 |
|
|
|
 |
Why should you do an experimentation project? |
|
The following information is taken from Expérimentez
l'Expo-sciences created by the Conseil du loisir scientifique
in partnership with Merck Frosst Canada Ltd. and the ministère
de la Culture et des Communications du Québec.
Philippe Magown, a long-time Science Fair participant, offers
some advice.
If you've never participated in Science Fairs, you may not know how
it works. A lot of people prefer to start with a study project, which
is generally the standard way to begin. But do you absolutely have
to follow the standard? Do you have a topic worthy of an experiment
that you're really eager to work on because you just love the subject?
If so, go for it! Start off with an experimentation project!
Experimentation projects are the bread and butter of Science Fairs.
They are the type of project that most often allow the exhibitors
to show off their talents and the work that they've done. Experimenting
may also bring recognition, sometimes even in the form of prizes!
A question of originality
Experimenting does not mean locking yourself up in a research laboratory
for days trying to find something to research. Experimenting can be
done at home without complicated equipment. It takes originality,
creativity and practicality. A question that may seem unimportant
at first often becomes an interesting problem when we try to solve
it. For example, try calculating the wind velocity outside your house,
using some form of displacement, in less than a minute. Think about
it for a day. It's harder than you thought, isn't it? It may not be
the problem of the century, but it could make for an interesting science
project.
A question of method
The success of an experimentation project is based on one
factor: the rigourness of the scientific method. Regardless, you will
have to explain the results to the judges. The results of your research
should be presented in a simple and structured manner which respects
the five steps of the scientific method: the subject, the hypothesis,
the experiment that tests the hypothesis, conducting the experiment
and the analysis of the data collected during the experiment.
Do not forget that if the experiment does not yield the expected results,
you will be evaluated on the quality of your work method and you will
be able to explore your subject further by presenting a second Science
Fair project.
|
© 2002, Conseil de développement du loisir scientifique
(CDLS). This document is distributed by the Conseil de développement
du loisir scientifique.
For more information, visit our Web site at www.cdls.qc.ca. |
The opinions
expressed in this section are those of the authors and do not
necessarily
reflect the opinions of Merck Frosst or its employees. |
| |
|
|
