Foothills Academy Science Fair: FAQ

What is "the scientific method?"

Simply put, it's an organized way to find an answer to a question. And that question can come from physics, chemistry, psychology, ecology, botany, astronomy, or any of the many different branches of science. The scientific method boils down to two basic concepts:

Hypothesis: This is the question you are asking and trying to answer. It should be clearly stated in a single sentence. For example, "Can a plant develop photosynthesis in its roots, which normally are not exposed to sunlight?" As a matter of personal style, the hypothesis is sometimes expressed as a prediction instead of a question, especially if one has reason to believe (from theory or other experiments) that it will indeed occur. For example, "Plants have the ability to develop photosynthesis in any part of their structure that is exposed to sunlight." Either form is acceptable, provided the outcome is not commonly known. For example, "If I drop an object, will it fall?" is not an interesting question.

Proposed Experiment: Here you must describe the means by which you will answer the question or test the statement posed in your hypothesis. Following our example hypothesis, the experiment could be described as: "I will start several plants from the Solanum tuberosum category, first establishing their growth under normal conditions. After they have developed strong root and leaf systems, I will transplant them to a hydroponic system where the roots will be exposed to sunlight and the stems and leaves covered with fabric that allows transpiration but blocks sunlight. As a control, one of the plants will remain uncovered by fabric. The emergence of photosynthesis in the roots will be confirmed by their change in color from white to green."

Can I just build something that is scientifically interesting?

Certainly, since engineering is also a branch of science. But it must be your own design, or a new or improved version of existing technology. For example, a solar-powered electric pencil sharpener that never needs batteries, a personal hovercraft, robots, or a computer that only plays tic-tac-toe are all great ideas that have won in previous fairs. In this case, your hypothesis would be more like "Can I build a device that ..." or "Can I improve on the design of ..." or something similar.

Can I do something using computers?

Definitely! Computer programs, or computer-based experiments can be a great way to solve a problem or answer a question. In fact. an entire experiment could be run on a laptop. For example, psychology experiments involving human response to optical illusions, questionnaires, or hand-eye coordination are all easy to program. Plus, the use of electronic spreadsheets and graphs can simplify the process of data analysis. Further, a microphone coupled to a computer, and a program that allows you to analyze sounds, opens up a whole realm of experiments relating to room acoustics, echoes, the Doppler effect, and sound perception, to cite just a few examples.

Where can I get help coming up with a good idea for a project?

An internet search using the terms "science fair"+"project ideas" yields about 250,000 hits. That's not a bad place to start. Here's some links to a few online resources that suggest project ideas and other tips:

Science Buddies: http://www.sciencebuddies.org/
All Science Fair Projects: http://www.all-science-fair-projects.com/index.php
Science News for Kids: http://www.sciencenewsforkids.org/pages/sciencefairzone/topics.asp

An even better place for ideas is in your own head. If there's something you always wondered about, and you can think of a way to answer or explain it, that makes for a great project. For example, when you mix a cup of cocoa, the sound of the spoon clinking against the glass changes in pitch as you mix it. It starts out high pitched, and then slowly changes to a lower pitch. Why does that happen? This question has an answer, and the process of answering it can be a science fair project.

Will a good science fair project cost a lot of money?

Some projects involving special equipment can be costly, but many great projects can be done using materials found around the home (with maybe one trip to the hardware store). Fact is, most of the important scientific discoveries involved little more than a good question, creative planning, and simple materials.

Will a good science fair project take a lot of time?

In the world of professional science, some experiments literally run for decades. At this level, a good project might require from 5-50 hours of your time. Projects are not judged based on how much time they took, how much they cost, or how fancy the display is. Projects are judged purely on their scientific merit. Once you get into it, and are solving a problem of your own choosing, time will no longer be an issue. With an application in September, and the competition in February, there's plenty of time for your project.

If I need some special equipment, can I borrow it from the Science Department?

Yes. The Foothills Academy Science Department has a variety of sophisticated instruments that could help you in your project. This includes such things as stopwatches, pH meters, thermometers, photogates, electronic balances, electrical multimeters, and much more. Talk to your science teacher about arranging the loan. Of course, you will have to assume responsibility for the instrument, and learn its proper operation and care.

Does my participation in a science fair mean other people will think I'm a nerd?

Who cares? People who really understand science know that nerds rule. When your computer hangs, who do you call? When your iPod™ breaks, who do you call? When your cell phone chokes, who do you call? Fact is, all the really cool stuff we enjoy was invented by people who understand science and technology. Some call these types "nerds," but that's only because they don't understand the creative process. Creativity comes in many flavors: artistic, political, scientific ... makes no difference. The power of the human mind to create is one of the greatest gifts we have. Flaunt it if you've got it.

How do I know if my project idea is really unique or valid?

We can help you there. Talk to your science teacher before filling out your application. We're here to help, and can provide expert guidance as you develop your idea.

I'm not really good at building things. Does that exclude me from this competition?

Not at all. Parents (or friends) who have more experience with power tools, scientific instruments, measuring devices, etc., are allowed to help. Hopefully, you will learn by watching them assist you. We don't want you to try anything that might be dangerous, so if you need help with the mechanics, that's OK. For example, some projects might require electrical soldering of wires and other connections. If you don't know how to do that, ask your science teacher (or others) for help. Learning is what this is all about.

What happens if my project fails to support my hypothesis?

Quite simply, you can still report it as a result. Some of the most famous experiments in history had what are called "null results." Disproving an hypothesis can be just as valuable as proving it. For example, using the hypothesis suggested in the first FAQ, a conclusion such as "Plants cannot develop photosynthesis in their roots" is totally valid science. Remember that you are trying to answer a question. There's no automatic penalty if your first guess is wrong.