Muriel Gerhard
Topics Middle School,
Botany
Terms, Concepts and Questions to Start Background Research
- What is a control? A control is the variable that is not changed in the experiment.
- What purpose does a control serve? It is used to make comparisons as to what changed or possibly caused the change.
- What are variables? Variables are factors that can be changed in an experiment.
- What is an independent variable? The independent variable is the one that is changed in the experiment.
- What is a dependent variable? The dependent variable is the one that changes as a result of the change in the independent variable.
- What is the hypothesis? It is the prediction you make as to the results of the experiment, what you think might be the result or results.
Charting and Graphing Data
In the experiment, use charts to display the obtained data such as the following sample:
|
Type of Soil |
Date |
Height |
Size & or Number of Flowers |
|
Compost |
|
|
|
|
Soil Plus Miracle-Gro |
|
|
|
|
Mix of Compost & Soil Plus Miracle-Gro |
|
|
|
|
Yard Soil Control |
|
|
|
Experimental Procedure:
- State the problem you are going to investigate in this science fair project.
- Create the data sheets you will use to record your observations.
- Gather all your materials.
- Put on your safety glasses and apron.
- Purchase 10 lbs of compost or prepare compost, following quick and easy recipe on Compost 101 in internet.
- Fill each of 4 pots and label, #1 with compost, #2 with soil plus Miracle-Gro, and #3 with 50/50 compost and soil with Miracle-Gro, #4ordinary soil from your backyard, serving as the control.
- Plant the same number of seeds in each pot following the directions on the seed packet.
- Make certain that all plants are exposed to the same conditions of light and room temperature during the entire month.
- Measure the growth of each plant noting height in centimeters and the size and or number of flowers for the month.
- Optional: You may want to take photos to document your observations.
- Optional but worthwhile: You may want to graph the data.
- Prepare your final report. Make sure that you include all of the following: a clear statement of the problem, your hypothesis, a list the materials used. Include the safety precautions taken. Describe the procedures used. Include all the data that were gathered. Include all charts and graphs. Formulate your conclusions. For dramatic value, you may include photos of the materials used or of you in the process of conducting this investigation. Include a bibliography of sources you used. As a final statement, you may wish to assess what you did and describe what you would do differently if you were to do this project again.
Bibliography
- List all the sources of your information, books, magazines, articles, internet resources and individuals. Include http://www.composting101.com/
- A final note: Good Luck!
Dr. Muriel Gerhard (Ed.D.) is a retired educator with fifty seven years of experience in all aspects of public education. She has been a teacher, principal, administrator, college professor, researcher, grants writer, change agent and science editor. She is the author of several books on education used as college texts. These include the best selling Effective Teaching Strategies with the Behavioral Outcomes Approach and The Behavioral Outcomes Handbook for Teachers and Administrators. Presently she is a consultant in science education and curriculum development, a marriage and family therapist, a newspaper columnist and an author. Her latest book, recently published, is a memoir of sixty vignettes entitled âNow That I`m Dead, I Decided to Write this Book."
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Warning is hereby given that not all Project Ideas are appropriate for all individuals or in all circumstances. Implementation of any Science Project Idea should be undertaken only in appropriate settings and with appropriate parental or other supervision. Reading and following the safety precautions of all materials used in a project is the sole responsibility of each individual. For further information, consult your state’s handbook of Science Safety.
Education.com provides the Science Fair Project Ideas for informational purposes only. Education.com does not make any guarantee or representation regarding the Science Fair Project Ideas and is not responsible or liable for any loss or damage, directly or indirectly, caused by your use of such information. By accessing the Science Fair Project Ideas, you waive and renounce any claims against Education.com that arise thereof. In addition, your access to Education.com’s website and Science Fair Project Ideas is covered by Education.com’s Privacy Policy and site Terms of Use, which include limitations on Education.com’s liability.
Warning is hereby given that not all Project Ideas are appropriate for all individuals or in all circumstances. Implementation of any Science Project Idea should be undertaken only in appropriate settings and with appropriate parental or other supervision. Reading and following the safety precautions of all materials used in a project is the sole responsibility of each individual. For further information, consult your state’s handbook of Science Safety.
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