Physics 11

Mr. Jean

April 5th, 2012

The plan:

• Video clip of the day

• Science Fair Info

• 2D applied force

Science Fair:

• Presentation dates: – May 24th, 2012– May 25th, 2012

Science Fair Step by Step:

• 1) Choose a topic and write a focus Question: – The question should be one that is not easily answered.

For example, the answer to the question “Why is the sky blue?” can be found on the Internet without much effort. On the other hand, the question should not be too broad, such as “Is global warming due to human activity?” This is a very complex problem that would be very difficult for students to gather evidence about. A clear focus question is one that is not easily answered, but is able to be measured by high school students.

• 2. Start a Logbook– A research log that is kept up to date will allow

students to look back, review what they have done, examine and reflect upon results, and change the direction of future research. Both personal reflections on discoveries and collected data should be kept in the log book.

• 3. Complete Initial Research About the Topic– The next step is to research the topic to find what

information is already out there. Has your question already been answered? Has someone already tried to do this and has found it impossible to do? Is there enough information available so you can do appropriate background research?

• 4. Form a Hypothesis– Using the knowledge gained through your initial

research, form a hypothesis about your focus question. What do you think the outcome of your experiment will be?

• 5. Find Resources and Mentors– Although you have completed some research, you

should research the topic more in depth. You may also want to consider a mentor. A mentor is an adult who can help you with your project, such as a teacher, a university professor, a doctor, a plumber and so on.

• 6. Start Conducting Trials– This is the part that is the actual “experiment”. You

will begin conducting trials to test your hypothesis. You should do multiple trials rather than just one, and only one variable should be manipulated for each set of trials.

• 7. Analyze the Data– After your trials are completed, you must analyze your

data. Does it prove or disprove your hypothesis? Also, you need to find a way to display the data in a user-friendly way. More often than not this will involve graphs, charts, etc.

• 8. Create a Display Board– Your display board will be the centerpiece of

your presentation. Your display board should have all parts of a formal lab, and should tell the “story” of your experiment.

• 9. Prepare your Presentation– Practice makes perfect! Make sure you

prepare for your presentation, as it is always obvious who has practiced and who is “winging it”. Be prepared for questions from the judges and your teachers.

Science Fair Website:

• http://hrsbstaff.ednet.ns.ca/michaeljean/science8.htm

• This link has ALL of the information you need for this project.

Options:

• 1) Work on Science fair project using laptops

• 2) Work on Braydon’s 2D applied force question.