NAME
DUE MAY 13
ASSIGNED MARCH 11
Science Fair Assignment
Design and conduct an investigation to answer a specific scientific question. Your investigation should
follow theWASL investigation format outlined below. You will present your findings to your class in
an oral presentation using visual aids the week of May 13-15. Your results will be submitted to be
displayed Thursday, May 15, 2008.
Your investigation should include the following parts:
1. Question – a specific question you will investigate. How does the length of the string
affect the frequency (how fast a swing) of a pendulum?
2. Background – include a paragraph or two describing the scientific principle behind your
investigation or give some historical background on the concept.
3. Hypothesis – predict what will happen when the variable is manipulated and give a reason or
rationale for your prediction. As the string of the bob is lengthened, the pendulum will
swing slower because the weight at the end travels farther. Other factors that might
influence the frequency (like the angle of release, weight of bob, for how many seconds
the swings are counted,the way the pendulum is suspended, etc.) should be kept the same.
4. Variables – identify the manipulated, responding, and controlled variables in your investigation
manipulated – length of swing, responding # of swings, controlled – all the other
variables you kept the same.
5. Materials – list all the materials used in your investigation in a bulleted list. Include amounts
and types. All measurements must be metric unless approved by Ms. Clark.
- 1 meter of string
- a washer
- ruler
- protractor
- stopwatch
- dowel
- table
6. Procedure – describe clearly and accurately the steps you took to answer your question.
They should be presented in a numbered list which would allowsomeone reading the steps
to replicate your investigation.Diagrams or pictures are always helpful. A good procedure
would include multiple trials with results averaged. The manipulated variable should be
clearly identified and all other factors should be controlled (kept the same) as much as possible.
7. Data – a table with title, column headings, multiple trials, and average must be included.
In many cases, a graphical representation of the data should accompany the table.
Anecdotal evidence,/records, and pictures may also be included.
EXAMPLE: Length of string versus number of swings in a pendulum
| String length |
20cm |
30cm |
40cm |
50cm |
| # of swings trial 1 |
|
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|
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| # of swings trial 2 |
|
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|
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| # of swings trial 3 |
|
|
|
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| Average # of swings |
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8. Conclusion – discuss the results of your data. What does it show? Was your hypothesis correct?
Make sure you refer to specific results.
This assignment also requires that you communicate your results. Present what you did. Clearly
explain each of the parts of your investigation to an audience of adults and peers in a written and
visual format to be displayed at school. A poster or tri-fold would be the best format, (see example)
but feel free to include your actual research materials, PowerPoint presentation, etc. as part of your
display. Just remember to account for the display limitations as discussed in class.
a) maximum sizes for visuals:
Poster – 28” high x 22” wide
Tri-fold – 36” high x 24” center section with 12” wing sections. (standard size)
b) limited locations near power – request through teacher
c) table display space limited to 24” x 24” except by special request through teacher
d) no specific product names on the trifold – use sample a, sample b, etc.
e) your name(s), teacher name, and period number should be written on the back of the tri-fold.
Project Timeline
- 3/17 – topic choice
- 3/21 – question and hypothesis written
- 4/4 – project plan including rough draft of procedure
- 4/4 – 5/12 – conducting the investigation
- 5/13 – trifold due, presentation of investigations to classmates
- 5/ 15 – projects on evening display for open house 6:00 – 8:00 Student attendance is optional.
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