuation or style.) Paper did not meet requirements as directed. One of these is missing: Topic Page, Table of Contents, Acknowledgement Page, Bibliography, or Appendix. The following are present and written correctly: Abstract, Research, Experiment Procedures, Data Analysis, Conclusion. Paper did not meet requirements as directed. Two or more of the components of the paper are missing. Research paper was more than 75% incomplete or was not turned in. _____ Display Board Directions for each panel followed. Directions for each panel were followed, but photos were not included. Directions for 2 of the 3 panels were followed. Directions for 1 of the 3 panels was followed. Creativity, Effort and Scientific Thought Creativity, effort and scientific thought are evident throughout the project. Creativity and effort are evident, but the project lacks some scientific thought. Creativity and effort are somewhat evident, project lacks some scientific thought. Effort is somewhat evident. No directions were followed, OR display board was not turned in after 4 days. There is no evidence of creativity, effort or scientific thought. Teacher’s Comments: 14 Science Project Fall 2015 Name: ________________________________________________ Science Project Graphic DUE:MONDAY, October 5th APPROVAL: The area I am interested in is ______________ ______________ _ . _____________________________________ PROBLEM Question ______________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________ What Do I Research? (3 things) 1.____________________________________________________________________________________ 2.____________________________________________________________________________________ 3.____________________________________________________________________________________ Exp #1: ______________________ _____________________________ _____________________________ _____________________________ Control used for comparison: _____________________________ Independent variable: ______________________________ Dependent variable: ______________________________ Fixed variables: ______________________________ ______________________________ ______________________________ Additional STEP #3 Research: ______________________________ ______________________________ ______________________________ After some research, what are possible experiments I could perform? My Hypothesis is _______________________ _______________________ _______________________ _______________________ _______________________ _______________________ _______________________ Exp #2: ______________________ _____________________________ _____________________________ _____________________________ Control used for comparison: _____________________________ Independent variable: ______________________________ Dependent variable: ______________________________ Fixed variables: ______________________________ ______________________________ ______________________________ Additional Research: ______________________________ ______________________________ 15 Science Project Fall 2015 Name: _______________________________________ Class Period: _______ Research Pages: Due MONDAY, OCTOBER 12TH Source #1 (in MLA Style): ______________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________ Make sure the following is in your own words (plagiarism = 0) According to ___________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________________ Source #2 (in MLA Style): ______________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________ Make sure the following is in your own words (plagiarism = 0) According to ___________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________________ Turn > 16 Science Project Fall 2015 Source #3 (in MLA Style): ______________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________ Make sure the following is in your own words (plagiarism = 0) According to ___________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________________ Source #4 (if needed): ______________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________ Make sure the following is in your own words (plagiarism = 0) According to ___________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________________ 17