Middle and High School Student Information Packet

Edmonds School District #15

STEM EXPOSITION

Middle and High School Student Information Packet

MOUNTLAKE TERRACE HIGH SCHOOL

FEBRUARY 20, 2013

6:00pm – 8:00pm

Table of Contents

What exactly is a STEM Exposition?

How Does One Participate in the STEM Exposition?

Getting Started

Choosing Your Project Topic and Questions

Choose Your Project Type: Science Investigation or Engineering Design

Getting Organized

Project Notebook

Science Investigation Project Checklist

Elements of a Successful Research Paper for Science Investigations

Engineering Design Project Checklist

Elements of a Successful Research Paper for Engineering Design

Prepare a Display Board of Your Findings/Work

Display Board Ideas for Science Investigation Projects

Display Board Ideas for Engineering Design Projects

Appendix A: Suggested Project Timeline

Appendix B: How Adults Can Help

STEM Exposition Application Form

What exactly is a STEM Exposition?

The STEM Exposition is a student-centered, noncompetitive learning celebration for students in Edmonds Public Schools. All students in six through twelfth grade are encouraged to develop a STEM Project to present at this district-wide celebration.

There are the two types of STEM projects:

Science Investigation: Science Investigation projects focus on RESEARCH and producing KNOWLEDGE about the world. If you have a question that could be answered by designing and completing an experiment, you should consider exploring through ascience investigation.

Engineering Design: Engineering Design projects focus on DESIGN and producing a PHYSICAL PRODUCT. If you have a question that could be answered by creating something to solve a problem, you should consider exploring through an engineering design.

Each of the above projects has specific criteria that need to be followed. These criteria are listed in this booklet. Students are encouraged to choose the type of project that best fits their learning style and interests.

How Does One Participate in the STEM Exposition?

• Choose a STEM topic of interest
• Choose a Scientific Investigation or Engineering Design project for your selected topic.

• Get organized
• Begin your project
• Write a report about your project results
• Prepare a display of your findings/work
• Prepare toexplain your work to others visiting your display (teachers, classmates, public)
• Submit application for STEM Exposition
• Participate in the STEM Exposition on February 20, 2013 at Mountlake Terrace High School

Getting Started

Choosing Your Project Topic and Questions

Choosing your Project Topicis the first step and probably one of the more difficult things about doing a STEM project. The following suggestions will help you get started:

Generate a list of interests: The best topic comes from something you are already interested in. What are your hobbies? Are you interested in how things work, patterns you observe in nature, solving a problem or issue you have noticed in your community? Is there something you have always wondered about? Is there a product or design you have wanted to develop or improve?

Get help: Ask a friend, parent, or another interested adult. Share your ideas and ask them to brainstorm additional ideas

What questions do I have about the topic? Just as you identified a topic, generate a list of questions you have about this topic. Remember, this is all a brainstorm to this point

Categories of Projects andTopics

edmonds stem manual secondary 11-16-12 - updated.docxp. 1

Animal Sciences. Study of animals – animal genetics, ornithology, ichthyology, herpetology, entomology, animal ecology, animal anatomy and physiology, circadian rhythms, animal husbandry, histology, animal physiology, invertebrate physiology, studies of invertebrates, animal development, animal pathology, population genetics, systematics, etc.

Behavioral and Social Sciences. Human behavior, social and community relationships–psychology, sociology, anthropology, archaeology, ethology, ethnology, linguistics, learning, perception, urban problems, reading problems, public opinion surveys, educational testing, clinical and developmental psychology, etc.

Biochemistry. Chemistry of life processes – general biochemistry, metabolism, structural biochemistry, protein chemistry, food chemistry, hormones, etc.

Cellular and Molecular Biology. Cellular biology, cellular physiology, cellular and molecular genetics, immunology, molecular biology, etc.

Chemistry. Study of nature and composition of matter and laws governing it – general chemistry, organic chemistry (other than biochemistry), inorganic chemistry, materials, plastics, pesticides, metallurgy, soil chemistry, physical chemistry, etc.

Computer Science. Study and development of computer hardware, software engineering, Internet networking and communications, databases, graphics (including human interface), simulations / virtual reality or computational science, artificial intelligence, networking, operating systems, etc.

Earth and Planetary Science. Geology, mineralogy, physiography, geochemistry, oceanography, meteorology, climatology, weather, speleology, seismology, geography, geophysics, planetary science, tectonics, etc.

Electrical and Mechanical Engineering. Technology projects that directly apply principles to practical uses – electrical, computer engineering, controls, mechanical, thermodynamics, solar, robotics, etc.

Energy and Transportation. Aerospace and aeronautical engineering, aerodynamics, alternative fuels, fossil fuel energy, vehicle development, renewable energies, etc.

Environmental Management. Bioremediation, ecosystems management, environmental engineering, land resource management, forestry, recycling, waste management, etc.

Environmental Sciences. Study of air pollution and air quality, soil contamination and soil quality, water pollution and water quality, etc.

Materials and Bioengineering. Technology projects that directly apply scientific principles to manufacturing and practical uses – civil, construction, mechanical, industrial, chemical, processing, material science, etc.

Mathematical Sciences. Development of formal logical systems or various numerical and algebraic computations, and the application of these principles – calculus, geometry, abstract algebra, number theory, statistics, complex analysis and probability, etc.

Medicine and Health Sciences. Disease diagnosis and treatment, epidemiology, dentistry, pharmacology, pathology, ophthalmology, nutrition, sanitation, dermatology, allergies, speech and hearing, genetics, molecular biology of diseases, etc.

Microbiology. Biology of microorganisms – bacteriology, virology, protozoology, fungi, bacterial genetics, yeast, antibiotics, antimicrobials, etc.

Physics and Astronomy. Theories, principles, and laws governing energy and the effect of energy on matter – solid state, optics, acoustics, particle, nuclear, atomic, molecules, solids, plasma, superconductivity, fluid and gas dynamics, thermodynamics, semiconductors, magnetics, quantum mechanics, biophysics, electromagnetics, optics, lasers, masers, theoretical physics, basic astronomy, theoretical astronomy, computational astronomy, etc.

Plant Sciences. Study of plant life – agriculture, agronomy, horticulture, forestry, plant physiology, plant pathology, plant genetics, hydroponics, plant ecology, photosynthesis, plant systematics, evolution, etc.

*** Some projects that involve human subjects, vertebrate animals (animals with a backbone) or animal tissue, pathogenic agents, DNA, or controlled or hazardous substances, need SRC (Scientific Review Committee) approval before you start experimentation. Now is the time to start thinking about getting approval if necessary for your project.

IsMy Question Testable?

Once you have a list of broad questions, think about how you can rephrase the question to make it testable. For example, instead of asking, “What makes a person an adult?” You may want to ask, “How do eighth graders compare to adults?” Little changes like these can make a big difference. Remember to be as specific as you can. In science, information must be exact if it’s going to matter.

Need more help? Use the examples below to get a better idea about how to turn your interests into testable questions:

Choose Your Project Type: Science Investigation or Engineering Design

Now that you have formulated a research question, you need to determine if your question addresses a problem in science or if it addresses a problem in engineering.

Science projects focus on RESEARCH and producing KNOWLEDGE about the world. If you have a question that could be answered by designing and completing an experiment, you should consider exploring through a science investigation.

Engineering projects focus on DESIGN and producing a PHYSICAL PRODUCT. If you have a question that could be answered by creating something to solve a problem, you should consider exploring through an engineering design.

Examples of Science Questions vs. Engineering Questions:

Science Question:

How long does it take the heart to return to normal after exercise?

How rapidly does a plant make starch?

What is the best insulator to keep ice from melting?

Which method of cooking destroys the most bacteria?

Does listening to music while you study affect your ability to memorize facts?

Engineering Questions:

How can you redesign a sandbag to better protect homes during a flood?

What can you do with a swim cap to optimize its ability to decrease drag in water?

What is the best propeller design for a wind generator?

In real life, the boundaries between science and engineering projects are not always clear. Scientists often engineer tools to do their work, while engineers often use the scientific method to help them design their products. Much of what we often call “computer science” is actually engineering—programmers creating new products. Your project may fall in the gray area between science and engineering, and that’s OK. Many projects can and should use the scientific method. However, if the objective of your project is to invent a new device, procedure, computer program, or algorithm, then it makes sense to follow the engineering process.

If you are still unsure whether your project is a science or an engineering project, please ask a teacher or parent for help.

Getting Organized

1. Create a calendar with milestones and dues dates. A suggested timeline has been providedin Appendix A of this manual.

1. Start a project notebook to keep track of your project ideas and progress.
2. Start your project as soon as possible.
3. Use the provided checklists as a guide.
4. Create your own checklists of things you need to do as you go.

Project Notebook

A project notebook is the most important aspect of providing evidence and your most treasured piece of work. The burden of proof for an independent project is on the student. Keeping a project notebook, or journal, is the most effective way to document that whole project and provide proof of the process. Accurate and detailed notes make a logical and winning project. Good notes show consistency and thoroughness to your audience and will help you when writing your research paper. Data tables are also helpful. They may be a little ‘messy’ but be sure the quantitative data recorded is accurate and that units are included in the data tables. Make sure you date each entry.

General Guidelines:

1. Begin using the notebook right away and document everything you do for the project. Your notebook must be with you and be used whenever you work on this project.
2. Whether working individually or as a team, each person must have a notebook.
3. Use a bound notebook - Pages are not to be removed.
4. Write on the right-hand pages only. Left side is for attaching final graphs, pictures, etc.

• All pages are to be numbered before any information is entered.
• All pages are to be dated.

1. Each new entry is to begin on a separate page.
2. All entries should be done in blue or black ink.
3. Simply put a line through errors – no white-out.
4. All entries must be done by hand….do not staple in computer generated pages other than final graphs or analysis data.
5. Use more than one notebook if necessary.

Contents of your notebook would include:

• Table of Contents (set this up on your first page and fill it in as you go along)
• Topic Ideas
• Problem Statement for chosen project (and Project title)
• Research notes
• Draft of Materials & Procedure
• Actual Materials & Procedure
• Data Tables (raw and summary data)
• *Daily observations (similar to a diary)
• Pictures of experimentation /phases of design
• *Calculations
• Graphs (usually scatter plots)
• Data Analysis notes
• Conclusion notes
• Poster design

Science Investigation Project Checklist

_____Pick a Topic: Get an idea of what you want to study or learn about. Ideas should come from things in your areas of interest. A hobby might lead you to a good topic. What is going on in the world that you would like to know more about? Most importantly, pick a question or problem that is not too broad and that can be answered through scientific investigation.

_____Consult with Your Sponsor Teacher and Get Approvals: You are required to discuss your research plan with a Sponsoring Teacher and Advisor/Mentor (See ScienceProject Proposal Form)

_____Set up and Keep a Project Notebook: During the research, experimental design and experimental process, keep detailed notes of each and every step in a Project Notebook. Do not rely on memory. This will be part of what you will be displaying the day of the Expo. Use data tables or charts to record your quantitative data.

_____Research Your Topic: Go to the library or internet to learn more about your topic. Take notes in your Project notebook. Keep a list of resources. While researching, always ask “Why?” or “What if?”Look for unexplained or unexpected results. Use a minimum of 3-5 resources.

_____Organize: Organize everything you have learned about your topic. At this point, you should narrow your thinking by focusing on a particular idea.

_____Make a Time Table: Choose a topic that not only interests you, but can be done in the amount of time you have. Based on your background research identify your ‘testable question, your hypothesis. Develop a time line to manage your time efficiently. You will need time to check in with your sponsoring teacher.

_____Plan Your Experiment: Give careful thought to experimental design. Once you have a feasible project idea, write your research plan. This plan should explain how you will do your experiments and exactly what will be involved. Remember you must design your experiment so that it is a ‘controlled’ experiment. This is one in which only one variable is changed. The experimental design should also include a materials list.

_____Conduct Your Experiment: During experimentation, keep detailed notes of each and every experiment, measurement and observation in a Project Notebook. Do not rely on memory. This will be part of what you will be displaying the day of the Expo. Use data tables or charts to record your quantitative data.

_____Analyze Your Results: When you complete your experiments, examine and organize your findings. Use appropriate graphs to make ‘pictures’ of your data. Identify patterns from the graphs. This will help you answer your testable question. Did your experiments give you the expected results? Why or why not? Was your experiment performed with the exact same steps each time? Are there other explanations that you had not considered or observed?

_____Draw Conclusions: What patterns do you see from your graph analysis that exists between variables? Did you collect enough data? Do you need to conduct more experimentation? Keep an open mind—never alter results to fit a theory. If your results do not fit your hypothesis, that’s okay and in some cases good! Try to explain why you obtained different results than your literature research predicted for you. Were there sources of error that may have caused these differences? If so, identify them. How could this project be used in the real world? Finally, explain how you would improve the experiment and what would you do differently.

_____Create a Research Paper: See “Elements of a Successful Research Paper for Science Investigations” on page 10.

_____ Complete References/Bibliography: Your reference list should include any documentation that is not your own (i.e. books, journal articles, websites, etc.) Use the MLA format for sources required.

_____Prepare to present your Project: Construct a display board. Practice talking about your project to friends, family and sponsoring teacher.

Elements of a Successful Research Paper for Science Investigations

A research paper should be prepared and available along with the project notebook and your display board for the EXPO. A research paper helps organize data as well as thoughts. A good paper includes the following sections:

a)Title Page and Table of Contents: The title page and table of contents allows the reader to follow the organization of the paper quickly.

b)Introduction: The introduction sets the scene for your report. The introduction includes the purpose, your hypothesis, an explanation of what prompted your research, and what you hoped to achieve.

c)Materials, Methods, and Technology Used: Describe in detail the methodology you used to collect data, make observations, design apparatus, etc. Your research paper should be detailed enough so that someone would be able to repeat the experiment from the information in your paper. Include detailed photographs, diagrams, and/or drawings of self-designed equipment. When describing the materials used to complete your project, include technology used.

d)Results: The results include data and analysis. This should include statistics, graphs, pages with your raw data that was collected, etc.