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TABLE OF CONTENT
1. Bean Germination
2. Melting Rate of different Materials
3. Incline Planes and Rolling Balls
4. Barriers to a Magnetic Force Field
5. Relationship Between Buoyancy and Density
6. Plant Tropism
7. The Effect of Age on Reflexes
8. Parachute Construction and Float Time
9. How animals React to Human Food
10. A Comparison of Chemical and Organic Fertilizers
11. Acid In Orange Juice
12. Comparison of the Burning Rate of Hair and Paper
13. The Effects of Soaking Eggs In Oil
TITLE: Bean Germination
STUDENT RESEARCHER: Jennifer Allen
SCHOOL: Mandeville Middle School
Mandeville, Louisiana
GRADE: 6
TEACHER: Ellen Marino,M.Ed.
I. STATEMENT OF PURPOSE AND HYPOTHESIS:
I wanted to do a scientific research project on what bean will
sprout first, the ones moistened with tap water, tea, or salt
water. My hypothesis stated that beans moistened with tap water
will sprout faster than beans moistened with tea or salt water.
II. METHODOLOGY:
First, I stated my purpose and developed my hypothesis. Next, I
reviewed the literature. I then got three beans and placed one in
a towel moistened with tea, one bean in a towel moistened with tap
water, and one bean in a towel moistened with salt water. I
checked the beans daily that were on the countertop and moistened
them with the liquid that they had already been moistened with. I
then recorded which bean sprouted first, second, and third. I
repeated this two more times. Next, I analyzed my data, wrote the
summary and conclusion, and application. Finally I turned in my
complete report for publication in the journal of student
research.
III. ANALYSIS OF DATA:
The bean in the tap water sprouted second on trial one, first on
trial two, and third on trial three. The bean in salt water
sprouted third on trial one and second on trials two and three.
The bean in tea sprouted first on trials one and three, and third
on trial two.
IV. SUMMARY AND CONCLUSION:
Since the bean in tea sprouted first in two out of the three
trials, I reject my hypothesis which stated that bean moistened
with tap water will sprout faster than beans moistened with tea or
salt water.
V. APPLICATION:
Since I now know this information, I will conduct more research to
find out which bean sprout grows the best watered with the above
liquids.
Title: Melting Rate of Different Materials
Student Researcher: Matt Brown
School: Mandeville Middle School
Mandeville, Louisiana
Grade: 6
Teacher: E. Marino, M. Ed
I. STATEMENT OF PURPOSE AND HYPOTHESIS:
I wanted to find out if different frozen substances melted in the
same amount of time. My hypothesis states that ice will melt
faster than frozen vinegar, shampoo, juice, and corn oil.
II. METHODOLOGY:
I stated my purpose, developed my hypothesis, and reviewed the
literature. Then I obtained an ice cube tray, water, vinegar,
shampoo, juice, and corn oil. Next, I poured three liquids of the
same kind each into the cubes. Then I froze the liquids for
twenty-four hours. After twenty-four hours, I took the tray out
of the freezer. Then I observed and recorded the results on my
data collection form. I kept checking the solids until they
melted into liquids. After all of them had melted, I repeated
the experiment twice and averaged the results. Finally, I wrote
my summary and conclusion and applied my experiment to the real
world.
III. ANALYSIS OF DATA:
Ice melted at times of 180 minutes, 190 minutes, and 180 minutes
for an average of 183.3 minutes. Vinegar melted at times of 120
minutes, 130 minutes, and 170 minutes, for an average of 140
minutes. Juice melted at 120 minutes, 110 minutes, and 150
minutes, for an average of 126.3 minutes. Only the fat in the
corn oil froze, and on all trials it melted at 20 minutes.
Shampoo melted at times of 130 minutes, 160 minutes, and 130
minutes, for an average of 140 minutes.
IV. SUMMARY AND CONCLUSION:
I reject my hypothesis which stated that ice would melt faster
than the other solids because corn oil melted fastest.
V. APPLICATION:
If a person has gone on a fat free diet and is preparing a recipe
that has corn oil in it, they can extract the fat from the other
ingredients because the fat froze and the other ingredients stayed
liquid in the experiment.
TITLE: Incline Planes and Rolling Balls
STUDENT RESEARCHER: Andrew Lorenz
SCHOOL: Mandeville Middle School
Mandeville, Louisiana
GRADE: 6
TEACHER: Ellen Marino M.Ed.
I. STATEMENT OF PURPOSE AND HYPOTHESIS:
I would like to do a scientific research project to see if the
length of an inclined plane affects the distance that a ping pong
ball will roll after rolling off of an inclined plane. My
hypothesis states that the ping pong ball will roll farther after
rolling off of the 90 cm long inclined plane than the 60 cm or the
30 cm long inclined plane.
II. METHODOLOGY:
First, I wrote my statement of purpose, reviewed my literature,
and developed my hypothesis. Then I got a ping pong ball and
built three inclined planes of 90 cm, 60 cm, and 30 cm in length.
I lifted one end of each inclined plane about 20 cm off of the
ground. Then I rolled the ball down each inclined plane and let
it roll till it stopped. I recorded the distance it traveled
after reaching the bottom of the plane on my data collection form.
Then I analyzed my data, wrote my summary and conclusion and
applied my findings to the real world. Finally, I published my
study in a journal of student research.
III. ANALYSIS OF DATA:
For the 30 cm inclined plane my results were as follows: TRIAL 1-
40 cm, TRIAL 2- 41 cm, TRIAL 3- 36 cm, TRIAL 4- 29 cm, TRIAL 5- 25
cm, and TRIAL 6- 32 cm, for an average of 34 cm. For the 60 cm
inclined plane my results were as follows: TRIAL 1- 67 cm, TRIAL
2- 70 cm, TRIAL 3- 60 cm, TRIAL 4- 61 cm, TRIAL 5- 63 cm, TRIAL 6-
64 cm, for an average of 64 cm. For the 90 cm inclined plane my
results were as follows: TRIAL 1- 90 cm, TRIAL 2- 98 cm, TRIAL 3-
85 cm, TRIAL 4- 50 cm, TRIAL 6- 59 cm, for an average of 72 cm.
IV. SUMMARY AND CONCLUSION:
The ball rolled farther after rolling off of the longer inclined
plane. Therefore I accepted my hypothesis which stated that a
pingpong ball will roll farther after rolling off of a longer
inclined plane.
V. APPLICATION:
I could apply this data to the real world by saying that if
someone wanted to build a slide for a younger child they should
make that slide smaller than a slide for an older child.
TITLE: Magnetism
STUDENT RESEARCHERS: Lindsay Flexer
SCHOOL: Mandeville Middle School
Mandeville, Louisiana
GRADE: 6
TEACHER: John I. Swang, Ph.D.
I. STATEMENT OF PURPOSE AND HYPOTHESIS:
I would like to do a scientific research project on magnetism. I
would like to find out if a non-magnetic substance can stop iron
filings from being attracted to a magnet. My hypothesis states
that the iron filings will still be attracted to the magnet
through water, a wooden board, paper, aluminum foil, styrofoam,
and plastic.
II. METHODOLOGY:
First, I did my statement of purpose and review of literature.
Next, I developed my hypothesis. I then wrote my methodology,
list of materials, and data collection form. Then I began my
experiment. First, I put iron filings and water in a jar and held
a magnet above the water to see if the iron filings could still be
attracted to the magnet through a centimeter of water. After that
I put iron filings on the ground with a centimeter thick piece of
wood, paper, plastic, styrofoam, or aluminum foil above the iron
filings. Then I put a magnet above the material that is above the
iron filings to see if they were still attracted to the magnet. I
wrote down my observations on my data collection form and then
made my analysis of data along with charts and graphs. Next, I
accepted of rejected my hypothesis. Then I wrote my summary and
conclusion and application. I finished my complete report and
abstract. Finally, I sent my abstract to a national journal and
showed my findings to the real world.
III. ANALYSIS OF DATA:
In my experiment, I found that the iron filings were attracted to
the magnet when wood, water, paper, plastic, styrofoam, and
aluminum foil were placed between the magnet and the iron filings.
IV. SUMMARY AND CONCLUSION:
In all my trials, with non-magnetic materials between a magnet and
iron filings, the iron filings were still attracted to the magnet.
Therefore, I reject my hypothesis which stated that the iron
filings will still be attracted to the magnet through water, a
wooden board, paper, aluminum foil, styrofoam, and plastic. .
V. APPLICATION:
Maybe they could take a big magnet along rivers, lakes, and oceans
and pick up thrown out metal objects. They could take the metal
and recycle it. This could help clean up the environment.
TITLE: Buoyancy and Density
STUDENT RESEARCHER: Katherine Smith
SCHOOL: Mandeville Middle School
Mandeville, Louisiana
GRADE: 6
TEACHER: John I. Swang, Ph.D.
I. STATEMENT OF PURPOSE AND HYPOTHESIS:
I wanted to do a scientific research project on buoyancy using a
can of Diet Sprite, a can of Regular Sprite, and a bucket of
water. My hypothesis states that a can of Regular Sprite will
sink and a can of Diet Sprite will float.
II. METHODOLOGY:
First, I wrote my statement of purpose and hypothesis. Then I
reviewed my literature. Next, I got a can of Regular Sprite, a
can of Diet Sprite, and a bucket of water. Then I placed a can of
Regular Sprite in the water and recorded what happened. I did the
same with the Diet Sprite and repeated this procedure two more
times. Finally, I wrote my analysis of data, summary and
conclusion, and applied my findings to the real world.
III. ANALYSIS OF DATA:
Regular Sprite in trial one sank, in trial two it sunk to the
middle of the bucket of water, and in trial three it sank. The
Diet Sprite floated in all three trials.
IV. SUMMARY AND CONCLUSION:
Since the majority of trials with Regular Sprite sank and all of
the trials with Diet Sprite floated, I accept my hypothesis which
stated that a can of Diet Sprite will float and a can of Regular
Sprite will sink.
V. APPLICATION:
Now that I know that just because two things weigh the same it
doesn't mean they have the same density. Regular Sprit is more
dense because of the sugar dissolved in it and sank in the bucket
of water. Diet Sprit does not have sugar so it is less dense and
floated.
TITLE: Plant Tropism
STUDENT RESEARCHER: Michael Clark
SCHOOL: Mandeville Middle School
Mandeville, Louisiana
GRADE: 6
TEACHER: John I. Swang, Ph.D.
I. STATEMENT OF PURPOSE AND HYPOTHESIS:
I would like to do a scientific research project on plant tropism
to find out if plants always grow toward the sun. My hypothesis
states that a house plant will grow toward the sun.
II. METHODOLOGY:
First, I wrote my statement of purpose and reviewed my literature.
Second, I developed my hypothesis and wrote my methodology. Then
I made my observation and data collection sheet. Then I went and
bought two small house plants. Then I set them on a window sill.
When the plant bent toward the sun I would rotate the plant 180'.
I repeated this every time it grew toward the sun for nine days.
Then I wrote my analysis of data. Then I wrote my summary and
conclusion and rejected or accepted my hypothesis. Then I wrote
my application. I then shared my knowledge with the world by
publishing my abstract.
III. ANALYSIS OF DATA:
On day two, five, and eight I rotated the plants. They began to
turn towards the sun on the same day or the very next day after I
rotated the leaves away from the sun. On day five, they didn't
turn towards the sun because it rained and was very cloudy. On
day six, it was sunny again and the plants turned towards the sun.
IV. SUMMARY AND CONCLUSION:
Since the plants turned back towards the sun every time I rotated
them away, I accept my hypothesis which stated that plants will
always grow towards the sun.
V. APPLICATION:
>From my research, I know now that when I plant my garden I will
plant it in a place were the sun can shine on it from all
directions. That way the plants won't have to use energy turning
towards the sun.
Title: The Effect of Age on Reflexes
Student Researcher: Niels Paulson-Thorp
School: Mandeville Middle School
Mandeville, Louisiana
Grade: 6
Teacher: M. Marino, M.Ed.
I. STATEMENT OF PURPOSE AND HYPOTHESIS:
I wanted to do research on how or if age affects reflexes. My
hypothesis states that the fastest reflexes will be found in the
human subjects in the 8-15 age group.
II. METHODOLOGY:
First, I wrote my statement of purpose, reviewed my literature,
and developed my hypothesis. I then held a meterstick at the 80
cm mark between my thumb and forefinger, long end down. I had
Subject 1 place his/her arm at a 90 degree angle and had him/her
open his/her as if he/she were shaking someone's hand. I then
moved the meterstick accordingly so that the top of Subject 1's
thumb was at the 20 cm mark. Then, unannounced, I dropped the
meterstick. Subject 1 tried to catch the meterstick as quickly as
he/she could. I then recorded where the top of Subject 1's thumb
was on the meterstick. The lower the measurement, the faster the
reflexes. I then repeated this process two more times with
Subject 1, and three more times with the other subjects. I then
wrote my analysis of data, summary and conclusion, and applied my
findings to the real world.
III. ANALYSIS OF DATA:
In the 8-15 age group, Subject 1 had results of 40.5 cm, 41.5 cm,
and 35.5 cm. Subject 2 had results of 35 cm, 38.5 cm, and 37.5
cm. Subject 3 had results of 48.5 cm, 59.5 cm, and 44 cm.
Subject 4 had results of 47 cm, 47 cm, and 40 cm. This gave the
8-15 age group an average of 42.875 cm. In the 26-35 age group,
Subject 5 had results of 48.5 cm, 37.5 cm, and 49.5 cm. Subject 6
had results of 38 cm, 38.5 cm, and 41.5 cm. Subject 7 had results
of 27 cm, 31 cm, and 36 cm. Subject 8 had results of 29 cm, 41.5
cm, and 28 cm. This gave the age group of 26-35 a total average
of 36.16 cm.
IV. SUMMARY AND CONCLUSION:
An average of 42.875 cm was found in the age group of 8-15, and an
average of 36.16 cm was found in the age group of 26-35.
Therefore, I reject my hypothesis, which stated that the fastest
reflexes will be found in the subjects in the 8-15 age group.
TITLE: Parachute Construction and Float Time
STUDENT RESEARCHERS: Scott Gardner
SCHOOL: Mandeville Middle School
Mandeville, Louisiana
GRADE: 6
TEACHER: Ellen Marino, M.Ed.
I. STATEMENT OF PURPOSE AND HYPOTHESIS:
I wanted to know which type of paper allowed a parachute to float
in the air the longest. My hypothesis stated that a parachute
made out of newspaper would float better than a parachute made out
of loose leaf paper, a paper towel, or a Kleenex.
II. METHODOLOGY:
First, I wrote my statement of purpose, reviewed my literature,
and developed my hypothesis. Next, I cut a 20 centimeter piece of
newspaper, Kleenex, paper towel and loose leaf. Then I attached a
7 centimeter piece of string to each of the four corners of the
paper and tied a washer to the ends. I dropped each paper
parachute from a height of 3 meters and recorded how long it took
for each to hit the ground on my data collection form.
III. ANALYSIS OF DATA:
The parachute made out of newspaper was in the air for 6.7 seconds
for trial one, 6.9 sec. in trial two, and 5.9 sec. in trial three,
for an average of 6.5 seconds. The parachute made out of loose
leaf was in the air for 6.8 seconds for trial one, 6.7 sec. in
trial two, and 7.0 sec. in trial three, for an average of 6.83
seconds. The parachute made out of Kleenex floated for 5.9 sec.
in trial one and three and 5.7 sec. in trial three, for an average
of 5.83 seconds. The parachute made out of a paper towel was in
the air for 4.0 seconds in trial one, 4.9 seconds in trial two,
and 5.1 seconds in trial three, for an average of 4.66 seconds.
IV. SUMMARY AND CONCLUSION:
I rejected my hypothesis which stated that the parachute made out
of newspaper would float better than a parachute made out of loose
leaf, a paper towel, or a Kleenex because the parachute made out
of loose leaf floated longer than the parachute made out of
newspaper.
V. APPLICATION:
I could recommend that firework companies use regular loose leaf
paper to make their fireworks that float down on a parachute
because it is cheap and effective.
Title: How Different Animals React to Human Food
Student: Abigail L. Smith
School: South Hill Elementary
Ithaca, New York
Grade: 5
Teacher: Iva Lesky
I. Statement of Purpose and Hypothesis
I was curious to see if animals enjoy human food more than their
own. My hypothesis stated that they would like human food more
unless you fed it to them on a regular basis.
II. Methodology
I observed four guinea pigs of the same breed and two birds of
different breeds (a cockatiel and a parakeet). The guinea pigs
were given: apples, oranges, alfalfa, sunflower seeds, lettuce,
strawberries, and chard. The birds were given apples, oranges,
sunflower seeds, lettuce, strawberries, tomato, spaghetti,
pineapple, and various green vegetables. I recorded what they ate
and what they liked.
III. Analysis of Data
Two of the guinea pigs rejected human food. The others two won't
eat their own food now. The birds were picky at first, but once
they found something that they liked they ate to their little
hearts content. I also found that they hate salty food!
IV. Summary and Conclusion
The guinea pigs (on average) have no preference. Birds love
everything but salt. I did not accept my hypothesis because I fed
human food to the animals on a regular basis and they still loved
it.
Title: A Comparison of Chemical and Organic Fertilizers
Student Researcher: Lisa Sharp
School: Mandeville Middle School
Mandeville, Louisiana
Grade: 6
Teacher: E. Marino, M. Ed.
I. Statement of Purpose & Hypothesis:
I wanted to do a scientific research project to determine if
chemical or organic fertilizers stimulated a plants' growth more.
My hypothesis stated that the organic fertilizer would make a
plant grow taller than the chemical fertilizer.
II. Methodology:
I stated my purpose, reviewed my literature, thought up my
hypothesis, and collected my materials. I tested my plants and
recorded my data. I fertilized plant A with organic fertilizer
and plant B with chemical fertilizer. I wrote my conclusion and
applied my findings to the real world.
III. Analysis of Data:
Every day I recorded my data. First plant A then plant B. On the
first day, both plant A and plant B measured 5cm in height. I
then recorded my data every two days. On the third day, plant A
measured 5 1/2cm and plant B measured 5 1/4cm. On the fifth day,
plant A measured 6cm and plant B measured 5 1/2cm. On day seven,
plant A measured 6 1/2cm and plant B measured 6cm. On the ninth
day, plant A measured 7cm and plant B measured 6cm. On the
eleventh day, plant A measured 8cm and plant B measured 6 1/2cm.
On the thirteenth day, plant A was 8 1/2 cm high and plant B was
7cm high.
IV. Summary and conclusion:
I have found that both chemical and organic fertilizers made the
plants grow taller, but the organic fertilizers made the plants
grow taller much faster. Therefore I accepted my hypothesis which
stated that the organic fertilizer would make the plant grow
faster.
V. Application:
>From the information in this report, I can tell my family and
friends to use organic fertilizer.
TITLE: Acid In Orange Juice
STUDENT RESEARCHER: Lisa Sharp
SCHOOL: Mandeville Middle School
Mandeville, Louisiana
GRADE: 6
TEACHER: Ellen Marino, M. Ed.
I. STATEMENT OF PURPOSE AND HYPOTHESIS:
I did a scientific research project on what brand of orange juice
is the least acidic. I did this because I drink a lot of orange
juice and I want to drink a brand of orange juice with only a
little bit of acid. My hypothesis states that Food Club orange
juice will be the least acidic on the pH scale.
II. METHODOLOGY:
First, I wrote my statement of purpose and hypothesis, reviewed my
literature, and wrote a bibliography. Next, I put the different
types of orange juices, Tropicana, Florida Gold, and Food Club,
into separate cups. I tested the pH of each brand with pH paper
and used water as a control. I then compared the color of the pH
paper to the scale and wrote it down. I then repeated the
experiment two more times. I completed my data collection, wrote
my summary and conclusion, and applied my findings to the real
world.
III. ANALYSIS OF DATA:
In trial one, I found that Tropicana was six point two on the pH
scale, Florida Gold was six point five, and Food Club was six. In
trial two and three, I found the same results for all three
brands.
IV. SUMMARY AND CONCLUSION:
I found that out of Tropicana, Food Club, and Florida Gold orange
juice that Food Club was the least acidic. Therefore I accept my
hypothesis which stated that Food Club would be the least acidic.
V. APPLICATION:
I can share this information with ulcer patients that drink orange
juice so they won't be harmed and with friends so they won't drink
much acid.
Title: A Comparison of the Burning Rate of Hair and Paper
Student Researcher: Audrey E. Steele
School: South Hill Elementary
Ithaca, New York
Grade: 5
Teacher: Iva Lesky
I. Statement of Purpose and Hypothesis
I want to know which would burn faster, hair or paper. My
hypothesis state that the hair will burn faster because it is
thinner. The paper will burn slower because it is thicker.
II. Methodology
I cut some dog hair and put it on a plate. Then I put some paper
on a plate. My next step was to burn them and then watch to see
which burned fastest.
III. Analysis of Data
I watched both plates. The hair did burn faster and the paper
did burn slower.
IV. Summary and Conclusion
I fond out that hair does burn faster because it is thinner. The
hair also gives off a stinky smell.
TITLE: The Effects of Soaking Eggs in Oil
STUDENT RESEARCHER: Travis Bortz
SCHOOL: South Hill Elementary School
Ithaca, New York
GRADE: 5
TEACHER: Iva Lesky
I. STATEMENT OF PURPOSE AND HYPOTHESIS
I wanted to find out the effect of soaking some eggs in vegetable
oil. My hypothesis stated that the longer the egg is in the oil
the more its inside will turn brown.
II. METHODOLOGY
I got three cups and three eggs. I put an egg in each cup and
poured vegetable oil into each cup. I kept the first egg in the
oil for 2 minutes, the second in for 5 minutes, and the third in
for 8 minutes.
III. ANALYSIS OF DATA
The egg that was in the oil for 2 minutes did not turn brown. The
egg that was in the oil for 5 minutes was a little tan. The one
in the oil for 8 minutes was gray.
IV. SUMMARY AND CONCLUSION
I was right about the egg becoming darker the longer it was in the
oil. Therefore, I accepted my hypothesis.
© 1994 John I. Swang, Ph.D.