Idea Science Project

Science Research

admin — Sun, 10 Jun 2007 14:16:59 +0000

In a science research or science project, you will have the opportunity to participate in a discovery process and at the same time learn new things when you indulge yourself into science fairs. It is not certain that you will have to discover something though, but in a sense, you perform the same procedure and experience by which the scientific discoveries were made. Advances in science move forward slowly, with each experiment building upon a previous one and preparing researchers for the next. Advancement in medicine, biotechnology, agriculture and virtually all scientific disciplines moves one step at a time. A typical science fair project is one that would allow you to see and experience what it is like to take a couple or two of these steps for yourself. The following example typifies how science and discoveries moves forward a single step at a time.

Controlling a particular type of insect pest without using harmful pesticides that causes destructive side effects is a problem that can only be solved by a series of scientific research and experiments. To start with, field studies could find ways or search for natural predators for the infesting insects. A laboratory or field study may then be performed to prove whether the natural enemy can be that effective for the control of such insects or at what extent be its effectiveness. The insect’s life cycle would have been studied as well as the way each type of insect will fit into the local ecosystem.

(more…)

Science Project: Insect Collection

admin — Sun, 10 Jun 2007 14:12:02 +0000

A collection of insects is always appealing for spectators especially on science fair projects. The collection may consist of the sample insect used in the project, any species of insects found in a single ecosystem, or even the life cycle or life stages that the insect takes which will be very useful for insect researches as specimen.

Collecting gear

If you want your study to include with it a collection of insects, you’ll need some useful collecting gears to achieve this. First, ascertain that the field guide that you are using has with it guidelines in collecting insects.

The next essential thing you will definitely need is an insect-collecting net. Depending on the project you select, you’ll need a butterfly net for capturing insects in air, a sweep net for gathering insects in vegetation, or an aquatic net for catching insects in or on water. These nets can be purchased in science or nature stores or from a science supply house, but you might be able to borrow one from your school. There are dual-purpose nets that do well for both aerial and sweep situations. In most cases, large fine sieves or strainers can be used instead of aquatic nets.

(more…)

Sources of Study

admin — Sun, 10 Jun 2007 12:18:25 +0000

Having chosen your topic for a science project, you should now be narrowing down the topic that you want to research. You can begin your study right away or continue to look for more insight into the problem you want to study. Consider branching out even further by looking through science sections of newspapers, such as the science section of the Tuesday New York Times. Also look at magazines such as Popular Science, Discover or Omni, which cover a broad range of topics, or E Magazine, Buzzworm, BioCycle which concentrate on interdisciplinary environmental topics. Check the Reader’s Guide to Periodical Literature, which is an index that lists articles in numerous magazines and gives a brief synopsis of these articles. Your school textbook might also be helpful. By checking references to other books, usually found at the end of each chapter, it should link you towards more specific materials and ideas.

(more…)

The Scientific Method

admin — Sun, 10 Jun 2007 11:35:45 +0000

The scientific method is a technique of investigation that is devised in order to attain new or unknown knowledge. The procedures may vary from different field of science to another but the general idea can be divided into five steps. We shall try to identify and discuss each step of the process for further information.

Problem Identification

Identifying is the main key in understanding and solving any science problem. After all, you cannot come up with a scientific solution unless you know what scientific problem you are trying to solve. Since a scientific process can be a cycle, it is to your advantage to pin-point a the main problem to avoid spending time with unnecessary experiments. It is a question of what question or questions do you want to answer, or what problem would you like to solve? It is a question not just answerable by yes or no but more likely by means of a scientific experiment or observation. For example, how do ants warn their neighbors of danger? Can a certain type of insect be used to control a particular insect pest?

(more…)

Proper Specimen Collection

admin — Sun, 10 Jun 2007 11:18:34 +0000

Proper specimen collection is a crucial step in the conduct of a study or experiment especially in creating science projects; it is a vital aspect in the practice of scientific medicine and in microbiology. In it rests the validity of each succeeding step; with the definition of the diagnosis and nature of diseases, the microbiologic investigation determines the mode of treatment and outlook for an affected patient.

In the collection of any specimen for science projects or any microbiologic examinations, especially for observations using the microscope, it is important to remember some ground rules. Remember to collect the specimen from the actual site of disease. Do not contaminate it with microbes from nearby areas. For instance, in making smears and cultures from ulcers in the throat, be very careful to take the specimen from the actual site of ulceration and not contaminate it unduly with secretions of the mouth. Always use sterile equipment and materials to collect the specimen. Also place the specimen in a sterile container. Sterilize material used in collecting the specimen as soon as possible.

(more…)