Project #2 Handout #1
For your second science project of the year, you will conduct a simple scientific study. This will require picking a question to study, doing background research, picking a sample of people to study, surveying that sample, compiling and analyzing data and reporting your results.
Steps to success: 1. Pick a question that you would like to study. -The question should relate two quantifiable (numerical) variables -You may come up with your own question or pick from the list -If you pick your own question, you should get it approved before beginning your study
2. Do some research to see if other people have studied your question -Find at least 2 sources that discuss a relationship between the two variables you are studying -In about a paragraph, write a summary of what each of the sources you find reports about the variables you are studying (a min of 2 paragraphs total) -use MLA citations to create a works cited page for your sources (easybib.com)
3. Once you have completed your research, determine how you will operationalize your variables -What can you measure that be a good indicator of the variables you are studying? -Create a survey or experiment that you will use to collect data about your variables -Before proceeding have your survey approved by Mr. Renau
4. Make your hypothesis -What do you think the answer to you question will be? Why? -What results would you have to get to support your hypothesis? -What results might disprove or cast doubt on your hypothesis?
5. Pick your sample -What population of people does your study concern? -How can you most practically get a representative sample of that population -Once you determine your sample, decide how you will administer your survey
6. Conduct your study -Administer your survey and collect your data
7. Analyze your data -Find measures of central tendency for each of your variables (mean, median, mode, range, standard deviation) -Graph your data to show any relationships between x and y variables -Determine a line of best fit if one exists
8. Report your results. In 1 paragraph answer the following questions: -Did you find a relationship between your variables or did the data seem random? -Is “y” dependent on “x” -If you know someone’s “x” value, can you make any predictions about their “y” value? -If there is a relationship, what is that relationship? Is it a strong relationship or a weak one? -What does your data say about the question you asked? -What flaws in the design of your study might have skewed your results
9. Make a poster, power point or other presentation to show your work. It must include the following information: ___The two sources you researched ___ Your two summaries of these sources ___ A work cited page citing your sources ___ Your question ___ A copy of your survey ___ A one paragraph explanation of how your sample represents the population you are studying ___ A table showing all the data you recorded ___ The mean, median mode and standard deviation of your two variables ___ A graph of your x and y variables ___ A one paragraph report of the findings of your study
10. Write your own scientific paper (for honors or extra credit) -http://www.columbia.edu/cu/biology/ug/research/paper.html |
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