Jim Vetrone, Ph.D. Science Teacher- Hinsdale Central High Scientist- Argonne National Lab Science parent- 3 kids in the district

Science Fair 2003 Kids are natural scientists, so let them have fun!

Assumptions we must make The world is governed by rational, natural laws These laws do not change over time We can observe, test, & interpret the laws

The methods of science are not… Solving by trial & error Making random choices Stumbling on fortunate accidents Relying on speculations or myths

The method of science is… The use of experiment and observations to test our interpretation of natural laws governing our world

Blue print of the scientific method 1. Problem – pick a testable cause-effect topic 2. Hypothesis- guess the effect of some cause 3. Experiment – make tests & observations 4. Communicate – tell what you’ve learned

Scientific method is the way! Comes naturally to kids (Mixing colors, play dough, testing parents!) Experiments are always repeated by others Best way to separate truth from lies / delusion

Step 1: Find the problem! Interesting to the student Cause-effect relationship (not: opinions, feelings, loose associations) Do-able and appropriate for student’s grade Safe!!!!!!!

Where to find ideas interests, hobbies, sports, “sciency” magazines, teachers surf the net : - super site! - fun site - how to guide m#N42http://members.oz .com.au/~macinnis/scifun/projects.ht m#N42 – 2000 ideas

Which videotape is best for the greatest amount of use? Will adding bleach to a plant reduce fungus growth? How much do worms move in light verses in the dark? What percentage of corn seeds will germinate? How does coffee affect blood pressure? What factors affect the growth of bread mold? Which material is the best insulator for storm windows? Does the width of a rubber band affect how far it stretches? Does sugar prolong the life of cut flowers?

Step 2: Hypothesis Brain storm about what you want to test Identify factors (variables) which may cause some effect on your topic (temperature, weight, etc) Pick one variable that can be changed without changing any other variables Make an educated guess about what will happen and why when that one variable is changed

Step 3: Design an Experiment 1.Gather all needed materials 2.Select only one “independent” variable to change 3.Change that variable and record lots of data - write down all observations & measurements - repeat to make sure result is reproducible 4.Repeat experiment but without actually changing that one variable to make sure results are real

Step 4: Communicate results! 1.Tell everything you did and observed so that someone else could repeat the exact same experiment 2.Display neatly: pictures, graphs, tables, and explanations 3.Draw conclusions (with enthusiasm!!) * was your hypothesis correct? * what went wrong & what would you do next time? * what did you enjoy learning

Final thoughts! Guide your children, but don’t do it! This should be a learning experience (how to graph, be neat, organized, plan, work with others, think critically, etc) Have fun- it should come naturally!