I need to do a project for the science fair but I don't know what to do. My science teacher says it has to be like the water dancing on a penny, everything has to be the same but you have to change one thing. What can I do?????? HELP ME PLEASE
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For your science fair project, your teacher wants you to replicate the water dancing on a penny experiment while changing one variable. This means you will keep all the other factors the same but modify just one aspect. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you brainstorm and come up with a project idea:
1. Understand the original experiment: Start by understanding the water dancing on a penny experiment. This experiment typically involves placing a few drops of water on a penny and observing how the water droplets behave on its surface.
2. List all the variables: Identify all the factors that could potentially affect the outcome of the experiment. For the water dancing on a penny experiment, some possible variables to consider could be the type of liquid used, the temperature of the liquid, the cleanliness of the penny, the surface tension of the liquid, and the angle at which the penny is held.
3. Choose one variable to modify: Select one of the variables that you listed in the previous step to change. This will be the aspect of the experiment that differs from the original setup. For example, suppose you decide to change the type of liquid used, meaning you will use a different liquid instead of water.
4. Research the variable: Once you have selected your variable, research it to understand its properties and potential impact on the experiment. Look for information or scientific principles that explain how this variable could affect the behavior of the liquid on the penny's surface.
5. Create a hypothesis: Based on your research, form a hypothesis or prediction about how changing the variable will influence the outcome of the experiment. For example, if you decide to use oil instead of water, you might hypothesize that the oil droplets will spread out more than water droplets.
6. Design the experiment: Next, plan and design your experiment. Outline the materials you will need, the steps you will follow, and any measurements or observations you will make. Be sure to include a control group as well, where you keep all variables constant, including the one you are modifying.
7. Conduct the experiment: Set up your experiment as per the design. Follow the steps precisely and record your observations, measurements, and any other relevant data. Repeat the experiment multiple times to ensure accuracy and reliability.
8. Analyze the results: Once you have completed your experiment, analyze the data you collected. Look for patterns, trends, or any significant differences between the control group and the group where you modified the variable. Create graphs, tables, or charts to visually represent your findings.
9. Draw conclusions: Based on your analysis, draw conclusions about how the variable you changed affected the experiment. Evaluate whether your hypothesis was supported or not, and discuss what this means in the context of your project.
10. Communicate your project: Finally, present your project in a clear and organized manner. Create a display board highlighting the purpose, procedures, data, and conclusions of your experiment. Prepare to explain your experiment to judges and other fair attendees, showcasing your understanding of the scientific method.
Remember to be creative and choose a variable that genuinely interests you. Good luck with your science fair project!
Here are a lot of ideas.
http://www.sciencebuddies.org/science-fair-projects/project_ideas.shtml
http://www.education.com/science-fair/